Plant Choice Research Articles

Tropical almond (Terminalia catappa): A holistic review.

Terminalia catappa L. known as tropical almond, has a global distribution. Further, it is a popular choice for avenue planting in the tropics including India. In India, more than 20 species of the genus Terminalia are reported and grown for its multipurpose uses. However, T. catappa is an untapped as well as underutilized nut-yielding tree, despite having comparable nutritive value to Almonds but with lower yield. The propagation of the tree is typically done with seeds and there is lack of documented tree breeding and improvement initiative with regard to this species. In this review, we summarize the available information on the ecological and economic utility of this tree reported across the world. There are numerous studies on this species detailing its uses as an avenue tree, medicinally important plant, small timber tree, biosorbent and other uses. The tree is also reported as a good choice for agroforestry owing to its unique features including its salinity tolerance and canopy architecture. Overall, this review concludes with details on various prospects of this tree as well as alternative for agroforestry and trees outside forests.

Microbiome of honey bee corbicular pollen: Factors influencing its structure and potential for studying pathogen transmission.

Honey bees are exposed to a diverse variety of microbes in the environment. Many studies have been carried out on the microbiome of bee gut, beebread, and flower pollen. However, little is known regarding the microbiome of fresh corbicular pollen, which can directly reflect microbes acquired from the environment. Moreover, although evidences have suggested that floral resources in general can affect the bee-acquired microbes, whether specific forage plants affect the composition of these microbes is still unclear. Here, we characterized both the microbiome and plant composition of corbicular pollen in collection seasons over two years from six hives using 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 metabarcoding. The results reveal temporal changes in the microbiome and plant composition in corbicular pollen, which was influenced by environmental factors and the choice of forage plants. We identified several co-occurrences between plant and bacterial genera, indicating specific plant-microbe interactions. Many Spiroplasma species with various insect hosts, including a honey bee pathogen Spiroplasma melliferum, were shown to positively correlate with Rubus, suggesting this plant genus as an important node for microbial transmission. Overall, we demonstrated the potential of corbicular pollen for studying the transmission of microbes, especially pathogens. This framework can be applied in future research to explore the complicated pollinator-microbe-plant network in different ecosystems.

The Impact of Applying Different Fertilizers on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Ammonia Volatilization from Northeast Spring Corn

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ammonia (NH3) volatilization by improving fertilization methods to increase crop yield is beneficial for the green and sustainable development of agriculture. This study evaluated the effects of farmer practice fertilization (FP), nutrient expert optimized fertilization (NE—optimized fertilizer usage and time), the application of stable compound fertilizer (SF), and the application of controlled-release coated urea (CRU) on greenhouse gases, NH3 volatilization, and corn yield through field experiments set up in the corn planting area in western Liaoning Province. The results showed that compared with FP treatment, NE could significantly reduce NH3 volatilization by 28% and increase N2O release by 41%. Compared with FP treatment, SF could significantly reduce NH3 volatilization by 48.54%, N2O release by 38.54%, CO2 release by 13.96%, global warming potential (GWP) by 16.60%, and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) by 27.23%, and could significantly increase corn yield by 15.86%. Compared with FP treatment, CRU could significantly reduce NH3 volatilization by 63.46%, CO2 release by 11.98%, GWP by 10.73%, and GHGI by 13.77%, while increasing N2O release by 6.71%. Overall, NE, SF, and CRU treatments all showed better effects than FP treatment in increasing corn yield or reducing NH3 volatilization and GHG emissions. Among them, SF treatment demonstrated superior performance over NE and CRU treatments in terms of NH3 volatilization, corn yield, and GHGI. Therefore, the application of stable compound fertilizer is the optimal choice for corn planting in western Liaoning, with broad application prospects.

Light dependent host plant choice, foraging and oviposition site selection in common Indian grasshopper Spathosternum prasiniferum (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Light dependent host plant choice, foraging and oviposition site selection in common Indian grasshopper Spathosternum prasiniferum (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Non-Native Plants Provide Nectar and Host Plant Resources to Native Butterflies

Urban restoration projects often aim to completely remove non-native plant species from the restored landscape and replace them with native plant species. However, this is unrealistic as early successional plants in urban settings comprise predominantly of non-native plant species. In this study, we investigate whether native butterfly species showed a preference on using native versus non-native plant species in their nectar sourcing and caterpillar host plant choice in two urban gardens at Monash University Malaysia. Native butterflies significantly preferred non-native plant species as nectar food plants, suggesting butterflies are generalists in nectar sourcing. Native butterflies showed no preference towards non-native plants as caterpillar host plants. However, six native butterfly species in our study (Zizula hylax, Hypolycaena erylus, Chliaria othona, Junonia orithya, Yppthima spp., and Eurema hecabe) can use non-native plants as their caterpillar host plants. This demonstrates the usefulness of these non-native plant species in an urban garden in maintaining native butterfly biodiversity. This study indicates a paradigm shift is required among urban ecologists to recognize that not all non-native plants have negative impacts on biodiversity. For more effective urban restoration planning and management, further research emphasising how native insects use non-native plant species is required to maximise biodiversity and ecosystem services restoration.

Evaluation of agricultural non-point source pollution infiltration on clogging and nitrogen leaching effects in BRCs with different plants in dryland areas

As high-standard farmland rapidly expands, agricultural non-point source pollution has emerged as a main environmental issue in China. To tackle nitrogen pollution, green infrastructure (GI), especially bioretention cells (BRCs), has been extensively adopted. However, the long-term effectiveness of these systems may be hindered by clogging and nitrogen leaching. In this study, we designed three BRCs simulation devices to investigate the effects of different plants on the removal of TSS TN and NO3–N from runoff through simulated pollutant infiltration experiments. To address this issue, laboratory research has explored the contributions of woody plants like Buxus and herbaceous plants such as Ophiopogon in BRCs, concentrating on their impact on system clogging and nitrogen leaching. The results indicated that, although the total suspended solids (TSS) removal rates in the Buxus and Ophiopogon treatment groups were slightly lower than in the control group, permeability experienced a notable enhancement, with the Buxus group showing a 24.47% increase in permeability. The removal rates of TN and NO3–N in the Buxus group were significantly reduced, decreasing by 31.82% and 41.25%, respectively, in comparison to the control group. After five months, Ophiopogon demonstrated considerably better root growth, with its root length, volume, and surface area all significantly exceeding those of the Buxus group. The choice of plants significantly influenced nitrogen cycling and system clogging, with the reduced removal rates in the Buxus group potentially linked to its weaker root system, lower abundance of actinomycetes, and reduced soil enzyme activity.

Green horizons: Exploring the potential of vertical green walls

The term “Green walls” also known as vertical gardens or living walls has emerged as a promising solution to combat the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization. This review explores the concept ornamental, plant choice suitable and benefits associated with green walls in urban settings. Utilising vegetation to cover vertical surfaces, green walls offer several benefits to the environment, society and economy. They contribute to improved air quality, noise reduction, energy conservation and biodiversity enhancement. Vertical greenery allows for the utilization of unused wall surfaces, creating green areas without occupying valuable ground space, which is often scarce in urban environments. Additionally, green walls offer aesthetic appeal, promote urban agriculture and create opportunities for community engagement. However, their implementation requires careful consideration of factors such as structural integrity, irrigation and maintenance. Despite these challenges, green walls offer a sustainable and innovative approach to enhancing the quality of urban life while mitigating the negative impacts of urban development on the environment. The current emphasis highlights the significance of green walls as an effective tool in sustainable urban planning, underscoring the need for further research and their integration into urban planning practices.

Agriculture students’ weed collections: Choices of plants and errors in identification

AbstractRequiring students to create weed collections is a common technique for teaching weed identification. Data compiled over 18 years from students’ weed collections in a college‐level course included over 350 species of plants. Almost half of the specimens belonged to the Asteraceae or Poaceae. The 30 most frequently collected species accounted for almost two‐thirds of the specimens but Chenopodium album L., the most frequently collected species, accounted for only 4.8% of the total. Overall, 73.1% of specimens were correctly identified to species. Five species (Abutilon theophrasti Medik., Vicia cracca L., Portulaca oleracea L., Plantago major L., and Asclepias syriaca L.) were correctly identified at least 97% of the time. Misidentification was highest with Scorzoneroides autumnalis (L.) Moench [synonym (syn.) Leontodon autumnalis L.], Malva neglecta Wallroth, Erysiumum cheiranthoides L., Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv., and Erigeron canadensis L. (syn. Conyza canadensis) and within the genera Sonchus L., Setaria P. Beauv., and Digitaria Haller. Misidentification was the lowest in the Equisetaceae, Apocynaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae and highest in the Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, and Asteraceae. Variability in individual species’ morphology may have contributed to misidentification.

Horizontal and vertical foreign direct investment linkages, absorptive capacity and domestic investment: evidence from Indonesian plant-level data

PurposeThis study examines the effect of horizontal and vertical foreign direct investment (FDI) linkages on the investment decisions of domestic plants. It explores this link for plants in a developing country, where the dynamics of FDI spillovers on domestic investment choices are distinct from those in developed countries. It also adds to the literature by examining the role the absorptive capacity of plants plays in this nexus, enriching our understanding of the interaction between FDI and the investment choices of domestic plants and providing insights for policymakers and managers seeking to maximize the positive effects of FDI spillovers.Design/methodology/approachThis study specifies the dynamic investment equation using the Euler and Q models. This equation is estimated using the first-difference and system generalized method of moments GMM estimators, which allow us to address persistency, endogeneity and unobserved plant-specific effects. FDI exposure proxy, calculated by weighing the FDI engagement variable by firm size, captures the strength of foreign equity participation in an industry and time. Input–output (IO) tables are used to calculate the proxies for horizontal and vertical (backward and forward) FDI. Total factor productivity is calculated using a method advocated by Olley and Pakes (1996) that allows us to control for selection and simultaneity.FindingsWe find that FDI inflows into both the domestic plants’ own industry and the input-supplying industry significantly boost the capital accumulation of the average domestic plants. Differentiating plants based on their absorptive capacities reveals that the presence of foreign firms significantly increases capital deepening for domestic plants with high absorptive capacity within their own industry (horizontal linkage) and in industries that supply inputs to the FDI-exposed industry (backward linkage). However, it leads to a decrease in capital deepening for high absorptive capacity domestic plants in industries using inputs produced by the industry exposed to FDI (forward linkage).Research limitations/implicationsThese findings have implications for policymakers and managers who aim to design incentives to maximize the positive spillover effect of horizontal and vertical FDI linkages on the capital deepening of domestic plants. Exploring additional mechanisms that could play a role in this nexus, separately for plants in different industries (such as the industries in which the country has a comparative advantage), may be fruitful.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, the relationship between the investment behavior of the domestic plants and FDI linkages has not been examined for a developing country. It is useful to explore this link in developing countries, as the investment choices of plants in these nations may be impacted differently by FDI spillovers than those in advanced nations. This study further contributes to the literature by investigating whether the plants’ absorptive capacity affects the nexus between FDI linkages and investment decisions of the domestic plants. The findings are valuable for policymakers and managers who aim to increase plants’ capital accumulation in developing countries.

Ervas medicinais: Promovendo sustentabilidade e renda na agricultura familiar

The research aimed to analyze the costs and feasibility of the cultivation of medicinal herbs Melissa (Melissa officinalis) from Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) in a rural property in the municipality of Prudentópolis, Paraná. It is based on the premise that crop diversification is essential for the economic self-sufficiency of small properties characterized as family farming. In addition to the economic aspects, the choice of plants for analysis is intrinsically linked to the symbolic and cultural value that medicinal herbs carry, being widely recognized for their therapeutic and healing properties. The cultivation of medicinal plants, therefore, not only contributes to physical health, but also acts as a practice that values the connection with nature and ancestral knowledge, promoting a balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of farmers and the local community. Methodologically, the research is applied, descriptive, documentary, bibliographic and based on case studies. The locus of the research was defined by convenience and accessibility. After data collection and analysis, it was found that both crops are profitable, with a financial return of approximately 30.5% per year. In addition to their economic viability, these plants offer a holistic approach to well-being, contributing to the mental and emotional balance of farmers, who, through cultivation, also rescue traditional practices and strengthen the bond with the land and local culture. The cultivation of medicinal herbs, such as Melissa and Passion Fruit, thus stands out not only as an excellent option for generating income and work, but also as a path to sustainability and the rescue of harmony between human beings and nature, presenting plant alternatives with simple management, good acceptance in the market, ease of sale and attractive prices

Effect of variation in plant-emitted volatiles on the infestation behavior of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in strawberry crops.

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, and the Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), are pests commonly found in strawberry crops and pose significant challenges to production. However, the specific dynamics of their interactions with both healthy and infested plants remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the attraction of TSSM and WFT to volatile compounds emitted by healthy plants versus those of plants damaged by either or both species. Plant choice bioassays were conducted under varying conditions, including both healthy and those previously damaged by both TSSM and WFT. Additionally, behavioral tests were carried out using a Y-tube olfactometer, with extracts obtained via dynamic aeration from the plants in different states. The results revealed distinct preferences: TSSM exhibited a strong attraction to both healthy plants and those previously infested by their own specifics, whereas WFT showed a higher preference for healthy plants and those damaged by TSSM. Consistent behaviors were observed in the bioassays conducted with plant extracts. This research sheds light on the intricate interactions between strawberry plants and these pests and offers insights into the probable sequence of attack when both pests are present concurrently. The findings are valuable when implementing management strategies for these two pests in strawberry cultivation, considering the order in which they appear in the crop to help mitigate the damage caused by infestation in a more precise manner and order.

Fall armyworm females choose host plants that are detrimental to their offspring's performance but young larvae amend their mother's choices

AbstractFall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has a long association with maize (Zea mays mays L., Poaceae) and is among the crop's most significant pests worldwide. We contrasted the preference for and performance of FAW on three maize cultivars: the Mexican landrace Tuxpeño, the USA inbred B73 and B73‐lox10; B73‐lox10 is deficient in production of jasmonic acid (JA), green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Female oviposition and neonate colonization preferences were assessed in triple‐choice tests in greenhouse settings. Performance was assessed on the bases of larval, pupal and adult weights, larval and pupal development times, and adult longevity. We expected females to preferentially oviposit on plants on which their offspring performed best, and neonates to randomly colonize plants because they disperse aerially, presumably oriented solely by wind currents. Females preferred to oviposit on Tuxpeño plants, followed by B73‐lox10 and B73 plants, whereas their offspring performed best on B73‐lox10 and poorest on Tuxpeño. In contrast, neonates preferentially colonized plants on which they performed best, B73‐lox10, though initially and transiently they colonized plants on which they performed poorly, B73 and Tuxpeño. Altogether, our results showed that FAW females preferred to oviposit on maize plants on which their offspring's performance was poorest (Tuxpeño), and neonates preferentially colonized plants on which their own performance was best (B73‐lox10), though they initially colonized plants that were detrimental to their performance (Tuxpeño, B73). These results suggested that the ovipositional choices of FAW mothers are uncoupled from their offspring's performance, but newborn offspring rectified their mother's sub‐optimal host plant choice by colonizing plants that enhanced their own performance. Notably, these results also suggested that aerially dispersing (ballooning) FAW larvae do not colonize plants randomly, and that plant volatiles (GLVs, HIPVs) and JA may be relevant to host plant selection by ballooning larvae.

Research on Agricultural Product Price Prediction Based on Improved PSO-GA

The accurate prediction of scallion prices can not only optimize supply chain management and help related practitioners and consumers to make more reasonable purchasing decisions, but also provide guidance for farmers’ planting choices, thus enhancing market efficiency and promoting the sustainable development of the whole industry. This study adopts the idea of decomposition–denoising–aggregation, using three decomposition and denoising techniques combined with three single prediction models to form a base model. Various base models are divided into different combinations based on whether the computational structure is the same or not, and the optimal weights of the combinations are determined by using the improved particle swarm optimization–genetic algorithm (PSO-GA) optimization algorithm in different combinations. The experimental results show that the scallion price in Shandong Province from 2014 to 2023 shows an overall upward trend, and there is a cyclical and seasonal fluctuation pattern of “high in winter and low in summer”; the semi-heterogeneous-PSO-GA model reduces the MAPE by 49.03% and improves the directional accuracy by 41.52%, compared to the optimal single prediction model, ARIMA. In summary, the combined model has the most accurate prediction and strong robustness, which can provide ideas and references for the difficult problem of determining the optimal weights of the combined model in the field of predicting the prices of agricultural products.

Forecasting fish prices with an artificial neural network model during the tuna fraud

Agricultural price forecasting plays an important role in stabilising markets and ensuring food security. It provides insights for various stakeholders to optimise planting choices, allocate resources efficiently and mitigate potential risks. However, price forecasting during food safety incidents poses unique challenges. This study focused on a case of tuna fraud in Spain in 2017, which caused 105 people to fall ill and influenced consumer behaviour in fish purchases. To forecast fish prices during an incident of fraud, we used an artificial neural network model (ANN) based on the price of tuna and its substitutes, salmon and hake, as well as a communication index based on the number of posts regarding the tuna fraud from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). ANN was compared with a threshold vector autoregressive model (TVAR), a classical time series econometric model that offers valuable insights into price dynamics. The results showed that, in the short term, TVAR offers a better price forecast for tuna and salmon, considering the impacts of the X platform. In the medium term, ANN outperformed TVAR. This study contributes to the ANN literature regarding agrifood price forecasting during food safety incidents.

Greening the Gray: Determining Plant Preferences for Indoor Fitness Gyms in the Philippines

Abstract Biophilia is known as the innate connection people have with nature and how green spaces can positively affect basic cognition, mood and health. Mostly applied in urban areas where outdoor green spaces are scarce, designed facilities that incorporate this concept have been observed to be more beneficial to users. Interestingly, one indoor space visited by urban dwellers that have yet to be studied in terms of biophilic design application is fitness gyms. To determine gym members’ preference of planting materials if these were placed in gyms, surveys were distributed online over two weeks. 239 participants composed of actual and potential gym members selected appropriate plants as detailed in the surveys. Site planting considerations or constraints were also identified if these were used indoors. Additionally, their familiarity with biophilia and its advantages were investigated. After the responses were analysed, participants selected Dracaena fragrans, Spathiphyllum wallisii and Epipremnum aureum as top choices of plants for a gym with major considerations on plants’ aesthetic qualities, ecological and psychological benefits, and maintenance. Moreover, more than 50 percent respondents were at least slightly familiar with biophilia. They believed that having plants can improve indoor air quality, make the interiors more aesthetically pleasing and can enhance mood. As per results, it can be said that the respondents supported the idea of designing indoor fitness gyms as biophilic environments although its level of familiarity needs to be increased. This is where professionals come in, by designing facilities such as fitness gyms with plants to optimize biophilia’s benefits.

Evolutionary patterns and functional effects of 3D chromatin structures in butterflies with extensive genome rearrangements

Chromosome rearrangements may distort 3D chromatin architectures and thus change gene regulation, yet how 3D chromatin structures evolve in insects is largely unknown. Here, we obtain chromosome-level genomes for four butterfly species, Graphium cloanthus, Graphium sarpedon, Graphium eurypylus with 2n = 30, 40, and 60, respectively, and Papilio bianor with 2n = 60. Together with large-scale Hi-C data, we find that inter-chromosome rearrangements very rarely disrupted the pre-existing 3D chromatin structure of ancestral chromosomes. However, some intra-chromosome rearrangements changed 3D chromatin structures compared to the ancestral configuration. We find that new TADs and subTADs have emerged across the rearrangement sites where their adjacent compartments exhibit uniform types. Two intra-chromosome rearrangements altered Rel and lft regulation, potentially contributing to wing patterning differentiation and host plant choice. Notably, butterflies exhibited chromatin loops between Hox gene cluster ANT-C and BX-C, unlike Drosophila. Our CRISPR-Cas9 experiments in butterflies confirm that knocking out the CTCF binding site of the loops in BX-C affected the phenotypes regulated by Antp in ANT-C, resulting in legless larva. Our results reveal evolutionary patterns of insect 3D chromatin structures and provide evidence that 3D chromatin structure changes can play important roles in the evolution of traits.

The Added Value of Urban Trees (Tilia tomentosa Moench, Fraxinus excelsior L. and Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) in Terms of Air Pollutant Removal

The serious densification of human settlements necessitates an increase in the role and importance of green infrastructures in the overall functioning of urban ecosystems. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to (1) assess the efficiency of air pollutant removal (potentially toxic elements) of three common ornamental trees (Tilia tomentosa Moench, Fraxinus excelsior L. and Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) and (2) model the air quality regulatory services (removal of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2). Three different approaches were applied—enrichment factor (EF) and metal accumulation factor (MAI) per tree species, as well as simulation modeling for the whole urban forest. The MAI values of the three studied species were found to be very similar, in the range of 22.35 to 23.08, which suggests that these species could be a good choice for planting in urban areas with worsened air quality. The highest EF values were observed for U (3–18), followed by As (1.6–2.56) and Sr (0.87–2.46). The potential of urban forests in countering air pollution was highlighted by three simulated scenarios for PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 removal. The highest removal efficiency was calculated for evergreen species, followed by the mixed composition of deciduous (90%) and evergreen trees (10%), and the scenario with wholly deciduous trees had the lowest one. The contribution of nature-based solutions in meeting air quality standards and enhancing resilience in urban areas was clearly demonstrated. The functional complementarity of the different functional tree groups (coniferous, evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved species) was proven to be crucial for the support of both functional stabilities of the phytocenosis under diverse climatic conditions and during the change of seasonal cycles in the vegetation.

A story of becoming a horticultural threat, cypress jewel beetle Lamprodila festiva (Coleoptera, Buprestidae): analytical approach of its European escalation based on bibliographical sources

The cypress jewel beetle, Lamprodila festiva, as one of the most destructive local invasive pests in Europe is currently an extreme threat to the coniferous Cupressaceae trees. The beetle spread at an unprecedented pace and intensity and poses a threat to many countries. Our study aimed to map the Palearctic distribution of L. festiva and measure the dispersal's pace and directions. Besides, one of our goals was visualising the adult’s seasonal activity and their host plant choice preference. A meta-analytical assessment was carried out to answer these questions based on the related bibliographical sources available in scientific databases. Our results confirmed that L. festiva has spread with extraordinary speed and success across the western Palaearctic areas, where the consequences of global warming have provided optimal conditions. The first population successful reproduction was started at five well-differentiated natural reserve areas across Europe in a latent manner. The flight season of L. festiva typically occurs from May to July, with the peaks varying depending on the area of distribution. Our studies have shown that L. festiva is a typical oligophagous pest, favouring certain species within its range of host plants. Thus, the genera Thuja, Platycladus and Juniperus species are most affected by its damage. Starting from its exceptional distribution characteristics, realising biological explanatory and applied protection research related to this species can become an urgent expectation in the future.

Drought response and urban-pollinator attractiveness of ornamental plant species

Faced with pollinator declines, cities could serve as refuges for biodiversity conservation by managing floral resources in public green spaces. Ornamental plants could play an important role in attracting pollinators because they form part of urban floral management. However, knowledge of how their floral traits respond to drought is lacking, and it is unknown whether they will be suitable for pollinators under future climates. The main objective of this study was to determine the covariation of floral traits of ornamental plant species and effects of drought on them. To this end, in a city greenhouse we measured floral traits of eight ornamental species commonly used in urban green spaces in France. We subjected the plants to a control treatment or a drought treatment, reducing the volume and frequency of watering. We observed interspecific variability in floral traits among these species and a change in covariation between the traits pollen quantity and nectar quantity in the drought treatment. Drought influenced morphological traits related to floral display more than other floral traits, with mean decreases of 28 % in floral height, 35 % in floral area and 58 % in the number of floral units. Ornamental plants seemed attractive to different morphotypes of pollinators depending on their floral unit number, nectar sugar concentration or nectar tube depth, with most visits made by Hymenoptera. These results are expected to encourage green-space managers to select urban plants according to their functional characteristics and adapt their choice of plants to climate change.

Argon non-thermal plasma treatment promotes the development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in saline alkali environments.

Soil salinization leads to a reduction in arable land area, which seriously endangers food security. Developing saline-alkali land has become a key measure to address the contradiction between population growth and limited arable land. Rice is the most important global food crop, feeding half of the world's population and making it a suitable choice for planting on saline-alkali lands. The traditional salt-alkali improvement method has several drawbacks. Currently, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture. However, there are few reports on the cultivation of salt/alkali-tolerant rice. Under alkaline stress, argon NTP treatment significantly increased the germination rate of Longdao 5 (LD5) rice seeds. In addition, at 15kV and 120s, NTP treatment significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and SOD. NTP treatment induced changes in genes related to salt-alkali stress in rice seedlings, such as chitinase and xylanase inhibitor proteins, which increased the tolerance of the seeds to salt-alkali stress. This experiment has expanded the application scope of NTP in agriculture, providing a more cost-effective, less harmful, and faster method for developing salt-alkali-tolerant rice and laying a theoretical foundation for cultivating NTP-enhanced salt-alkali-tolerant rice.