Plant Resources Research Articles

Endogenous viral elements are targeted by RNA silencing pathways in banana.

Endogenous banana streak virus (eBSV) integrants derived from three distinct species, present in Musa balbisiana (B) but not Musa acuminata (A) banana genomes are able to reconstitute functional episomal viruses causing banana streak disease in interspecific triploid AAB banana hybrids but not in the diploid (BB) parent line, which harbours identical eBSV loci. Here, we investigated the regulation of these eBSV. In-depth characterization of siRNAs, transcripts and methylation derived from eBSV using Illumina and bisulfite sequencing were carried out on eBSV-free Musa acuminata AAA plants and BB or AAB banana plants with eBSV. eBSV loci produce low-abundance transcripts covering most of the viral sequence and generate predominantly 24-nt siRNAs. siRNA accumulation is restricted to duplicated and inverted viral sequences present in eBSV. Both siRNA-accumulating and nonaccumulating sequences of eBSV in BB plants are heavily methylated in all three CG, CHG and CHH contexts. Our data suggest that eBSVs are controlled at the epigenetic level in BB diploids. This regulation not only prevents their awakening and systemic infection of the plant but is also probably involved in the inherent resistance of the BB plants to mealybug-transmitted viral infection. These findings are thus of relevance to other plant resources hosting integrated viruses.

Cryopreservation of Medicinal Plant Seeds: Strategies for Genetic Diversity Conservation and Sustainability.

The depletion of medicinal plant resources leads to the irreversible loss of their genetic diversity. The preservation of medicinal plant germplasm using cryobanks is crucial for maintaining the sustainability of these resources. This study examined the efficacy of cryopreservation on 164 medicinal plant seeds, identified general principles for preserving medicinal plant seeds at ultra-low temperatures, and established a cryobank for dry-sensitive medicinal plant seeds. Over 90% of orthodox seeds were unaffected by freezing, with optimal conditions being a 5-10% moisture content and direct freezing. Intermediate seeds were best frozen with a 7-15% moisture content, and those with a lower initial moisture content were best suited to direct freezing. While recalcitrant seeds' freezing was most influenced by moisture content, there was no specific range. Direct freezing is appropriate for recalcitrant seeds possessing a hard seed coat and a firm seed kernel, whereas seeds with a brittle or soft seed coat are better suited for vitrification or stepwise freezing methods. There was no significant correlation between alterations in physiological and biochemical indicators and microscopic structures of seeds before and following liquid nitrogen freezing, as well as their storage characteristics. The findings of this research offer evidence in favor of the extended conservation of plant seeds and the extensive utilization of ultra-low temperature technology and provides an example of protecting the genetic diversity of plant resources.

Sustainable development of the water-energy-Co2 nexus in the refining sector: A stochastic multi-objective optimization under emissions trading systems

Refineries consume substantial energy and water while emitting significant CO2. Solvent-based Carbon Capture (CC) offers a viable CO2 mitigation solution but increases water and energy consumption and requires considerable investments. This research aims to overcome these barriers and improve the Iranian refining sector towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, and 13 by mitigating CO2 emissions, producing low-carbon hydrogen, and utilizing unconventional water resources for CC plants. A comprehensive nexus approach was incorporated to account for the intricate interconnections between SDGs and refineries' water, energy, and CO2 networks. We evaluate the implementation of CO2 market regulations corresponding to seven international Emissions Trading Systems (ETSs) of the EU, UK, New Zealand (NZ), Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), South Korea, California, and China in the Iranian refining sector to incentivize CC integration. The problem was formulated using Stochastic Multi-Objective Mixed-Integer Linear Programming optimization, with K-means Clustering applied to account for ETS CO2 price fluctuations and uncertainties. Results showed intense competition between economic and environmental objectives without ETS regulations, but appropriate ETS implementation could transform this conflict into a cooperative compromise. Under EU and UK scenarios, 60.3% and 67% of CO2 emissions could be avoided with fully covered capture costs, potentially leading to net economic profit through surplus allowance sales. Implementation of the other five ETSs could reduce capture costs by 18–67%, with a 16.4% CO2 avoidance.

Effect of Integrated Extraction Techniques on the Technofunctional and Bioactive Properties of Brosimum alicastrum Swartz Proteins.

This study addresses the need for effective protein extraction and characterization to unlock the potential of underutilized plant resources like Brosimum alicastrum Swartz nuts, aiming to enhance their value as functional ingredients in food applications. Extraction methods, including pH modulation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and enzymatic hydrolysis, are employed to enhance technofunctional and bioactive properties. The protein extracts are evaluated for solubility, emulsifying capacity, foaming properties, and water/oil-holding capacities to assess their technofunctional potential. Additionally, the bioactive properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, are analyzed to explore potential health benefits. The results demonstrate that integrated extraction techniques significantly improve the yield and quality of Brosimum alicastrum Swartz nut proteins. Enzymatic hydrolysis, in particular, produces hydrolysates with superior bioactive properties. These findings highlight the potential of Brosimum alicastrum Swartz proteins as valuable ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical industries, promoting the utilization of underexploited plant resources for sustainable and health-promoting applications.

Enhancement of Forskolin Production Using Aeroponic Cultivation of Coleus forskohlii and the Impact on the Plant Phytochemistry.

Accessing plant resources to extract compounds of interest can sometimes be challenging. To facilitate access and limit the environmental impact, innovative cultivation strategies can be developed. Forskolin is a molecule of high interest, mainly found in the roots of Coleus forskohlii. The aim of this study was to develop aeroponic cultivation methods to provide a local source of Coleus forskohlii and to study the impact of abiotic stress on forskolin and bioactive metabolite production. Three cultivation itineraries (LED lighting, biostimulant, and hydric stress) along with a control itinerary were established. The forskolin content in the plant roots was quantified using HPLC-ELSD, and the results showed that LED treatment proved to be the most promising, increasing root biomass and the total forskolin content recovered at the end of the cultivation period threefold (710.1 ± 21.3 mg vs. 229.9 ± 17.7 mg). Statistical analysis comparing the LED itinerary to the control itinerary identified stress-affected metabolites, showing that LEDs positively influence mainly the concentration of phenolic compounds in the roots and diterpenes in the aerial parts of Coleus forskohlii. Moreover, to better define the phytochemical composition of Coleus forskohlii cultivated in France using aeroponic cultivation, an untargeted metabolomic analysis was conducted using UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis and molecular networks on both the root and aerial parts. This study demonstrates that aeroponic cultivation, especially with the application of an LED treatment, could be a very promising alternative for a local source of Coleus forskohlii leading to easy access to the roots and aerial parts rich in forskolin and other bioactive compounds.

Ethnoecological knowledge and conservation status of plant resources in the Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests of Kashmir, India

Ethnoecological knowledge and conservation status of plant resources in the Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests of Kashmir, India

Ecosystem compartment stoichiometry drives the secondary succession processes of zokor‐disturbed grassland

AbstractIn terrestrial ecosystems, resource availability and soil microbial biomass are substantially changed with ecological recovery. However, the shifts in resource stoichiometry and microbial biomass stoichiometry often do not align, leading to stoichiometric imbalance that constrains microbial growth and, consequently, affects plant community succession. The mechanisms by which soil microbes acclimate to these imbalances and how such adjustments influence plant community dynamics remain largely unexplored in alpine grasslands. To address these processes, we examined ecological stoichiometry during the secondary succession of zokor‐disturbed grassland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China, utilizing a space‐for‐time substitution approach. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents across plant–soil–microbe and soil ecoenzymatic activities involved in soil microbial nutrient acquisition were measured. The results indicated that C:P and N:P imbalances between microbes and their plant resources intensified with the recovery of zokor‐disturbed grassland. This led to phosphorus limitation in microbial growth, as indicated by the mean vector angles exceeding 45° and decreased threshold element ratio of C:P. In response, soil microbes increased their production of P‐acquiring enzymes to mitigate P limitation. Through structural equation modelling (SEM), we found that the C:N:P ratios within the plant–soil–microbe systems explained 74.5% of the total variance in plant aboveground biomass. We concluded that maintaining balanced C:N:P stoichiometric ratios in plant–soil–microbe systems, facilitated by soil ecoenzymatic activities, enhances plant diversity and net primary productivity during the recovery of zokor‐disturbed grassland.

Evaluating the Impact of Haryana’s Edible Oil Plant Resources on Human Health

Oil is odorless compound of herbs and spices and has been used for centuries to flavor and preserve foods, medicines and perfumes. There are many aromatic plant species in the Lamiaceae and Apiaceae plant families. Edible oils are produced in Haryana and is used for its beneficial effects on human health. The most common crops include peanuts, mustard, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, soyabeans, wheat (rice bran), sunfflower, cotton, flaxseeds, etc. Takes place. Essential oils have many health benefits. The oil contains antioxidants. Vitamin E, plant sterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which can lower cholestrol and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Fatty oils are divided into three types: drying and semi-drying oil, non-drying oil, and vegetable oil. The refined grades of drying and semi-drying oils are used to make edible oils, while the poorer grades are used to make soaps, varnishes, paints, candles, and other similar products. Oils contain a variety of bioactive chemicals (e.g., terpenoids), which have most biological effects and qualities in addition to their scent and flavor. Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, insecticide, anthelminthic, acaricidal, larvicidal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and local anaesthetic are just few of them.Oil compounds, such as geraniol, have recently demonstrated potential anticancer actions in cancer cells, triggering growth inhibition and death.

Preparation and Analysis of Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Kombucha Tea Produced from Beijing Bamboo Leaf Tea (Dendrocalamus sp.) and Green Tea

Beijing bamboo (Dendrocalamus sp.), belonging to the Poaceae family, has been largely neglected and underutilized, particularly its leaves. This study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Beijing bamboo leaf and Beijing bamboo leaf kombucha. Hot air drying was conducted at temperatures of 60, 65, and 70ºC, with results indicating that 65ºC is the optimal drying temperature for achieving the highest levels of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Beijing bamboo leaf tea underwent a 21-day fermentation process with a kombucha consortium comprising yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. The results showed that the changing trends of pH, total acidity, and total soluble solids were similar between kombucha produced from Beijing bamboo leaf tea and green tea. Fermentation notably enhanced the antioxidant activity of the kombucha, as evidenced by DPPH and FRAP assays, which correlated with increases in phenolics and flavonoids. The antimicrobial efficacy was assessed through the agar diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), revealing that both Beijing bamboo leaf tea and green tea suppressed the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella Typhimurium DMST 562, E. coli DMST 4242, Bacillus cereus DMST 5040, Staphylococcus aureus DMST 8840, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa DMST 4739. Notably, kombucha from green tea exhibited superior antimicrobial effects compared to Beijing bamboo leaf tea kombucha. Additionally, fermentation of Beijing bamboo leaf tea resulted in higher counts of yeast, acetic acid bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria throughout the fermentation process than those observed in green tea kombucha. These findings highlight the potential of Beijing bamboo leaves as a valuable resource for developing functional properties in underutilized plant resources, offering promising applications in the food and health industries.

Cross-cultural study on the uses of traditional herbal medicine to treat various women's health issues in Northeast India

BackgroundThis cross-cultural study conducted in the diverse regions of Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur sheds light on the common utilization of five specific medicinal plants among indigenous communities residing in these areas. ObjectivesThe main focus of this study is to document and compare the traditional medicinal plant used and the knowledge and practices related to women's health issues in different cultures; to identify commonalities and differences in the use of medicinal plants across cultures and various medicinal plants used traditionally by the indigenous communities to treat women's health problems according to their indigenous name, scientific name. Materials and methodsThe study used a survey method and a pre-structured interview schedule through one-on-one interactive communication and field observation. The authors collected data from three different states, i.e., Assam (Karbi Anglong district & Udalguri district), Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills district), and Manipur (Senapati district) by personally meeting and interacting with traditional herbal medicinal practitioners. For this study, 10 practitioners from each area of study were interviewed. During the data collection process, the vernacular name of the medicinal plant, methods of preparation, mode of application, and probable dosage were compiled and documented involving practitioners belonging to four different communities, i.e, Bodo, Karbi, Khasi, and Poumai Naga of the selected states. ResultsA total of 39 plant species were meticulously collected and documented across the Karbi Anglong district and Udalguri district in Assam, East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, and Senapati district in Manipur. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), papaya (Carica papaya), and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) have emerged as common medicinal resources within these communities. Poaceae, represented by 5 species, emerged as the dominant family among the collected plants, highlighting the diversity and significance of these botanical remedies. Zingiber officinale Roscoe " has the highest usage report of 18 with an RFC (Relative frequency citation) of 0.45. ConclusionThe study's findings reveal a rich repository of traditional herbal knowledge in the northeast regions of India. Notably, the indigenous communities of these regions use plant resources to cure a wide range of ailments. This study emphasizes the necessity of documenting, preserving, and transmitting traditional herbal medicinal knowledge for both cultural and practical reasons. It also provides vital insights into the importance of cross-cultural study in promoting different cultures, the richness of traditional medicinal knowledge by engaging with diverse cultures and demonstrates the possibilities for incorporating traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems, particularly in treating women's health issues across these culturally diverse regions.

The Diversity of Archaeological Animal and Plant Remains Discovered at 18th–19th-Century Sites in Iași City (NE Romania)

Animal and plant remains recovered from two archaeological sites in Iași city (NE Romania) were analyzed in this work. The aim of this study was to contribute to the economic and environmental evaluation of an old urban settlement. The analyzed sites, both of value in archaeological preventive research, are dated to the 18th–19th centuries. The archaeozoological analysis consisted of anatomical, taxonomic, and taphonomic identifications, quantification, estimations of age at slaughter and sex, and osteometry. The results revealed that the animal remains are of domestic origin, as indicated by traces of butchering, and can be mainly described in terms of their frequencies (i.e., number of identified specimens and minimum number of individuals), selection for slaughter, morphology, and size. The results show that animal husbandry (e.g., cattle, sheep/goat, pig, and horse) had significant importance in the economy of the settlement, and cattle were preferred for consumption. Few remains were identified for wild mammals (i.e., red deer, wild boar, and hare), birds, and mollusks. The phytolith analysis indicated that some plant resources were used in the economy of this settlement. The identification of opal silica bodies revealed the presence of grasses and cultivated cereals.

Chitinase-assisted winner: nematodes antagonize symbiotic microbes

Nematodes do not merely siphon off plant resources but also sabotage the plant’s mutualistic relationships with beneficial microbes. Yang and colleagues elegantly elucidated this generalizable molecular antagonism, revealing how Heterodera glycines, the notorious soybean cyst nematode (SCN), suppresses beneficial microbial symbiosis through a specific chitinase, HgCht2.

Endophytic fungi from Cissus quadrangularis plant a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Cissus quadrangularis is a succulent, perennial plant belonging to the family Vitaceae typically found in Asia and Africa's tropical and subtropical forest zones. It is an ancient medicinal plant, containing phytosterols, polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and ascorbic acid. Due to the presence of phytosterols it plays a crucial role in bone fracture healing. However, due to the limited resources of these medicinal plants there is a need to search for a reservoir of biologically active metabolites. This medicinal property of the plants therefore may be attributed to the endophytic fungi within the plant. This study includes isolation of endophytic fungi from C. quadrangularis and the characterization of fungal extracts. Three endophytes were isolated namely Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum siamense and Phoma sp. The qualitative analysis of targeted metabolites from Cissus quadrangularis stem and fungal extracts of all the three endophytes showed the presence of phytosterols. Methanol extracts of endophytes and C. quadrangularis plant exhibit significant antioxidant and the radical scavenging activity because of the presence of β-carotene. The Ic50 value for stem and isolated endophytes was 5.748, 19.937, 7.00, and 6.493 respectively. This study will give further scope for studying the bone healing ability of phytosterol from the endophytic isolates of C. quadrangularis plant.

Plant functional types and tissue stoichiometry explain nutrient transfer in common arbuscular mycorrhizal networks of temperate grasslands

Abstract Plants and mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships that affect how resources flow between organisms and within ecosystems. Common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) could facilitate preferential transfer of carbon and limiting nutrients, but this remains difficult to predict. Do CMNs favour fungal resource acquisition at the expense of plant resource demands (a fungi‐centric view), or are they passive channels through which plants regulate resource fluxes (a plant‐centric view)? We used stable isotope tracers (13CO2 and 15NH3), plant traits, and mycorrhizal DNA to quantify above‐ and below‐ground carbon and nitrogen transfer between 18 plant species along a 520‐km latitudinal gradient in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Plant functional type and tissue stoichiometry were the most important predictors of interspecific resource transfer. Of ‘donor’ plants, 98% were 13C‐enriched, but we detected transfer in only 2% of ‘receiver’ plants. However, all donors were 15N‐enriched and we detected transfer in 81% of receivers. Nitrogen was preferentially transferred to annuals (0.26 ± 0.50 mg N per g leaf mass) compared with perennials (0.13 ± 0.30 mg N per g leaf mass). This corresponded with tissue stoichiometry differences. Synthesis Our findings suggest that plants and fungi that are located closer together in space and with stronger demand for resources over time are more likely to receive larger amounts of those limiting resources. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Trade-Offs in Plant Functional Traits Driven by Soil Changes under Urban Hardened Surfaces

The large-scale surface hardening has changed the urban environment and affected the normal growth of urban plants. However, it is still unclear how the urban hardened surface affects the functional urban plant traits. To explore whether the urban hardened surface affects the ecological strategies of plants by changing the urban soil properties and reflecting them on the plant traits, we studied the physical and chemical properties and plant functional traits of three different types of hardened surface in Shandong Province, China. Our results showed that the physical and chemical properties (soil bulk density, soil total porosity, capillary porosity, non-capillary porosity, soil moisture content, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, and available potassium) of urban soils showed obvious differences with the increase of hardening strength. In this case, the plant functional traits (branch diameter, branch length, leaf thickness, branch weight, internode length, leaf dry weight, leafing intensity, leaf area, specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content) were also differentiated to varying degrees. Meanwhile, there was a strong correlation among plant functional traits. Nevertheless, hardened surfaces break the quantitative relationship among functional traits of urban trees. They do not affect their stable correlation: as the hardening intensity gradually increases, its correlation weakens. In addition, plant functional traits have a significant response mechanism to soil physicochemical properties. There was a transformation of plant resource utilization strategy by changing plant functional traits to adapt to the hardened environment. Urban trees exhibit strong and rapid resource-allocation strategies. They are mainly reflected in the reduction of branch diameter, branch weight, leaf dry matter content, leaf area, mass ratio of branches and leaves, and the improvement of leafing intensity and leaf thickness. Overall, there were tight connections among urban soil properties, plant branches, and leaves functional properties. This finding reveals that urban trees can change their functional traits and the plasticity of their trait combinations under the background of hardened urban surface expansion, which is conducive to survival and growth.

Enhancing environmental and economic benefits of constructed wetlands through plant recovery: A life cycle perspective

Plant recovery plays a vital role in reclaiming bioresources from constructed wetland wastewater treatment systems. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts and economic benefits associated with various wetland plant resourcing methods is critical for advancing both plant resource recovery and the application of wetlands in wastewater treatment. In this study, life cycle assessment was employed to evaluate the environmental impacts and costs of seven wetland plant recovery methods. In addition, the potential benefits of extending plant resource recovery within system boundaries were explored to enhance the overall advantages of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. The use of wetland plants for biofertilizer production had the lowest environmental impact (−8.52E-03), whereas the use of wetland plants for biochar production was the most cost-effective approach (−0.80€/kg). The introduction of a plant resource recovery component could significantly reduce the environmental impacts of constructed wetland wastewater treatment systems. The environmental impacts and costs of constructed wetland wastewater treatment systems that incorporate plant resource recovery into the system boundary are better than activated sludge methods and highly efficient algal ponds, except for the global warming potential (GWP). The use of plants for biofertilizer production could cut the environmental impacts of constructed wetland wastewater treatment systems by up to 85 % and the costs by 65 %, making it the most suitable method of plant use. Additionally, prioritizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from constructed wetlands should be a primary optimization goal. The findings of this study provide valuable support for the implementation of wetland plant resourcing in constructed wetland wastewater treatment systems.

Salvia multicaulis × Salvia officinalis hybridization: Changes in the phenolic and essential oil profiles, gene expression and biological activity under Saint Catherine conditions—Egypt

The Salvia genus, particularly the wild genotypes, received significant attention due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Crossbreeding wild and cultivated plants can conserve the genetic resources of wild plants and develop new hybrids with high yields and high resistance to climatic changes. In this study, Salvia multicaulis (P1, wild) and Salvia officinalis (P2, cultivated) have been crossed to produce a novel hybrid (F1 hybrid) in the Saint Catherin protectorate - Egypt. In P1, P2, and F1 hybrid, heterosis, phytochemical composition, gene expression of PAL (Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), RAS1 (Rosmarinic acid synthase I), CYP (Cytochrome P450), and CS (1,8-Cineole synthase), besides antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects were assessed. The F1 hybrid recorded the highest means of plant height in the two seasons. Heterosis over the mid-parents was positively associated with various traits, including stem thickness, number of branches, fresh yield, and percentage of oil in both seasons. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were found in the following order: P2 > P1 > F1. DPPH antioxidant effect was found in the following order: P2 > F1 > P1. The F1 hybrid had the highest content of rosmarinic acid (12.379 mg/g), quercetin (0.595 mg/g), and naringenin (0.152 mg/g), followed by P1 and P2. The 1,8-cineol and α-pinene were the main compounds in the essential oils of P1, P2, and F1. The 1,8-cineol was found in the following order: P2 > F1 > P1, while α-pinene was found in the following order: P1 > F1 > P2. The RAS1 expression showed a weak correlation with the concentration of rosmarinic acid, while the expressions of PAL and CYP were strongly correlated with the concentrations of main phenolics, including rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and naringenin. The 1,8-cineol content was negatively correlated with the expression of the CS gene. The P2 extract and the F1 hybrid essential oil showed potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Crossbreeding S. multicaulis (P1, wild) and S. officinalis (P2, cultivated) in this study developed a new hybrid (F1) with good growth characteristics, high essential oil yields, high levels of bioactives, and good bioactivity. This makes it suitable for large-scale production for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Functions and Regulatory Mechanisms of bHLH Transcription Factors during the Responses to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Woody Plants.

Environmental stresses, including abiotic and biotic stresses, have complex and diverse effects on the growth and development of woody plants, which have become a matter of contention due to concerns about the outcomes of climate change on plant resources, genetic diversity, and world food safety. Plant basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) are involved in a variety of physiological processes and play an important role in biotic and abiotic stress responses of woody plants. In recent years, an increasing body of studies have been conducted on the bHLH TFs in woody plants, and the roles of bHLH TFs in response to various stresses are increasingly clear and precise. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of the progress of the research of woody plants. In this review, the structural characteristics, research history and roles in the plant growth process of bHLH TFs are summarized, the gene families of bHLH TFs in woody plants are summarized, and the roles of bHLH TFs in biotic and abiotic stresses in woody plants are highlighted. Numerous studies mentioned in this review have shown that bHLH transcription factors play a crucial role in the response of woody plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review serves as a reference for further studies about enhancing the stress resistance and breeding of woody plants. Also, the future possible research directions of bHLH TFs in response to various stresses in woody plants will be discussed.

SISTEME VERTICALE HIDROPONICE: INTENSIFICAREA REZISTENȚEI LA CLIMĂ, EFICIENȚEI APEI ȘI AGRICULTURII URBANE

This paper explores hydroponic vertical systems as a sustainable solution to modern agricultural challenges, particularly those posed by climate change. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions, offers significant advantages over traditional farming. Vertical systems maximize space efficiency by growing plants in stacked layers, making them ideal for urban environments with limited space. These systems provide a controlled environment that mitigates the impacts of extreme weather, ensuring consistent crop production. The paper reviews various hydroponic techniques, including deep water culture, nutrient film technique, flood and drain, and drip irrigation. It highlights the efficiency of water use in hydroponics, crucial for areas facing water scarcity. Advanced technologies, such as sensors, automated nutrient delivery, and LED lighting, are employed to optimize growing conditions, enhance resource use efficiency, and improve crop yields. LED lights, in particular, offer energy efficiency, customizable spectra, and low heat output. Mathematical models are used to maximize plant development and resource efficiency, providing a framework for understanding plant-environment interactions. Despite high initial setup costs and the need for technical expertise, hydroponic systems present long-term economic and environmental benefits. This paper underscores hydroponic vertical systems' potential to revolutionize urban agriculture, ensuring food security and sustainability amidst climate change challenges.

Deciphering the Plastome and Molecular Identities of Six Medicinal "Doukou" Species.

The genus Amomum includes over 111 species, 6 of which are widely utilized as medicinal plants and have already undergone taxonomic revision. Due to their morphological similarities, the presence of counterfeit and substandard products remains a challenge. Accurate plant identification is, therefore, essential to address these issues. This study utilized 11 newly sequenced samples and extensive NCBI data to perform molecular identification of the six medicinal "Doukou" species. The plastomes of these species exhibited a typical quadripartite structure with a conserved gene content. However, independent variation shifts of the SC/IR boundaries existed between and within species. The comprehensive set of genetic sequences, including ITS, ITS1, ITS2, complete plastomes, matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ycf1, showed varying discrimination of the six "Doukou" species based on both distance and phylogenetic tree methods. Among these, the ITS, ITS1, and complete plastome sequences demonstrated the highest identification success rate (3/6), followed by ycf1 (2/6), and then ITS2, matK, and psbA-trnH (1/6). In contrast, rbcL failed to identify any species. This research established a basis for a reliable molecular identification method for medicinal "Doukou" plants to protect wild plant resources, promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants, and restrict the exploitation of these resources.