Subtropical Plant Science

Comparative Analysis of Xylem Cells in Salix matsudana and S. babylonica and Expression Analysis of Their CesA Genes

WANG Yi-ting, HAO Han-rui, NI Jing-lan, CHEN Yan-hong, ZHANG Jian, LIU Guo-yuan

2025, 54(3): 239-248. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.001

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Taking Salix matsudana and S. babylonica as test materials, branches from different positions were sectioned and stained to determine their cellulose content. Based on the whole-genome sequencing of S. matsudana and S. babylonica, cellulose synthase genes were identified. A variety of approaches, including phylogenetic analysis, chromosome mapping, and RNA-seq data, were employed. Structural variation sites were also jointly analyzed with chromosome localization. The results indicate that branches of S. babylonica have thinner cell wall thickness and lower cellulose content at the same positions compared to S. matsudana. Based on the conserved domain features of cellulose synthase, we identified 25 and 29 cellulose synthase genes in the whole-genome sequencing results of S. matsudana and S. babylonica, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the family members could be divided into 10 subgroups, and chromosome mapping showed that CesA genes in S. babylonica were unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes. RNA-seq data analysis revealed that CesA4/7/8 were significantly highly expressed in S. matsudana, suggesting their important role in cellulose synthesis. Joint analysis of structural variation sites and gene localization found that inversions on chromosomes C18, C11, and D11 altered the structure of the promoter regions of CesA7-3, CesA8-3 and CesA8-4, while insertions and deletions on chromosomes D2 and D4 affected the gene sequences of CesA4-2 and CesA8-2. Chromosomal structural variations have impacted the expression of cellulose synthase genes CesA4/7/8 in S. matsudana and S. babylonica, altering the cellulose content and cell wall thickness. These changes ultimately lead to the differences in branch morphology between S. matsudana and S. babylonica.

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Genome-wide Identification and Tissue Expression Analysis of the TCP gene Family in Altingia chinensis

WANG An-bang, YE Xing-zhuang, YANG Qiao-ying, LIU Mei-li, CHEN Zhi-yun, ZHANG Guo-fang

2025, 54(3): 249-260. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.002

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The TCP gene family plays a crucial regulatory role in leaf-shape development in plants. This paper aims to identify and analyze the AcTCPs gene family in Altingia chinensis, exploring their tissue expression pattern to provide a reference for understanding the expression and function of TCPs in this species. Utilizing the whole genome data of A. chinensis and bioinformatics methods, we identified the AcTCPs gene family and analyzed theirs gene structure, protein physicochemical properties, chromosome localization, subcellular localization, collinearity, cis-acting elements of promoters, and transcription expression patterns in different tissues. The results showed that 21 AcTCPs were obtained of the A. chinensis genome. All AcTCPs contain the TCP superfamily domain, with only AcTCP3 uniquely possessing the nitrilase superfamily domain. The AcTCPs can be classified into three categories: PCF (AcTCP1/2/3/4/7/8/9/11/12/17/20/21), CIN (AcTCP5/6/13/15/16/19) and CYC/TB1 (AcTCP10/14/18). The AcTCP proteins range from 197 to 554 amino acids in length. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that AcTCP3 is located at the cell membrane, while the others are localized in the nucleus, all of which are unstable hydrophilic proteins. The promoters of AcTCPs genes contain light-responsive elements, hormone-responsive elements, stress-responsive elements and growth and development-related elements. Transcriptomic expression analysis revealed that tissue specificity for AcTCPs, with AcTCP6, AcTCP7, and AcTCP16 showing significantly high expression in leaf-I (March), although most members of the same subfamily exhibited similar expression patterns. This study identified a total of 21 AcTCP members and highlighted three key potential genes–AcTCP16, AcTCP19 and AcTCP20 that are associated with leaf development in A. chinenesis. It is inferred that A. chinenesis TCPs play important roles in light response, plant growth and development, hormone signaling, and stress response. The findings provide a scientific basis for further studies on the genomic characteristics of the TCP gene family.

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Analysis of Volatile Components in Different Organs of Manglietiastrum sinicum

HUANG Hua-xi, WANG Xue-xue, LIU Fang-lin, ZANG Qing-min, LIU Qin, XU Shi-juan, CHEN Rong

2025, 54(3): 261-266. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.003

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To compare the volatile components in different organs of Manglietiastrum sinicum and provide basic information for the protection and resource utilization of this unique and rare species in China, GC-MS technology combined with HS-SPME was used to analyze the volatile components of M. sinicum leaves, flowers, and fruits. A total of 65 components were identified in three organs of M. sinicum, including 51 compounds in leaves, 55 compounds in flowers, and 50 compounds in fruits. The relative contents of the identified components in the three organs accounted for 91.468%, 92.801%, and 91.993% of the total volatile components, respectively. The volatile components in three organs of M. sinicum are mainly terpenoids, with terpenoid content in leaves, flowers, and fruits being 54.853%, 64.369%, and 45.401%, respectively. Alcohol compounds are also present in high concentrations, it also contains esters, aldehydes, ketones, and phenols. Both leaves and flowers have the highest content of elemol, while fruits have the highest content of guaiol. The terpenes and alcohol compounds in the volatile components of M. sinicum have important applications in industrial fields such as daily chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

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Effects of Different Type Biochars on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Gypenosides Content of Gynostemma pentaphyllum

ZHANG Xue-qin, LIN Li-xia, ZHONG Zan-hua, LAI Rui-yun, LIN Jian-zhong, XIE Zhi-nan

2025, 54(3): 267-273. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.004

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The effects of different type biochars such as fruit shell biochar, coconut shell biochar and straw biochar on photosynthetic characteristics and gypenosides content of Gynostemma pentaphyllum were researched. At the same time, the correlation of chlorophyll contents and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were analyzed. The results showed that chlorophyll contents and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of G. pentaphyllum leaves were enhanced by treatment of biochars. The chlorophyll contents, real time Yield and qP were highest at treatment of straw biochar while qN and NPQ was lowest. The patterns of the light response curve and light inductive curve were consistent at different treatments. The Yield and ETR at treatment of straw biochar was highest in light response curve and light inductive curve. Correlation analysis results showed that they had a very significant positive correlation among chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content. Yield had a positive correlation with qP, and a very significant negative correlation with qN and NPQ. qP had a very significant negative correlation with qN, and a negative correlation with NPQ. qN had a very significant positive correlation with NPQ. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content had a very significant positive correlation with Yield, and a significant positive correlation with qP, while it had a very significant negative correlation with qN. NPQ had a significant negative correlation with chlorophyll a, while it had a negative correlation with total chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll b had a significant positive correlation with Yield and qP, and a very significant negative correlation with qN, which had a negative correlation with NPQ. Gypenosides content enhanced at different treatment of biochars, the gypenosides content of straw biochar was 1.54, 1.15 and 1.35 times of that of control, fruit shell biochar and coconut shell biochar respectively.

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Impact of Nitrogen Application Levels on Yield, Water Use Efficiency, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Angelica sinensis under Sprinkler Irrigation

WANG Xiao-feng, WANG Yu-cai

2025, 54(3): 274-283. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.005

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This study established two irrigation modes, namely sprinkler irrigation and non-irrigation, combined with four nitrogen (N) application levels: no nitrogen application (N0), 4 kg·667 m⁻² (N1), 8 kg·667 m⁻² (N2), and 12 kg·667 m⁻² (N3), resulting in a total of eight treatments. The objective was to investigate the effects of different nitrogen application levels on the physiological growth indices, yield, soil moisture content, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of Angelica sinensis produced in Minxian County, Gansu Province. The results indicated that during the seedling stage of A. sinensis, compared to the non-irrigation treatment, sprinkler irrigation increased the soil moisture content in the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers by 17.82% and 27.61%, respectively (P < 0.05). Under N2 and N3 levels, the plant height of A. sinensis under sprinkler irrigation was 6.19% and 2.89% higher, respectively, than that under non-irrigation, and significantly higher than that under the N1 level under the same conditions. Regarding the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nitrogen content of leaves, apart from the seedling stage, both parameters exhibited an increasing trend with increasing nitrogen application under the two irrigation methods. Moreover, under N2 and N3 levels, sprinkler irrigation treatments showed significantly higher values than non-irrigation treatments, and the sprinkler irrigation treatment at N2 level demonstrated a certain improvement compared to the non-irrigation treatment at N3 level. The water-nitrogen use efficiency under the sprinkler irrigation treatment at N2 level was slightly lower than that at the level of N3 by 1.52%, but significantly higher than that under the non-irrigation treatment at the level of N3 by 6.21%, with the water use efficiency reaching its maximum. Therefore, considering both yield and water use efficiency, a nitrogen application rate of 8 kg·667 m⁻² combined with sprinkler irrigation is recommended for achieving efficient cultivation and optimized resource utilization of A. sinensis.

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Effects of Temperature and Drought Stress on Seed Germination Characteristics and Seedling Growth of Hypericum perforatum

LIU Yuan-yuan, CHEN Yuan, GUO Feng-xia, LIANG Wei, RUAN Zi-han

2025, 54(3): 284-291. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.006

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Seeds of Hypericum perforatum were germinated under factorial combinations of temperature (15–30 ℃) and osmotic stress (0–25% PEG-6000). Water-uptake kinetics at 25 ℃ displayed a triphasic pattern: rapid imbibition (0–4 h), deceleration (4–20 h) and saturation (20–30 h). Rising temperature shortened the lag phase and advanced germination onset; however, all germination metrics—percentage, energy, index, vigour, radicle and seedling length—reached maxima at 25 ℃ and declined sharply at 30 ℃. PEG-mediated drought progressively delayed and reduced germination, with 25% PEG imposing complete inhibition. Drought tolerance was temperature-dependent, peaking at 25 ℃. Radicle and seedling elongation were greatest at 20 ℃, significantly curtailed at 15 ℃ and 30 ℃, indicating a stimulatory-to-inhibitory transition with increasing temperature. Thus, seeds achieve full hydration within 20 h; 25 ℃ is optimal for germination, whereas 20 ℃ best supports seedling growth. The osmotic threshold lies at 25% PEG, and drought resistance is maximised under the optimal germination temperature.

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Relationship Between Diurnal Changes of Photosynthetic Rate and Environmental Factors of Saraca griffithia

XU Jian-xin, XU Gui-hong, YUAN Ling, ZHANG Jie, BAO Pan-pan

2025, 54(3): 292-296. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.007

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To evaluate the environmental adaptability of Saraca griffithia, the diurnal variation of its photosynthetic parameters and environmental impact factors was measured using Li-6400XT portable photosynthetic analyzer. The results showed that the daily variation of net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of S. griffithia was a bimodal pattern, with a clear "midday rest" phenomenon, which was determined by non stomatal limiting factors. There was no statistically significant correlation between the Pn and environmental factors of S. griffithia, while environmental factors such as effective photosynthetic radiation (PAR), atmospheric temperature (ta), relative humidity (RH), and atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca) jointly affect the photosynthesis, rather than a single factor playing a dominant role. The transpiration rate (Tr) was significantly positively correlated with PAR and ta, while the stomatal conductance (Gs) was significantly negatively correlated with PAR and ta, indicating that environmental impact factors adapt to strong light and high temperature through self-regulation.

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Analysis of Chemical Composition and Physical Characteristics of the Upper Leaves of Flue-cured Tobacco with Different Maturity Levels

WANGYANG Shi-yun, FANG Chong-chong, ZHANG Hong-fei, ZHANG Hong-fei, PAN Hong, AI Fu-qing

2025, 54(3): 297-307. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.008

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To explore the changes in chemical composition and physical properties of the upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco at different maturity stages and their impact on tobacco quality, Yunyan 87 upper leaves were used as the material. Through different maturity treatments (70%, 80%, 90%), chemical analysis and physical testing methods were employed to evaluate the patterns and correlations of changes in chemical composition and physical properties. The results showed that with the increase in maturity of the upper leaves, total sugars, reducing sugars, and other indicators initially increased and then decreased, while starch and total nitrogen gradually decreased. The potassium-chlorine ratio and nicotine gradually increased. Significant correlations were found between the chemical composition and physical properties, especially between total sugars, reducing sugars, and tensile strength, filling value, which showed positive correlations with correlation coefficients of 0.95, 0.90, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively. These were negatively correlated with softness and leaf thickness, with correlation coefficients of –0.91, –0.86, –0.90, and –0.80. In addition, the experiment revealed that under the treatment of 80% yellowing in the upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco, the chemical composition showed better coordination, and the physical properties were moderate.

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Influence of Companion Macrophytes on the Growth of Carnivorous Plant Utricularia aurea

LIAO Yu, CAI Guo-jun, ZHOU Ting, DONG Zheng, CHEN Yao-qi, YUAN Gui-xiang, PENG Xi, FU Hui

2025, 54(3): 308-317. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.009

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In order to explore the habitat suitable for the survival of Utricularia aurea and facilitate its scientific management and conservation, Hydrilla verticillata, Brasenia schreberi, Nymphoides peltata and Vallisneria natans were respectively associated with U. aurea, and the growth indicators such as plant length, fresh weight, number of bladder, environmental indicators such as water nutritional status, physical environment and phytoplankton biomass were measured in different treatments. The results showed that: (1) With the decrease of nutrient concentration in the water body, the growth of U. aurea was inhibited. (2) Companion species mainly affect the growth of U. aurea by changing the physical properties of the water body (e.g. pH). As a companion species, N. peltata is more favorable to the growth of U. aurea, followed by B. schreberi. However, V. natans and H. verticillata are not conducive to its growth. (3) Due to the availability of nutrients and pH, the investment in carnivorous activities (allocation of resources in carnivorous activities) is altered by the U. aurea, resulting in a decrease or even absence of bladders. Therefore, the growth of U. aurea is influenced by a combination of various factors.

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Diversity Pattern of Functional Traits of Tree Species Absorptive Roots in Montane Forest Communities

LIU Xin, CAO Min, ZHANG Wen-fu, JI Kui, ZHANG Ya-zhou, YANG Jie

2025, 54(3): 318-329. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.010

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The research platform comprised sample plots with altitudinal gradients in three climatic zones: tropical, subtropical and subalpine. The objective was to study the pattern of α diversity of morphological, chemometric and defensive traits and their driving factors in absorptive roots (class 1–3 roots) of tree species in the sample plots. The highest overall α diversity of functional traits of absorptive roots was observed in the tropical region. This result indicated that the functional diversity of absorptive roots of community tree species is significantly higher at lower elevations, where nutrient conditions are more favourable and nutrient concentrations are higher. However, the results of the community null model analyses indicated a general consistency in the results for the three categories of absorptive root functional trait α diversity. Specifically, the standardised effect sizes (S.E.S.) for the absorptive root functional traits α diversity were found to be lower than the expected values or did not deviate significantly across all climatic regions. Furthermore, all three types of absorptive root functional traits exhibited a positive correlation with mean annual temperature, indicating that climatic factors are the primary determinants of variation in absorptive root functional trait diversity in montane tree species.

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Patterns of Species Diversity and Their Influencing Mechanisms in Changting Ecological Restoration Area

HU Bing-qi

2025, 54(3): 330-340. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.011

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Based on five sample plots with different levels of ecological restoration in Changting County, Fujian Province, we investigated the characteristics of plant species diversity in each community, explored the relationship between α-diversity and factors such as soil, forest stand, and elevation through redundancy analysis, and analyzed the effects of factors such as soil, forest stand, and elevation on β-diversity and its decomposition components among the sample plots through ANOVA decomposition to lay a foundation for a deeper understanding of ecological restoration and vegetation reconstruction in the subtropics. The results showed that: (1) the overall diversity of the community did not increase significantly with the increase of the ecological restoration level; the α diversity of the community was low, and the contribution of each layer of trees, shrubs and grasses to the diversity of the community varied and changed dynamically with the increase of the ecological restoration level. (2) The difference in species composition between communities with different levels of ecological restoration is large, and the species turnover component is the main component of β-diversity; β-diversity shows an increasing trend as the difference in ecological restoration level between communities increasing. (3) Soil water content and understory vegetation height were significant environmental factors affecting plant α-diversity (P＜0.05); elevation changes explained the turnover component and nested component of community species β-diversity to a high degree, 65% and 54%, respectively, and stand factors and soil factors also explained some of the variations; interactions between stand and soil factors and elevation explained the species dissimilarity between communities to a high degree, 72% and 73%, respectively. The above results indicated that α-diversity did not increase significantly with the level of ecological restoration, but inter-community species composition differences showed an increasing trend with the level of restoration. In addition, habitat factors and elevation changes, which were strongly influenced by the pioneer population, played an important role in α and β diversity.

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Newly Recorded Plants from Fujian Province Ⅶ

YE Tong, WU Xia-ying, TIAN Min, CHEN Zhang-xue, ZHANG Miao, CHEN Bing-hua

2025, 54(3): 341-345. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.012

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This study reports one newly recorded genus of vascular plants in Fujian Province, Dopatrium Buch., and six newly recorded species, namely Dopatrium junceum (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex Benth., Bulbophyllum drymoglossum Maxim. ex M. Okubo, Balanophora kawakamii Valeton, Carex aequialta Kük., C. blinii H. Lév. & Vaniot., and C. oxyphylla Franch. These newly recorded genus and species enrich the vascular plant diversity in Fujian Province, which is of certain significance for studying the flora in this region.

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Application of Plant Cell Suspension Culture in the Production of Secondary Metabolites

LI Hui-hua, CHEN Fei, WANG Wei, YE Qiu-ping, WU Mei-fang, SHI Jian-yu

2025, 54(3): 346-354. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.013

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Plant cell culture has gradually become a biotechnology that replaces traditional methods for the large-scale production of plant-derived metabolites. This article reviews the technical advantages of plant suspension cell culture, the integration points with the new research hotspot of exosomes; the technical process from callus culture to product formation; the key points of genotype of explants, the parts of explants, and hormone combinations during the induction phase of good callus tissue; the key points of medium optimization and inducer addition during the liquid culture phase; and a brief course and important influencing factors during the biofermentation tank phase. At the same time, it elaborates on the characteristics of commercialized cell lines and products, as well as the current status and reasons for plant suspension culture technology research in our country.

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Research Progress on the Effects of Super Absorbent Polymers on Crop Production and Soil Environment

WEI Si-nan, QI Guang-ping, MU Gai-ya, LI Hai-yan, JIANG Yuan-bo

2025, 54(3): 355-364. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.03.014

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The scarcity of water resources severely restricts agricultural development, while the low efficiency of agricultural water use exacerbates the pressure on water resources. Consequently, research on the application of water-retaining agents in water conservation and drought resistance has been continuously advancing. Water-retaining agents have a wide range of applications and high cost-effectiveness, with remarkable effects in promoting crop growth and improving soil environments, achieving substantial outcomes in crop drought-resistant production and water conservation. There remains significant room for development in the future research, development, and application of agricultural water-retaining agents in aspects such as production, innovation, and promotion. This paper reviews recent studies on the application of water-retaining agents in crop production from the perspectives of crop production, physiology, and soil environment, aiming to provide insights for the research on agricultural application of water-retaining agents and agricultural sustainable development.

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