To explore the codon usage bias in the chloroplast genomes of Bupleurum species, this study analyzed the codon usage patterns in the chloroplast genomes of 35 Bupleurum species. Codon-related parameters were analyzed using tools including softwares of Codon W, CUSP, MEGA, and the Bioinformatics Cloud Platform. The main factors affecting codon usage bias were explored via ENC-plot analysis, neutral mapping, PR2-plot analysis, and optimal codon screening, with the optimal codons identified simultaneously. The results showed that the GC content of the first (GC1), second (GC2), and third bases (GC3) codon positions in the chloroplast genomes of the 35 Bupleurum species followed the order GC1＞GC2＞GC3, with the total GC content ranging from 38.13% to 38.32%, suggesting a preference for A/U-ended codons. The effective number of codons (ENC) values of all species were greater than 35, indicating weak codon usage bias. Analysis using ENC-plot, neutral mapping, and PR2-plot revealed that natural selection was the primary factor influencing codon usage bias in the chloroplast genomes of 35 species of Bupleurum, whereas mutational pressure had a relatively minor impact. By analyzing the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values, 12 common optimal codons were identified, all of which exhibited ending patterns of “NNA” and “NNU”. This study provided a theoretical basis for future genomic research, genetic improvement, and resource utilization of Bupleurum species.

Nekemias grossedentata, a member of the genus Nekemias in Vitaceae, is a dual-purpose plant for both food and medicine with significant economic, edible and medicinal value. To determine an optimal technical strategy for its whole-genome sequencing, this study employed flow cytometry and genome survey analysis to evaluate key genomic characteristics, including genome size, heterozygosity rate, proportion of repetitive sequences, and GC content of N. grossedentata. The results showed that: (1) Using corn B73 as the reference species, flow cytometry predicted that N. grossedentata was diploid, with genomic sizes of approximately 0.677 G and DNA-C values of approximately 0.707 pg; (2) After quality control of high-throughput sequencing data, the Q20 and Q30 values of clean reads reached 98.74% and 96.34%, respectively, with a GC content of 35.3%, demonstrating excellent sequencing quality; (3) k-mer analysis revealed that the genome size of N. grossedentata was 706.01 Mb, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.57% and a repetitive sequence proportion of 59.76%, classifying it as a genome with relatively high heterozygosity and high repeat content. These findings provide an important reference for subsequent whole-genome de novo sequencing, assembly, and structural annotation, as well as for constructing of high-quality genome genetic maps and mining key functional genes in N. grossedentata.

The effects of different drying methods on the content of polyphenolic components in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves were investigated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to provide an experimental basis for its processing methods. The contents of neo-chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin were determined from the leaves with three drying methods: shade-drying, oven-drying (40, 60, 80 ℃), and freeze-drying (–20 ℃). The drying methods were then comprehensively analyzed using the entropy weight-TOPSIS method. The validation results of content determination methodology were good, and the content ranges of seven ployphenols components (neo-chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, vitexin) in T. hemsleyanum were 0.67–5.39, 1.05–8.12, 0.22–0.63, 0.60–1.38, 0.93–1.37, 0.38–0.66, 0.56–1.21 mg·g^–1, respectively. The total contents of ployphenol, phenolic acids (neo-chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid), and flavonoids (isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, vitexin) ranged from 4.47 to 18.15 mg·g^–1, 1.94 to 14.14 mg·g^–1, and 2.53 to 4.41 mg·g^–1, respectively. Entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis showed that drying at 80 ℃ was suitable for T. hemsleyanum leaf drying. The established method is accurate, stable, and reliable; the different drying methods significantly affect the ployphenol content in T. hemsleyanum leaves, with hot-air drying at 80 ℃ likely representing the optimal drying approach. This finding provides valuable reference for subsequent research on fresh-processing techniques of T. hemsleyanum leaves.

A field experiment was conducted in the Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area, where water deficit treatments were imposed at four growth stages of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus: bud-breaking and flowering stage, rhizome elongation stage, fruit maturation stage, and rhizome thickening stage. The treatments included mild water deficit (65%–75% field capacity, FC) and moderate water deficit (55%–65% FC), with full irrigation (75%–85% FC) throughout the entire growth period serving as the control (CK), to investigate the response mechanisms of quality and yield of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus to water stress at different growth stages. The results showed that, compared with CK, mild deficit irrigation (65%–75% FC) during the fruit maturation and rhizome thickening stages significantly increased the contents of active components including calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, and astragaloside IV; moderate regulated deficit irrigation (55%–65% FC) during the rhizome elongation stage enhanced the content of calycosin; and mild deficit irrigation (65%–75% FC) during the bud-breaking and flowering stage and rhizome elongation stage improved the yield of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus. Comprehensive evaluation indicated that mild regulated deficit irrigation (65%–75% FC) during the rhizome elongation stage should be adopted as the optimal irrigation strategy, while mild regulated deficit irrigation (65%–75% FC) during the fruit maturation stage could serve as an alternative strategy for A. membranaceus var. mongholicus cultivation in the Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area.

To address the constraints of potato production caused by insufficient rainfall and extensive water-fertilizer management in the arid area of central Gansu, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of coupled water and nitrogen application under drip irrigation on potato growth and resource utilization. The experiment included four irrigation levels (W1, 15 mm; W2, 24 mm; W3, 33 mm; W4, 42 mm) and three nitrogen application rates (N1, 150 kg·hm^–2; N2, 210 kg·hm^–2; N3, 270 kg·hm^–2), forming 12 treatments. The results showed that an increase in irrigation amount was beneficial to the increase of soil water storage, stage water consumption and total water consumption of potatoes. The potato yield increased first and then decreased with the increase of irrigation amount, and increased with the increase of nitrogen application rate. The W3N3 treatment had the highest yield, which was significantly different from other treatments (P<0.05). From the analysis of the commercial potato rate of potatoes, it increased first and then decreased with the increase of irrigation amount, and increased with the increase of nitrogen application rate. The commercial potato rate of the W3N3 treatment reached 86.79%, which was significantly higher than that of other treatments. The W3N3 treatment had the highest yield, commercial potato rate and water use efficiency, but the partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertilizer was relatively low. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of potato yield, commercial potato rate and water and nitrogen use efficiency by the TOPSIS method, considering the local rainfall, water-saving and high-yield production and commercial attributes, it is believed that the optimal drip irrigation quota and nitrogen application rate for potatoes in arid area of central Gansu are 330 mm and 270 kg·hm^–2, respectively. This study will provide important theoretical basis and technical guidance for water-saving and high-yield cultivation of potatoes in the arid area of central Gansu Province.

This study investigated six common garden shrubs (Ficus benjamina, Fagraea ceilanica, Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Leaves', Ixora chinensis, Allamanda cathartica, and Heptapleurum heptaphyllum) in Bihu Park, Zhangzhou City. By measuring light response curves, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange parameters, the differences in their photosynthetic characteristics and carbon sequestration-oxygen release capacity were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the total chlorophyll content of Ficus benjamina, Allamanda cathartica, and Ixora chinensis was significantly higher than those of Fagraea ceilanica, Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Leaves', and Heptapleurum heptaphyllum (P＜0.05). The diurnal variation of net photosynthetic rate (P_n) in Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Leaves', Ixora chinensis, and Ficus benjamina exhibited an "increase-decrease" trend, whereas Allamanda cathartica and Fagraea ceilanica showed a continuous decline in P_n. With increasing photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), stomatal conductance (G_s) and transpiration rate (T_r) generally rose. Significant differences (P＜0.05) were observed in daily net assimilation, carbon sequestration, and oxygen release per unit leaf area among the six plants. Ficus benjamina performed the best (daily net assimilation 181.254 mmol·m^–2·s^–1; carbon sequestration 6.374 g·m^–2·d^–1; oxygen release 4.639 g·m^–2·d^–1), while Fagraea ceilanica was the weakest. Light response curve fitting revealed that Ixora chinensis had the highest light saturation point (LSP, 1592.633 μmol·m^–2·s^–1), and Heptapleurum heptaphyllum exhibited significantly lower light compensation points (LCP) than other species, demonstrating better adaptability to low light. Allamanda cathartica had the highest maximum net photosynthetic rate (7.38 μmol·m^–2·s^–1) and dark respiration rate (3.588 μmol·m^–2·s^–1). Considering photosynthetic and carbon sequestration characteristics, it is recommended to prioritize shrubs with high light energy utilization efficiency, such as Ficus benjamina and Ixora chinensis, in urban greening to enhance carbon-oxygen balance regulation.

Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum, P. charlesworthii, and P. malipoense, which differ in habitat and altitude, were selected to investigate the effects of different temperature stress (low, normal, and high) on the photosynthetic characteristics of Paphiopedilum. Three temperature gradients were set: low-temperature stress (15 ℃), room temperature (22 ℃, CK), and high-temperature stress (30 ℃), with each gradient subjected to short-term (1 d) and long-term (7 d) treatments. Leaf gas exchange parameters (net photosynthetic rate Pn, stomatal conductance Gs, transpiration rate Tr) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured. The results showed that, in terms of gas exchange parameters, Pn, Gs, and Tr of the three species all increased under long-term high-temperature stress. Conversely, Pn, Gs, and Tr were decreased under long-term low-temperature stress, except for P. malipoense. In terms of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the initial fluorescence (Fo) was generally increased under long-term temperature stresses. The maximum fluorescence (Fm), the potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem Ⅱ (PSⅡ) (Fv/Fo), and the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ (Fv/Fm) of three species all exhibited an increase under high-temperature stress but decreased under low-temperature stress. These findings demonstrated that the photosynthesis in three Paphiopedilum species was inhibited by both low and high temperature stresses, with greater pronounced suppression at low temperatures. These results indicated that P. malipoense possesses a stronger adaptive capacity under low and high temperature stresses, while P. charlesworthii and P. glaucophyllum adapted better to high temperatures. This study provides insights into the physiological response mechanisms of three Paphiopedilum species from different habitats to low and high temperature stresses, offering theoretical support for the introduction, conservation, and cultivation of Paphiopedilum species in similar habitats.

Abies chensiensis, a National Key Protected Wild Plant at Category Ⅱ, is distributed discontinuously in high-altitude areas of the transitional zone between north subtropical and warm temperate zones in China, and is highly sensitive to temperature. It possesses ornamental, medicinal, and ecological values. However, its population has been decreasing due to climate warming and human disturbance. To scientifically protect A. chensiensis in Shennongjia Forest Area, this study investigated and analyzed its population structure using the transect line method and quadrat method; ArcGIS and MaxEnt model were used to predict its potential suitable habitats and analyze the main environmental factors affecting its distribution. The results were as follows: (1) There are 5569 individuals of A. chensiensis in the Shennongjia Forest Area; There were 221 species of vascular plants belonging to 155 genera and 75 families in the community where A. chensiensis was located in Shennongjia Forest Area, which could be divided into 13 geographical components, and the temperate distribution was the basic characteristic of the community. (2) Population size classification indicated that seedlings and young trees had a low frequency of occurrence in the 20 quadrats, and age class classification showed that trees in the middle diameter class accounted for a large proportion. The distribution area of A. chensiensis in Shennongjia Forest Area was estimated to be between 1.33～1.85 km², and the number was between 34 517 and 40 965 using ArcGIS software. (3) The MaxEnt model prediction showed that under the current climate scenario, mean annual temperature (bio1) and isothermality (bio3) were the dominant environmental factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitats of A. chensiensis in the Shennongjia Forest Area, with contribution rates of 33.9% and 29.0%, respectively; the total suitable habitat area of A. chensiensis in Shennongjia Forest Area was about 827.08 km², concentrated in the northwest of the region. Under different future climate scenarios, the area of its suitable habitats would decrease to varying degrees.

Cycas taiwaniana, a national Class I key protected wild plant in China, has experienced a sharp population decline in its native Hainan Island due to human disturbance and habitat fragmentation, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. This study aims to investigate the distribution, structure, and dynamics of C. taiwaniana populations in Jianfengling area to provide a scientific basis for its in-situ conservation and sustainable management. Through field surveys and population ecological analysis, we systematically investigated the population distribution of C. taiwaniana in the Jianfengling area of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, classified age structures based on stem height, constructed static life tables, and applied population dynamics indices and time-series forecasting to analyze age structure, survival characteristics, and future development trends of the population. The results showed that the C. taiwaniana population in Jianfengling exhibited a patchy distribution, with a total of 504 individuals measured. They were mainly concentrated in sunny secondary forests or along riverbanks at elevations of 300–499 m and slopes of 16°–25°, showing a preference for low-altitude, moderately sloped, and mid-slope sunny habitats. The age structure was spindle-shaped, with mid-age classes (III and IV) comprising 50.8% of individuals, while young and old age classes accounted for 46.0% and 3.2%, respectively, indicating insufficient juvenile recruitment and scarcity of older individuals. The static life table revealed high seedling mortality and significant survival pressure on mature individuals, with life expectancy decreasing from 4.44 years to 0.50 years. Population dynamics indices (Ⅴpi=14.74%, Ⅴpi′=0.61%) suggested overall stability, but external disturbances significantly suppressed growth, and time-series forecasting indicated a future risk of decline. The C. taiwaniana population faces high early mortality and a risk of later decline, with overall stability being fragile; integrated conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, artificial propagation, genetic conservation, and community-based management, are proposed to improve population structure and habitat conditions, supporting its in-situ conservation and sustainable management.

Rhizosphere fungi play a crucial role in plant growth, nutrient cycling, and pollutant degradation within constructed wetland ecosystems. This study focused on the Yanghu Artificial Wetland in Changsha, collecting rhizosphere sediments from various treatment stages of plants such as Iris pseudacorus, Canna indica, Typha angustifolia, and Phragmites australis during winter and summer seasons. High-throughput sequencing of fungal ITS regions was conducted using the Illumina NovaSeq platform, combined with FUNGuild functional prediction and redundancy analysis to explore fungal community structure, diversity, and their relationship with environmental factors. Results revealed that the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, and Basidiomycota. Mucoromycota, Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Blastocladiomycota exhibited significant negative correlations with total nitrogen and organic matter, while Zoopagomycota, Basidiomycota, and unclassified fungi showed positive correlations. Fungal diversity was higher in secondary wetlands and summer samples. Functional prediction indicated that fungi were primarily saprophytic, pathogenic, and symbiotic in nutrition type, with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi being more abundant in the rhizosphere of P. australis, potentially enhancing plant stress resistance and phosphorus absorption capacity. This study provides a theoretical basis for the plant-microbe synergistic purification mechanism in tail water constructed wetlands.

Morphological and microscopic identification methods were employed to examine the specimens collected from Matoushan National Nature Reserve, Eumyurium sinicum (Mitt.) Nog., Helicodontium doii (Sakurai) Taoda, Schwetschkeopsis fabronia (Schwägr.) Broth., Chiloscyphus itoanus (Inoue) J. J. Engel & R. M. Schust., Radula perrottetii Gottsche ex Steph., Lopholejeunea nigricans (Lindenb.) Schiffn., and Aerobryopsis yunnanensis X. J. Li & D. C. Zhang are reported as new records to Jiangxi Province, China. At the same time, the family Myuriaceae and the genera Eumyurium Nog., Helicodontium (Mitt.) A. Jaeger and Schwetschkeopsis Broth. are also found from Jiangxi Province for the first time. Detailed descriptions, colour photos of habitats, and microstructures of the above 7 species are provided, along with discussions. These results expand the known bryoflora of Jiangxi Province, providing critical insights for biodiversity conservation and research in East China.

Citrus flavonoids are extracted from the mature peel of Citrus reticulata and its cultivated varieties. Flavonoids from citrus peel are mainly composed of nobiletin, tangerine, hesperidin and naringenin which have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, and cardiovascular protection. This article reviews the research progress of citrus peel flavonoids on their cardio protective effects and mechanisms, focusing on five aspects: myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmia, myocardial fibrosis, and the damage of other diseases or drugs to the heart, and looks forward to their future development.

Voacanga africana, a plant belonging to Voacanga genus in Apocynaceae family, has been widely used in traditional African medicine. Phytochemical studies have revealed that V. africana contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids, with alkaloids exhibiting notable pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, and neuroprotective effects. This review summarizes the structural characteristics, biological activities, and safety profiles of alkaloids derived from V. africana, aiming to provide a reference for further research and development.

The prevailing view that plants are passive and static is gradually shifting. In the plant kingdom, they can make adaptive changes based on external sounds and also emit sound to communicate information with the outside world under certain conditions. The ability to produce and perceive sound plays an important role in the plant kingdom. The reasonable use of sound to influence plants can enhance crop yield, biomass accumulation, quality, and environmental adaptability. The unique sounds emitted by different plants may have important ecological and evolutionary impacts on plant communities. In the future, there is great potential for development in the field of plant acoustics.