Archive

30 April 2025, Volume 54 Issue 2 Previous Issue   
---
Research articles
Reviews


For Selected:

Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX

Toggle Thumbnails

Research articles

Select

Identification and Expression Analysis of the TCP Gene Family in Liquidambar formosana ZHAO Jin-tao, YE Xing-zhuang, WANG An-bang, CHEN Zhi-yun, WENG Hui-ying, ZHANG Guo-fang 2025, 54(2): 109-120.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.001 Abstract ( )   PDF (3585KB) ( )   Liquidambar formosana, a representative deciduous species of the Altingiaceae, holds significant economic and ecological values. The TCP gene family plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and adaptation to stress. In this study, we integrated the genomic and transcriptomic data of L. formosana and used bioinformatics approaches to identify the LfTCP gene family at the whole-genome level. We analyzed the physicochemical properties of the proteins, gene locations, phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships, intra- and interspecific collinearity, promoter cis-acting elements, and tissue-specific expression profiles. The LfTCP gene family consists of 22 members with protein lengths ranging from 197 to 552 amino acids. These 22 LfTCP genes are unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that there are 12 members in Class I and 10 members in Class II, including 7 members in the CIN subfamily and 3 members in the CYC/TB1 subfamily. The promoter cis-regulatory elements suggest that the LfTCP gene family may be involved in responses to light, hormones, and stress. Tissue-specific expression analysis shows that LfTCP genes exhibit distinct tissue expression patterns, with LfTCP6, LfTCP7, and LfTCP17 being specifically highly expressed in leaves. These genes can serve as important candidates for studying the growth and morphological development of L. formosana leaves. The results provide a reference for understanding the functions of the LfTCP gene family and the molecular mechanisms by which TCP regulates leaf growth and development in L. formosana. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Complete Chloroplast Genome Structural Characterization of Paludella squarrosa and Comparative Analysis with Its Alliance HUANG Ding-xu, MA Huai-fu, LIANG Sheng, HE Qin-qin, ZHANG Ting-yue, KONG Ling-xiong, LIU Bang-you, KANG Kai-li, PENG Tao 2025, 54(2): 121-131.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.002 Abstract ( )   PDF (4438KB) ( )   Paludella squarrosa is primarily distributed in wetland environments and is one of the key bryophyte species in wetland ecosystems, playing a unique role in wetland ecology and plant evolutionary studies. In this study, the chloroplast genome of P. squarrosa was assembled and annotated using Illumina next-generation sequencing technology, and its basic features were analyzed. The results showed that the chloroplast genome of P. squarrosa is 124 879 bp in size, containing a large single-copy region (LSC, 86 458 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 18 529 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb, both 9946 bp), with a GC content of 28.9%. The genome contains 122 genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Sequence analysis revealed 49 dispersed repeat sequences, predominantly palindromic repeats, and identified seventeentypes of simple sequence repeats (SSRs), with A/T repeats being the most common. Additionally, comparative genomic analysis with species of the order Splachnales from GenBank revealed high similarity between P. squarrosa and Tayloria sp. in genome size, gene content, and sequence composition. Phylogenetic analysis based on the rps4 and trnL-F genes indicated that P. squarrosa is closely related to Amblyodon dealbatus. As a representative species of Meesiaceae, the chloroplast genome study of P. squarrosa provides new insights into the evolutionary history, genomic characteristics, and ecological adaptation mechanisms of Meesiaceae plants. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Auxin Signaling Pathway-Mediated Regulation of Lateral Root Formation of Maize Plants by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus ZHU Feng-wa, CHEN Wei-li, ZHANG Wei, CHEN Mei-zheng, LIU Xiao-di, YAO Qing 2025, 54(2): 132-143.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.003 Abstract ( )   PDF (3238KB) ( )   Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have the capacity to alter plant lateral root (LR) formation, a process that is highly dependent on phosphorus (P) levels and plant hormones. This study using maize (Zea mays) as test plants, Rhizophagus irregularis was inoculated in soils with no P application (soil available P of 20.5 mg·kg–1, namely low P level) and additional P application of 30 mg P·kg–1 as KH2PO4 (namely high P level). Plant biomass, LR number, the contents of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) in roots were determined, and the expression of LR formation-related genes (ZmKRP2, ZmPSK1, and ZmPSK3) and auxin signaling-related genes (ZmNAC1, ZmARF1, ZmTIR1, ZmPIN1b, and ZmAUX1) was also quantified. At 35 days after sowing, AM fungal significantly increased maize biomass at both phosphorus levels compared with no inoculation. AM fungal inoculation significantly increased the numbers of 2nd LR and 3rd LR by 53.5%–237.8%, while the effect of P levels on LR number was relatively weak. AM fungal inoculation significantly enhanced the expression of ZmPSK3, and P levels enhanced the expression of ZmPSK1, ZmPSK3, and ZmKRP2. Additionally, IAA contents and signaling pathways were significantly affected by both P levels and AM fungal inoculation. When inoculated with AM fungus, IAA content at 35 days after sowing at low P level was significantly increased by 48.4% than that at high P level. AM fungal inoculation significantly upregulated the expression of auxin signaling-related genes. Compared with 1ow P level, high P level significantly increased the expression of ZmNAC1, but decreased the expression of ZmAUX1. The findings indicated that ZR content was not affected by P level and AM fungus, while the auxin signaling pathway was involved in the LR formation mediated by AM fungal inoculation, whose effect magnitude was more pronounced that that of P levels. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Metabolite Differences in Different Parts of Wild Ficus stenophylla Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics Combined with UPLC-MS/MS ZENG Lei, CHEN Ying-le, WANG Song, WANG Zhi-hong, TANG Kuang-jie 2025, 54(2): 144-157.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.004 Abstract ( )   PDF (4510KB) ( )   In this study, wild Ficus stenophylla from Shaoguan, Guangdong, was used as materials. The contents of total saponins, total flavonoids, total phenols, and total coumarins in its roots, stems, and leaves were determined. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used for widely targeted metabolomics analysis. Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used for data processing. The enrichment pathways of differential metabolites were analyzed based on KEGG. The results showed that the leaves exhibited the highest contents of total saponins, total flavonoids, and polyphenols, with values of 44.71, 25.70 and 12.40 mg·g–1, respectively. The highest total coumarin content was observed in the stem (2.30 µg·g–1). The metabolite profiles in the roots, stems, and leaves of F. stenophylla were distinctly differentiated. A total of 953 metabolites across 19 categories were identified from these samples, with 224 differential metabolites being screened. The differential metabolites, which were predominantly composed of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and phenols, were significantly upregulated in the stems and leaves. Twenty-three common differential metabolites were identified across the three groups, predominantly comprising flavonoids. Notably, flavonoids such as rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, isoquercitrin, (+)-epicatechin, and astragaloside may be served as key metabolites for distinguishing the different parts of wild F. stenophylla. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that these differential metabolites were primarily involved in metabolic pathways, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. This study elucidated the bioactive components and metabolite composition of various parts of F. stenophylla, providing a valuable reference for exploring and fully utilizing key metabolites and functional components in this species. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Flavonoid Biosynthetic Pathways of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium and B. chinense CHANG Pan, LI Qian 2025, 54(2): 158-167.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.005 Abstract ( )   PDF (2060KB) ( )   The differences between Bupleurum scorzonerifolium and B. chinense and their flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were studied by method of transcriptomics and metabolomics. Mass spectrometry imaging was used to investigate the in situ accumulation patterns of the major metabolites and intermediates of flavonoids. Results showed that the two species of Bupleuri Radix differed significantly, in which the flavonoid differential metabolites were regulated by differential genes and showed extreme variability, and 52 differential metabolites such as rutin, myricetin, sakuranetin and xanthohumol were screened, as well as differences in the pattern of in situ accumulation in the root cross-section, with the phloem of B. chinense being richer in flavonoid accumulation, and B. scorzonerifolium presenting a more homogeneous distribution profile. The mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in two species of Bupleuri Radix was revealed, and FLS, CHI and DFR genes were hypothesised to be the key genes in flavonoid biosynthesis. Meanwhile, analysis from the perspective of spatial distribution revealed that the accumulation of flavonoids in the root cross-section showed the characteristic of expanding outwards with the pith as the centre of the circle. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Comparison of Salt Spray Tolerance Among 5 Varieties of Bougainvillea LIN Jia-zheng, CAO Jian-ting, WANG Zi-yi, ZHAN Fu-lin, LI Yan, GAN Si-quan, WANG Wen-qing 2025, 54(2): 168-175.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.006 Abstract ( )   PDF (1978KB) ( )   In order to screen suitable Bougainvillea varieties for coastal urban landscaping, salt spray resistant of five varieties commonly used in Xiamen were comprehensively evaluated. The seedlings of five Bougainvillea varieties, namely, B. glabra 'Mrs. Eva Mauve Variegata', B. buttiana 'Miss Manila', B. glabra 'Elizabeth Angus', B. glabra 'Magnifica' and B. glabra 'Alba' were used as experimental materials. The NaCl solution was sprayed with an ultrasonic humidification sprayer to simulate salt spray stress. The morphological changes of the plants were observed regularly, and the relative chlorophyll content, relative water content, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline content of the leaves were measured. The results showed that salt spray stress caused yellowing, scorching, and shedding of Bougainvillea leaves, and the severity increased with the increase of treatment time. 'Elizabeth Angus' and 'Magnifica' were the most affected, and the appearance of 'Mrs. Eva Mauve Variegata' was less affected. Compared with the control, the relative chlorophyll contents and relative water contents of each variety decreased significantly, with different degrees of decline. Under salt spray treatment, the MDA content of 'Mrs. Eva Mauve Variegata' and 'Elizabeth Angus' did not change significantly with the increase of time; compared with the control, the MDA content of 'Alba' showed a gradual downward trend, 'Elizabeth Angus' and 'Magnifica' gradually increased, while ‘Miss Manila’ first decreased and then increased, and 'Mrs. Eva Mauve Variegata' first increased and then decreased. Compared with the control, except for 'Elizabeth Angus' and 'Magnifica', the SOD activity of the other varieties increased to a certain extent; with the increase of time, the SOD activity of most varieties showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The changing trend of proline content in each variety first increased and then decreased with the passage of time, and the increase in 'Alba' was the largest. The fuzzy mathematical membership function analysis showed that the salt spray resistance of the five varieties was ranked as follows: 'Alba'＞'Mrs. Eva Mauve Variegata'＞ ‘Miss Manila’＞ 'Elizabeth Angus'＞'Magnifica'. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Effects of Water and Nitrogen Coupling on Yield of Astragalus membranaceus and Soil Moisture, Water Consumption Characteristics Under Mulched Drip Irrigation CUI Xiong-fei, WANG Yu-cai, LÜ Xiang, WANG Xiao-feng 2025, 54(2): 176-185.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.007 Abstract ( )   PDF (2164KB) ( )   To clarify the effects of water-nitrogen coupling on soil moisture changes, water consumption characteristics, and yield of Astragalus membranaceus in the semi-arid region of Longxi, and to explore irrigation and fertilization patterns of efficient and reasonable suitable for local A. membranaceus, a water-nitrogen coupling experiment using drip irrigation under plastic film was conducted in Weiyuan County, Gansu Province, from April to October 2024.A two-factor experimental design was adopted, with soil moisture content set at two irrigation levels: 55%–70% of field capacity (W1) and 70%–85% of field capacity (W2), and three nitrogen levels: low nitrogen (62 kg·hm–2, N1), medium nitrogen (84 kg·hm–2, N2), and high nitrogen (106 kg·hm–2, N3).The results showed that the soil water storage capacity at depths of 0–100 cm decreased as the astragalus growth period progressed. Appropriate increases in nitrogen fertilizer application reduced soil water consumption. The total water consumption, stage-specific water consumption, water consumption intensity, and water consumption coefficient were highest during the fruiting period of A. membranaceus. Among these, the W2N1 treatment had the highest total water consumption, reaching 674.3 mm; the W2N2 treatment had the highest water consumption and water consumption intensity, which were significantly higher than other water-nitrogen treatments by 3.0%–16.8% and 3.4%–17.9%, respectively, and significantly higher than the CK treatment by 39.8% and 39.4%, respectively. The W1N2 treatment had the highest water use coefficient, significantly higher than other water-nitrogen treatments by 5.4% to 17.3%, and significantly higher than the CK treatment by 2.1%. Different water and nitrogen treatments had a significant effect on the root diameter, root length, underground dry weight, and yield of A. membranaceus, with the W2N2 treatment yielding the highest results. Compared to other treatments, the W2N2 treatment significantly increased root diameter by 9.8% to 48.3%, root length by 5.6% to 22.4%, underground dry weight by 14.2% to 51.3%, and yield by 7.1% to 25.9%. This indicates that appropriate irrigation and nitrogen application can improve A. membranaceus' water use characteristics, promote root system absorption of soil moisture, and enhance water use efficiency. The W2N2 treatment cultivation model significantly increases root diameter, root length, and A. membranaceus yield. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Species Diversity of Lycophytes and Ferns in Huidong County, Guangdong Province HUANG Jun-kai, LI Xiao-ji, DONG Shi-yong 2025, 54(2): 186-194.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.008 Abstract ( )   PDF (2106KB) ( )   Huidong is a county of Guangdong Province in southern China, lying in the eastern region of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay, and holds rich biodiversity. However, there is no checklist of lycophytes and ferns available for Huidong due to the lack of a comprehensive survey. Based on field surveys in recent years, the literature, herbarium specimens, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of some groups, we conducted crucial identifications of all specimens available to us from Huidong in order to document the species diversity and identify the floristic characteristics and rare and endangered species of lycophytes and ferns in this county. The main results include these five points: (1) New morphological forms were found in Selaginella heterostachys, Coryphopteris angulariloba, C. chingii, and Diplazium virescens. (2) Sphaerostephanos taiwanensis was confirmed with populations occurring in Guangdong, while Asplenium guangdongense was not supported to be an independent species from A. normale. (3) A population of Vandenboschia lofoushanensis, which had disappeared for nearly a century in the wild, was rediscovered in Huidong. (4) A total of 11 lycophyte species (belonging to 5 genera and 2 families) and 119 fern species (in 62 genera and 23 families) are recognized in Huidong. For ferns in this area, the Asia-Tropic distributing element and the East-Asian element are dominant, each accounting for about 36% species diversity, with relatively rich species in Polypodiaceae (17 spp.), Dryopteridaceae (15 spp.), and Thelypteridaceae (15 spp.). (5) Among lycophytes and ferns in Huidong, thirteen species are rare and/or endangered; eight species hold Class II national protection status in China, with Huperzia javanica and V. lofoushanensis accessed as endangered (EN) under IUCN criteria. A complete list of lycophytes and ferns in Huidong, along with the information on the distribution pattern for each taxon, is provided. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Phenotypic Characteristics and Key Identification Points of Common Tabebuia and Handroanthus Species in Shenzhen ZHANG Xiao-feng, LUO Dong, YUAN Feng-jun, XU Gui-hong, TANG Jing-wen, LEI Jiang-li 2025, 54(2): 195-200.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.009 Abstract ( )   PDF (1109KB) ( )   Tabebuia and Handroanthus (Bignoniacaea) species are famous woody plants in the world, and are widely cultivated in Shenzhen. However, some species are phenotypically similar, making them difficult to distinguish. Additionally, there is considerable confusion in the use of their Chinese names and Latin names. The article investigated and described in detail the types, phenotypes, and phenological characteristics of Tabebuia and Handroanthus species cultivated in the urban greenland from Shenzhen. It also conducts comparative analyses by reviewing relevant data and literature, aiming to provide scientific basis for the identification of phenotypic traits and germplasm evaluation of Tabebuia and Handroanthus species. The results showed that among the urban greenland in Shenzhen, six species from two genera (Handroanthus and Tabebuia) were primarily cultivated. Among these, there were three species with red flowers: Handroanthus impetiginosus, H. heptaphyllus, and Tabebuia rosea; and three species with yellow flowers: H. chrysanthus, H. chrysotrichus, and T. aurea. Among these species, H. impetiginosus and H. heptaphyllus, H. chrysanthus and H. chrysotrichus are extremely similar in flower color. However, there are differences in terms of leaf serration, petiole characteristics, calyx shape, and pubescence, which can be used as distinguishing traits between the species. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

New Data of Lichen Species of Sticta in Dayanghu Nature Reserve, Zhejiang Province ZHANG Cheng-chai, CHEN Li-hua, WU Yao-cheng, REN Chen-qian, LIU Zhi-tong, LI Ruo-tong, ZHANG Lu-lu 2025, 54(2): 201-208.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.010 Abstract ( )   PDF (1815KB) ( )   Three lichen species of the genus Sticta (Schreb.) Ach. were discovered in Dayanghu Nature Reserve, Jingning She Autonomous County, and were identified by morphological, chemical and molecular biological methods. The three species are S. marginifera Mont., S. weigelii (Ach.) Vain., and S. limbata (Sm.) Ach. S. marginifera is a newly recorded species to China’s mainland. The detailed morphological descriptions and species characteristic figures were provided. The results enriched basic data for the genus Sticta in China. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

New Records of Seed Plants from Guangdong Province Ⅵ XIONG Qin-dai, XUE Jian-jun, LUO Wu-hong, ZENG Qiu-gen, WANG Shi-yang, LAI Xiao-chao, DENG Jun, KANG Ning, FAN Qiang 2025, 54(2): 209-216.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.011 Abstract ( )   PDF (2327KB) ( )   Six new records of seed plants in Guangdong Province are reported, namely Pinus fenzeliana Hand.-Mazz., Stemona japonica (Bl.) Miq., Scutellaria yunnanensis H. Lév., Ehretia densiflora F. N. Wei & H. Q. Wen, Elatostema pycnodontum W. T. Wang and Rubus jianensis L. T. Lu &Boufford. These new records enrich the plant diversity in Guangdong Province, which are of great significance for the study of the flora of seed plants in Guangdong Province. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Diploprora truncata, a New Record of Diploprora from China LI Meng-kai, ZHANG Ze, XU Ru-hua, ZHANG Yu, JIA Min, LUO Yan 2025, 54(2): 217-219.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.012 Abstract ( )   PDF (2901KB) ( )   A new record species, Diploprora truncata Rolfe ex Downie, was found in Menglian County, Puer city, Yunnan Province, China, which was originally only found in Thailand and Myanmar. The morphology of D. truncata is similar to that of D. championii (Lindl.) Hook. f. For example, the drooping stem, concave hypochile and the bifurcated tip of the lip. But they differ by the leaves of the former species are short and wide, and the tip of the lip flap is not obvious, while the leaves of the latter species are slender with a bicaudate apex. This paper provides color pictures, species description, phenology and habitat information of D. truncata. The specimens are stored in the Herbarium of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (HITBC). References | Related Articles | Metrics

Reviews

Select

Development Status of IWGS International New Waterlily Competition and Characteristics of the Awarded Waterlily Cultivars LIU A-mei, LI Zi-jun, TIAN Dai-ke 2025, 54(2): 220-228.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.013 Abstract ( )   PDF (3963KB) ( )   The International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS) began to hold the International New Waterlily Competition every year since 1997. The competition has been held 25 times so far, and 162 cultivars from 61 breeders (company) of 10 countries have been awarded. For a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the competition and the awarded waterlilies, and the development trend of this competition and waterlily breeding, and for improving breeding activities and participation of the competition, this paper systematically summarized the history, rules and development status of the waterlily competition, the distribution of the breeding countries, the characteristics of the awarded cultivars, the main participating countries and breeders. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Research Progress of TCP Transcription Factors in Orchidaceae CHEN Jia-yi, HUANG Ting-ting, XIONG Long-wei, LI Peng, GUO Li-ting, AI Ye 2025, 54(2): 229-238.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-7791.2025.02.014 Abstract ( )   PDF (535KB) ( )   The TCP transcription factor family contains a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motif consisting of 59 amino acids, which plays a wide range of regulatory role in plant growth and development, morphogenesis, and stress response. Orchid plants have important ornamental, cultural, and economic value due to their unique flower patterns, diverse colors, and rich leaf art. This article summarizes the structure and classification of TCP transcription factors, and reviews their functions in the morphogenesis of flowers, leaves, and other organs in orchids, laying a theoretical foundation for the study of TCP genes function in orchids. References | Related Articles | Metrics