Recent research has discovered that an ancient homoploid interspecific hybridization event between ancestral species of the tomato lineage (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon) and sect. Etuberosum lineage in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) gave rise to the ancestral species of the potato lineage (sect. Petota) and generated the innovative "potato" tuber trait. This hybridization event not only introduced this key innovative trait but also triggered the exploitation of new ecological niches, ultimately leading to the explosive emergence of species within the potato clade. This study, together with related case studies in recent years, collectively reveals the universality of the molecular mechanism of homoploid hybrid speciation—namely, "generating innovative traits through the alternate inheritance of highly diverged alleles from both parental lineages". These findings hold significant implications for revising the traditional bifurcating speciation model and advancing the paradigm shift in artificial breeding practices.

INTRODUCTION: 14-3-3 proteins are a highly conserved protein family that specifically recognize phosphorylated target proteins and play crucial roles in plant abiotic stress responses. By interacting with AREB/ABF (ABA-responsive element binding protein/ABA-responsive element binding factor) transcription factors, 14-3-3 proteins participate in ABA signal transduction and regulate abiotic stress tolerance. TaGRF3-D is a 14-3-3 protein gene in wheat (Triticum aestivum), and our previous studies revealed that the expression of this gene was upregulated under ABA and abiotic stress.
RATIONALE: To explore the biological function of the TaGRF3-D gene, we cloned the gene, and investigated its subcellular localization and function under drought stress.
RESULTS: The results revealed that TaGRF3-D is highly conserved in monocotyledonous plants and is localizes in the nucleus and plasma membrane. Compared with the wild type, the Arabidopsis thaliana transgenic lines overexpressing TaGRF3-D presented significantly longer roots under PEG and ABA treatments and showed a markedly greater survival rate after drought stress. Yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed that TaGRF3-D interacted with wheat TaABF3-B, TaABF4-A, TaABF15-D, TaABF16-B, TaABF17-D, and TaABF18-B, but not with TaABF1-D, TaABF2-A or TaABF19-A.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TaABF3-D responds to ABA signaling by interacting with wheat TaABF transcription factors, thereby increasing the drought stress tolerance of transgenic plants.

Phenotypes of the TaGRF3-D transgenic lines and the wild type (WT) under drought stress (A) and interaction between the TaGRF3-D protein and the ABF protein (B). Bars=1 cm

INTRODUCTION: Marigold (Tagetes erecta), an important ornamental and medicinal plant, has a unique capitulum characteristic of the Asteraceae family with distinct ray and disc florets. However, the lack of efficient genetic transformation system has limited the research on the mechanism of floral organ development of marigold. Floral transient transformation system offers a rapid approach to study the function of genes expressed specifically in floral organs. This study aimed to establish an efficient transient transformation system for marigold corollas and to analyze the promoter activity of TeCYC2c, which highly expressed in corollas, thereby laying the technical foundation for the rapid verification of floral gene function.
RATIONALE: A fusion expression vector, incorporating the CaMV35S promoter and the GUS reporter gene, was constructed to facilitate the transient transformation in marigold corollas. The study delved into the effects of bacterial strain type (GV3101, LBA4404, EHA105), bacterial suspension concentration (OD₆₀₀ values 0.5-2.0), infection duration (10- 40 min), and co-culture time (1-4 d) on the transient transformation efficiency of the GUS gene. Based on this transient transformation system for the marigold corollas, the promoter activity of the TeCYC2c gene was investigated. A 1 735 bp upstream sequence of the TeCYC2c gene was cloned and four promoter deletion expression vectors, with the GUS gene as the reporter gene, were constructed based on the distribution and quantity of elements predicted by PlantCARE. Subsequently, these vectors were employed for transient transformation of marigold corollas to facilitate an in-depth analysis of promoter activity.
RESULTS: The transient transformation efficiency in marigold corollas demonstrated that the GV3101 strain achieved the highest infection efficiency; the bacterial suspension concentration, quantified at an OD₆₀₀ value of 1.0, yielded the most robust transformation efficiency; the infection time was observed to exert no substantial influence on transient transformation efficacy; moreover, a co-culture time of 24 hours was identified as the optimal condition for the process. The results of GUS staining and GUS activity assay revealed that the core region of the promoter was located at -650 to -1 bp. It was speculated that the light-responsive elements within this region positively up-regulated the expression of downstream genes, while the hormone-responsive and stress-responsive elements unique to pTeCYC2c (-1 735) and pTeCYC2c (-1 406) might have an inhibitory effect on promoter-driven downstream gene expression.
CONCLUSION: This study established an efficient transient transformation system for marigold corollas, optimized through strain selection and parameter tuning. The identification of the TeCYC2c promoter core region (-650 to -1 bp) and its regulatory elements provides critical insights into the regulatory mechanism of the TeCYC2c gene. The transient transformation system and promoter analysis method lay a technical foundation for accelerating functional studies of floral development genes in marigold, with potential applications in the genetic improvement of ornamental plants.

GUS staining of marigold (Tagetes erecta) corollas under different transient transformation conditions. (A) GUS staining of marigold corollas infected by three different bacterial strains; (B) GUS staining under four different concentrations (OD₆₀₀) of bacterial suspension; (C) GUS staining under four different infection duration; (D) GUS staining under four different co-culture time. (A)-(D) Bars=1 cm

INTRUDUCTION: Xanthopappus subacaulis, endemic to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, is a perennial medicinal plant from the genus Xanthopappus of the family Asteraceae, with important economic, ecological and medicinal values. However, genomic information for this species remains limited, hindering further genetic studies and resource utilization. Determining an appropriate sequencing strategy for its whole genome is a key prerequisite for subsequent genomic studies.
RATIONALE: In order to determine the appropriate sequencing strategy for the whole genome of X. subacaulis, we analyzed and evaluated its genome size, heterozygosity, repeat and GC content using flow cytometry and genome survey analysis based on BGI sequencing.
RESULTS: Flow cytometry analyses using Opisthopappus longilobus and Solanum lycopersicum as reference genomes indicated that X. subacaulis was a diploid, with an estimated genome size of 1.94 G and 1.75 G respectively, and a DNA-C value of 0.99 pg. We generated approximately 100.3 G of clean short read sequencing data, with a GC content of 38.5%. K-mer analysis indicated that the genome size of X. subacaulis was 2 198.50 Mb, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.69%, and repeat content of 80.15%. The analysis of the long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) indicated that the LTR/Copia was the most abundant LTR family, accounting for 30.72% of the whole genome, while the Gypsy family and the unknown LTRs accounted for 33.66% and 16.54%, respectively. Moreover, their peak insertion time began approximately three million years ago (Mya), with a marked amplification occurring within the last 1 Mya. These results suggested that the large-scale insertion of LTR elements was (most) likely one of the important factors leading to the genomic complexity of X. subacaulis.
CONCLUSION: This study clarifies the key genomic characteristics of X. subacaulis, which provides valuable reference data resources for subsequent genetic map construction and functional gene mining of X. subacaulis, and also lays a foundation for determining its whole-genome sequencing strategy.

Growth morphology and genomic characteristics of Xanthopappus subacaulis. (A) Growth morphology of X. subacaulis (bar=5 cm); (B) Depth and frequency distribution of K-mer and insertion time analysis of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs)

INTRODUCTION: Tiller height higher than main stem is one of the important factors affecting the uniformity and mechanized production of sorghum. Sorghum with tiller height equal to that of the main stem can be densely planted and harvested mechanically. Endogenous hormones play an important regulatory role in the process of plant height development. Understanding the impact of endogenous hormones on the height difference between main stem and tiller in sorghum is of great significance for the improvement of sorghum varieties with tiller higher than the main stem.
RATIONALE: To further explore the effects of endogenous hormones on height difference between main stem and tiller of sorghum, Sorghum K35-Y5 with the similar height of main stem and tiller and 1383 with higher tiller than main stem were used to measure the plant height and endogenous hormone contents in main stem booting stage, tiller booting stage, main stem flowering stage and tiller flowering stage, and analyze the dynamic change and correlation, laying a foundation for studying the regulatory mechanisms of main stem and tiller height in sorghum and for improving plant architecture.
RESULTS: The height difference of main stem and tiller in different stages showed that the main stem of K35-Y5 was higher than that of tiller in the first three periods, and the height of main stem and tiller was basically the same at tiller flowering stage. The main stem height of 1383 was higher than that of tiller in main stem booting stage, the height of main stem and tiller was basically the same in tiller booting stage, and the height of tiller was higher than that of main stem in the latter two stages. Analysis of dynamic changes of endogenous hormone in different stages showed that GA₃ content in main stem and tiller was basically consistent with the change of plant height. The dynamic change of ABA in K35-Y5 main stem and tiller is basically the same, which was significantly higher than main stem of 1383 tiller in main stem flowering stage. The contents of IAA, ICA, tZR, IPA, Dx and JA showed a decreasing trend. ACC, SA, JA and H₂JA had no obvious characteristics. The correlation analysis showed that the difference of tiller and main stem was positively correlated with the relative content of GA₃ at tiller booting stage, main stem flowering stage and tiller flowering stage, and positively correlated with the relative ratio of GA₃/ABA at main stem flowering stage and tiller flowering stage.
CONCLUSION: The height difference of main stem and tiller was closely related to the relative content of GA₃ at tiller booting stage, main stem flowering stage and tiller flowering stage. Through the treatment of GA₃ and subsequent paraffin section analysis, we found that spraying GA₃ affects cell elongation to achieve the improvement of plant height uniformity. This will be of great significance for the breeding of sorghum varieties suitable for mechanized production.

Differences in growth, height (A), and the GA₃ contents (B) of main stem and tiller of K35-Y5 and 1383 at different stages. * and ** indicate significant differences at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels, respectively.

INTRODUCTION: Apoplastic barriers differentiated from the root endoderm play important roles in plant stress resistance and nutrient uptake, and the development of suberin lamellae has become a popular research topic in recent years.
RATIONALE: Hydroponic experiments with potassium concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 mmol∙L^-1 were conducted, using the cultivated tobacco variety Zhongyan 100 as the experimental material, to explore the effects of different potassium supplies on the endodermal suberization and its physiological and molecular mechanisms.
RESULTS: Low potassium (0.1 mmol∙L^-1) stress significantly enhanced the endodermal suberization: the absolute length of the fully suberized region ranged from 0-2 cm in the control to 4-6 cm, and the relative proportion increased from 0-15.0% to 33.2%-44.3%. These findings indicate that suberization is one of the key morphological adaptation mechanisms in tobacco under low potassium stress. Phenotypic analysis revealed that under low potassium stress, root elongation increased while plant biomass decreased, and the potassium ion content and accumulation in both the aboveground and root parts decreased. Additionally, the flow rate and potassium ion concentration in the xylem sap decreased, indicating reduced transport efficiency. Endogenous hormone analysis revealed that low potassium stress increased the abscisic acid (ABA) content in roots while suppressing ethylene and methyl jasmonate levels, forming a specific hormonal regulatory network. The transcriptome data further supported the molecular basis of suberization development, showing significant upregulation of genes related to suberin synthesis and transport (e.g., CYP86, GPAT, and ABCG) and their upstream positive regulatory factors (MYB36, MYB41, MYB92, and MYB93).
CONCLUSION: This study is the first to reveal that low potassium stress regulates the suberization developmental program of tobacco roots through ABA-mediated hormonal signaling reprogramming, providing a novel perspective for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of plants to potassium stress.

Fluorescence imaging of transverse sections of the endodermis development in tobacco roots under three potassium concentrations (bars=130 μm)

INTRODUCTION: In agricultural production, the utilization of heterosis has brought significant benefits to society and economic development by markedly increasing crop yield, stress resistance, and quality. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica var. germanica), as an important coarse grain crop in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern China, holds a significant position in dry land ecological agriculture. However, the slow increase in the yield of foxtail millet has limited the further realization of its production potential. Utilizing heterosis has thus become one of the effective ways to increase the yield of foxtail millet. Nevertheless, research on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of its heterosis is still relatively weak, and the mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, to understand the physiological mechanisms of heterosis in foxtail millet is of great importance for improving the yield of hybrid varieties.
RATIONALE: The Changzagu series of foxtail millet hybrids (Changzagu466, Changzagu2922, and Changzagu333) exhibit significant heterosis in yield. In order to elucidate its mechanism, we systematically analyzed the yield advantages of these hybrids and their influencing factors by measuring yield-related traits and key physiological indicators of the hybrids and their parental lines.
RESULTS: Throughout the entire growth period, the chlorophyll content of the three hybrid varieties was higher than that of their parents. Among them, Changzagu466 exhibited the highest chlorophyll content at the jointing stage, reaching 13.86 mg∙g^-1 FW. During the seedling and jointing stages, the root activity of the three hybrids was significantly higher than that of their parents. Specifically, Changzagu466 showed the highest root activity at the seedling stage, measuring 1.76 mg∙g^-1∙h^-1, which was 7.8 times and 5.5 times higher than its female and male parents, respectively. The root activity values of Changzagu2922 at the seedling stage were 0.38 and 0.66 mg∙g^-1∙h^-1 higher than its female and male parents, respectively. Meanwhile, Changzagu333 displayed pronounced advantages at the jointing stage, with root activity values 0.31 and 0.62 mg∙g^-1∙h^-1 higher than its female and male parents, respectively. In terms of yield-related traits, compared to their parents, the hybrids showed significant improvements in both grain filling rate and spikelet number. Changzagu466 reached its maximum grain filling rate of 1.58 g∙d^-1 per panicle at 19 days after flowering. Both Changzagu466 and Changzagu333 had significantly higher spikelet numbers than their parents, while Changzagu2922 also showed a significant increase in spikelet numbers. In addition, the hybrid varieties also demonstrate certain advantages in root nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen translocation efficiency. Among them, Changzagu2922 exhibits the strongest root nitrogen accumulation advantage and the highest nitrogen translocation efficiency (nearly 56%), both are significantly higher than that of its male parent line M22.
CONCLUSION: The Changzagu series of foxtail millet hybrids effectively enhances photosynthetic capacity, nutrient absorption and utilization efficiency by significantly increasing chlorophyll content, root activity during the early growth stages, and root nitrogen accumulation. Meanwhile, the significant increase in grain filling rate and spikelet number of the hybrids further enhances both grain weight and grain number per panicle, ultimately achieving high yield.

Foxtail millet and parental trait comparison chart

INTRODUCTION: The wild populations of Microsorum punctatum face endangerment due to habitat degradation and low spore reproductive efficiency. Fern life cycles involve alternating gametophyte and sporophyte generations, where gametophyte development and sporophyte transition represent critical bottlenecks in in vitro propagation, heavily influenced by environmental factors and culture conditions. Although asexual propagation techniques such as green globular bodies (GGBs) have been successfully applied in some fern species, low sporophyte induction efficiency and proliferation challenges persist, hindering large-scale production. This study employed M. punctatum spores to systematically investigate sterile germination mechanisms, gametophyte proliferation, and sporophyte regeneration. A dual-pathway rapid propagation system was established, integrating high-efficiency prothallus proliferation with GGBs induction, aiming to provide both theoretical insights and practical solutions for conserving endangered fern resources and advancing industrial-scale cultivation.
RATIONALE: The unique alternation of generations life cycle in ferns, characterized by independent gametophyte survival, provides a theoretical framework for in vitro propagation. Studies have demonstrated that gametophyte homogenization culture and GGBs induction can overcome sporophyte regeneration barriers, while medium composition and phytohormone ratios critically regulate developmental phase transitions. To address the challenges of low spore propagation efficiency and habitat sensitivity in M. punctatum, this study leverages its gametophyte proliferation potential and rhizome meristematic activity in sporophytes. By optimizing aseptic systems and induction conditions, as well as mimicking the natural fertilization microenvironment, a dual-path regeneration system integrating prothallus proliferation and GGB-based propagation was established, laying a theoretical foundation for efficient conservation of endangered ferns.
RESULTS: Spore germination was optimally achieved in 1/2MS medium. Prothalli exhibited vigorous proliferation in MS medium supplemented with 0.3 mg·L^-1 6-BA and 1.5 mg·L^-1 NAA, reaching a proliferation coefficient of 9.6 after 60 days of culture. Fragmented prothalli transferred to 1/4MS medium with sterile water supplementation achieved a young sporophyte induction coefficient of 10.0 following 90 day cultivation. GGBs were successfully induced from young sporophytes in 1/2MS medium containing 1.5 mg·L^-1 6-BA and 0.1 mg·L^-1 NAA, showing 93.3% induction efficiency and a remarkable proliferation coefficient of 32.0. The GGB differentiation into plantlets was most efficient in 1/2MS medium, yielding a conversion rate of 92%. Acclimatized plantlets demonstrated over 90% survival rate post-transplantation.
CONCLUSION: This study successfully established an efficient in vitro rapid propagation system for M. punctatum spores. Optimization of sterilization duration and culture medium types significantly enhanced spore germination rates. A prothallus culture protocol with a high proliferation coefficient was developed, overcoming bottlenecks in gametophyte mass propagation. Liquid immersion-assisted fertilization technology enabled efficient induction of young sporophytes, while the GGBs induction system markedly shortened the regeneration cycle. For the first time, a dual-pathway rapid propagation strategy—“prothallus proliferation-sporophyte induction” combined with “GGBs cyclic regeneration” was proposed. The study demonstrated that the meristematic properties of M. punctatum GGBs are distinct from callus tissue, providing a robust technical framework for the conservation of endangered ferns and industrial-scale seedling production.

Formation of antheridia, archegonia, and sporophyte production in Microsorum punctatum

INTRODUCTION: Plant tissue culture technology is characterized by growth that is not restricted by seasons, high efficiency in plant propagation, and high survival rates. It can effectively ensure the quality and quantity of new and superior varieties of Xanthoceras sorbifolium, and is beneficial for the conservation and rapid dissemination of germplasm resources, thus promoting the development of the Xanthoceras industry. Therefore, it is now urgent to solve the browning problem of explants during the tissue culture process of Xanthoceras, in order to lay the foundation for establishing a stable and efficient regeneration system for this species.
RATIONALE: Currently, the growth cycle of somatic embryogenesis culture in X. sorbifolium is relatively long, and the acquisition of embryogenic callus tissue is quite challenging, resulting in poor reproducibility of the regeneration system established through somatic embryogenesis. Some studies have directly induced adventitious buds via organogenesis in X. sorbifolium and found that when cotyledons and stem segments are used as explants to induce adventitious buds, browning of the explants is common, leading to a low proliferation rate of adventitious buds and affecting the growth of the explants. Therefore, this study focuses on analyzing the difficulties in inducing adventitious buds during the tissue culture process of X. sorbifolium, explores the most suitable growth conditions for inducing adventitious buds, and discusses the impact of factors such as the type of cytokinin, temperature, light intensity, and the tenderness of the explants on the browning of X. sorbifolium tissue culture, in order to provide a basis for establishing an efficient and stable regeneration system for X. sorbifolium.
RESULTS: The browning issue severely affects the growth condition of X. sorbifolium explants and the efficiency of adventitious bud induction. After identifying the optimal disinfection method and the best medium for adventitious bud induction, we investigated the factors affecting the browning of X. sorbifolium cotyledons one by one. We found that the highest induction rate of adventitious buds was achieved when 2.5 mg∙L^-1 6-BA was added to the medium, and thus we selected it as the suitable cytokinin for inducing adventitious buds. The cotyledons of X. sorbifolium were cultured under the best conditions of a light intensity of 19.5 µmol∙m^-2∙s^-1 and a temperature of 26°C. Although culturing in the dark can inhibit browning, it cannot induce adventitious buds. The tenderness of the explants has an important impact on browning; the more tender the explants are, the lower the degree of browning. When the cotyledons of X. sorbifolium harvested from July 1^st to July 8^th were used for tissue culture, almost no browning occurred. At this time, the fruit coat is not cracked, the cotyledons are plump and firm, the seed coat is white, and it is easy to remove. These cotyledons are the best experimental materials for the tissue culture of X. sorbifolium.
CONCLUSION: Using the cotyledons of X. sorbifolium as the experimental material, the optimal medium for inducing adventitious buds and the factors influencing explant browning were investigated. The results showed that the best disinfection method for cotyledons was to treat them with 75% ethanol for 30 seconds, followed by 0.1% effective chlorine for 10 minutes, resulting in a contamination rate of 29.33% and a mortality rate of 12%. The optimal medium formulation for inducing adventitious buds was MS+2.5 mg∙L^-1 6-BA+1.0 mg∙L^-1 NAA+30 g∙L^-1 sucrose+6.8 g∙L^-1 agar+0.1 g∙L^-1 myo-inositol, with an induction rate of 72.22%. Among different types of cytokinins, the addition of 6-BA to the medium resulted in the lowest explant mortality rate (12.50%) and the highest induction rate (73.61%). The optimal culture conditions were 19.5 µmol∙m^-2∙s^-1 light intensity at 26°C, with an induction rate of 72.22%. The cotyledons from VI stage seeds collected between July 1^st and July 8^th were plump and firm, with white seed coats that were easy to remove, making them the best material for inhibiting browning in Xanthoceras tissue culture, with the highest adventitious bud induction rate (97.22%).

Adventitious bud induction (A) and browning inhibition (B) of Xanthoceras sorbifolium. When establishing a regeneration system for X. sorbifolium through tissue culture methods, severe browning poses a significant challenge. Therefore, through the process of inducing adventitious buds, explant materials that can alleviate the browning of cotyledon tissue culture have been identified. (A) Bar=5 mm; (B) Bar=2 cm

INTRODUCTION: Viola × wittrockiana, a member of the Violaceae family, is recognized as a commercially valuable ornamental species due to its diverse flower colors and potential medicinal applications. However, its vegetative propagation via tissue culture has been limited by challenges such as low regeneration efficiency, procedural complexity in existing protocols, and genotype-dependent regeneration capacity. Previous attempts to establish regeneration systems for this species have been reported, but issues including inconsistent callus differentiation, low adventitious bud formation rates, and high dependency on explant quality remain unresolved. Consequently, the development of a stable and efficient regeneration system is considered critical for enabling biotechnological advancements, including genetic transformation and large-scale propagation of elite cultivars. A systematic approach focusing on genotype screening, explant selection, and optimization of plant growth regulator combinations is required to address these limitations and facilitate the species’ genetic improvement.
RATIONALE: Regeneration capacity in plants is highly influenced by genotype. This study aimed to optimize the regeneration system for V. × wittrockiana by screening eight cultivars and selecting petioles as superior explants due to their higher callus differentiation potential. Key factors, including plant growth regulators (2,4-D, KT, 6-BA) and carbohydrate sources (sucrose, maltose, trehalose), were systematically evaluated. Repeated induction cycles were employed to enrich high-regeneration genotypes, enhancing overall efficiency and reproducibility.
RESULTS: Petioles were identified as superior explants, exhibiting a significantly higher callus induction rate (91.90%) compared to leaves (49.65%) across eight V. × wittrockiana cultivars, with the highest differentiation efficiency (15.83%) observed in the PXP cultivar. The optimal callus induction medium was determined to be 1/2MS (sugar-free) supplemented with 30 g∙L^-1 sucrose, 1.5 mg∙L^-1 2,4-D, and 1.5 mg∙L^-1 KT, achieving a differentiation rate of 18.52%. For adventitious bud induction, the highest regeneration efficiency (67.33±3.06)% was obtained through repeated induction cycles using 1/2MS (sugar-free) containing 30 g∙L^-1 trehalose, 0.05 mg∙L^-1 2,4-D, and 3 mg∙L^-1 6-BA. Proliferation of adventitious buds was maximized on MS (sugar-free) medium with 30 g∙L^-1 trehalose, 0.5 mg∙L^-1 2,4-D, and 1 mg∙L^-1 6-BA, yielding a proliferation coefficient of 3.29±0.22. Rooting of regenerated shoots was successfully achieved (84.44±6.93)% on 1/2MS medium containing 0.1 mg∙L^-1 NAA, followed by acclimatization with a survival rate exceeding 85%, validating the efficacy of the established regeneration protocol.
CONCLUSION: This study established a petiole-based high-efficiency regeneration system for V. × wittrockiana through genotype screening, media optimization, and repeated induction of high-regeneration genotypes. The protocol significantly improved adventitious bud differentiation rates (67.33%), addressing long-standing challenges in regeneration of this species. The system provides a robust technical foundation for genetic transformation, gene function studies, and large-scale propagation, thereby facilitating the commercial development and biotechnological advancement of this economically valuable species.

Observation of somatic embryo developmental stages during pansy regeneration. (A) Spherical embryo; (B) Heart-shaped embryo; (C) Torpedo-shaped embryo; (D) Cotyledon embryo; (E) Mature adventitious bud. Bar=1 cm

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the regulation of seed dormancy release and germination. Low levels of ROS can promote seed germination, while excessively high levels of ROS can reduce seed vigor and germination rate. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is an important agronomic trait that can cause severe decrease of crop yield and grain quality. Pre-harvest sprouting and seed dormancy are two manifestations of the same trait. Therefore, studying the dual role of ROS in seed dormancy and germination can reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying pre-harvest sprouting. For this purpose, this paper summarized the subcellular locations and metabolic pathways of ROS production during seed germination, focusing on the interaction of ROS with biomacromolecules, plant hormones and other small molecules and the signaling pathways of ROS functionalization. This review provides a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of ROS in the process of crop pre-harvest sprouting.

Tendrils are specialized climbing organs that play a key role in the survival and environmental adaptation of plants. Through structural support, light capture, and resources competition, tendrils significantly improve the ecological adaptability of plants. Tendrils are derived from inflorescences, leaves, stems and other organs. The occurrence of tendrils is regulated by gene families such as TCP, HD-ZIP, and MADS-box families, and is influenced by auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, jasmonic acid and other plant hormones. Tendrils exhibit convergent evolution in function, morphology, and molecular mechanisms, and display characteristics of independent evolution, reflecting the adaptive strategies of plants to their living environment. This review systematically synthesizes the biological characteristics and molecular mechanisms of development in plant tendrils. Future studies will focus on evolutionary mechanisms across species and interactions between environmental signals and plant hormones for plant tendrils.

3D reconstruction technology involves using computer graphics and image processing technologies to extract the geometric and topological information of the target object from the two-dimensional image data. This information is then used to create a three-dimensional mathematical model that can be processed by a computer, enabling the virtual reconstruction of the target object. In plant science research, the construction of three-dimensional models has become an effective way to study plant growth and development, morphological structure and functional mechanism. These models provide robust support for multi-scale imaging, measurement and analysis, demonstrating significant application potential in the field of agriculture and forestry. In recent years, advancements in plant 3D reconstruction technology have led to diverse applications in botanical research, covering plant morphological structure modeling, growth and development dynamic monitoring, and plant breeding. In this paper, we summarize the development process of 3D reconstruction technology and its application in plant studies across different scales (from organs and tissues to cells). We focus on the basic principles and applications of these technologies, aiming to provide theoretical and technical support for multimodal cross-scale imaging and plant phenotypic and functional research. Additionally, this work offers a novel approach to understand the principles of plant growth and development and the mechanisms underlying their responses to environmental changes.

Amidst the rising demand for public scientific literacy, universities have emerged as a core force in advancing science communication, leveraging their abundant research resources and talent advantages. However, the existing science education system still faces challenges such as uneven development and low participation rates. Building upon existing practices and guided by experiential learning theory, this study proposes a four-dimensional science communication pathway: “hands-on experiences-reflection on science-concept construction-transfer and dissemination (HRCT)” four-dimensional science literacy pathway. It proposes a “hands-on activities + curriculum package” model, systematically developing cultural and creative teaching aids, modularized courses, and tiered activities. This forms an integrated “product-curriculum-activity” paradigm, completing the full cycle from “learning by doing” to “science communication and application”. It provides a replicable and scalable practical model for overcoming the challenges of translating science literacy initiatives within universities.

With the continuous development of urban garden construction, landscape architecture professional education needs to constantly explore new teaching methods to improve students’ comprehensive ability, particularly the practical ability in the application of knowledge in various ground conditions. Here we studied the course of “Turf and Ground Cover” to compared its teaching content, teaching methods, course assessment and evaluation as well as process assessment materials before and after reform. The study showed that the reform of course assessment, by increasing practical and process-based evaluations, had effectively boosted students’ learning interest and practical operation skills. This study provides a demonstrable experience for the reform of other courses in the future.