Scientia Horticulturae最新文献

{"title":"Temporal dynamics of the microbiome, metabolite profiles, enzyme activities, and quality deterioration in postharvest Malus asiatica Nakai “Shaguo”","authors":"Si-yu Zhang ,&nbsp;Hai-Yan Xu ,&nbsp;Qian Xiao,&nbsp;Meng-jie Sheng,&nbsp;Ke-ke Fu,&nbsp;Xiao-yu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Malus asiatica</em> Nakai, commonly known as Shaguo, is a nutrient-rich fruit with significant economic value. However, its short postharvest shelf life and high susceptibility to spoilage severely limit commercial application. This study aimed to elucidate the deterioration mechanisms of Shaguo by analyzing dynamic changes in appearance, physicochemical properties, microbial community structure, and enzyme activities during room-temperature storage. Results showed that Shaguo maintained good appearance quality within the first 4 days of storage. After 4 days, key nutrients, including soluble sugars, organic acids, and phenolics, decreased sharply, accompanied by intensified browning, skin cracking, and spoilage. Polygalacturonase and hemicellulase activities increased continuously throughout storage, with 44-fold and 13-fold increments, respectively, by day 12. High-throughput sequencing revealed that microbial community richness and diversity gradually declined with storage time; <em>Gluconobacter</em> and <em>Penicillium</em> were significantly enriched in rotten samples. Correlation analysis confirmed that <em>Gluconobacter</em> and <em>Penicillium</em> were positively correlated with decay indices and enzyme activities, but negatively correlated with nutrient contents. Collectively, Polygalacturonase, hemicellulase, <em>Gluconobacter</em>, and <em>Penicillium</em> are key drivers of Shaguo postharvest deterioration. This study provides understandings of the physiological and microbiological mechanisms underlying Shaguo spoilage, offering a theoretical basis for developing targeted preservation technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114835"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147749052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cross-adaption mechanism of Chinese cabbage responding to salt and heat stress","authors":"Qian Liu ,&nbsp;Jia Song ,&nbsp;Xiaojuan Gao ,&nbsp;Fengcui Shi ,&nbsp;Yen Leng Pak ,&nbsp;Nianwei Qiu","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During summer, Chinese cabbage seedlings cultivated in saline soils are often subjected to combined salt and heat stress. To investigate the adaptive mechanisms underlying the response to this combined stress, seedlings of the salt-sensitive variety ‘38-Kuaicai’ (38KC) and the salt-tolerant variety ‘Qingmaye’ (QMY) were initially grown under varying salt concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mmol·L⁻¹) for 30 days, followed by exposure to high temperatures (25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C) for 4 h. Analysis of photosynthetic light reaction parameters (Fv/Fm and PI_total) and CO₂ assimilation indices (net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance) revealed that both varieties were highly susceptible to salt and heat stress, with the combined stress causing more severe damage to the photosystem. Interestingly, under 40 °C heat stress, photosynthetic activity was significantly higher in salt-treated seedlings than in the control group. Furthermore, assessments of plasma membrane permeability and membrane lipid peroxidation indicated that salt-adapted seedlings possessed enhanced thermotolerance. This cross-adaptation in Chinese cabbage was associated with the accumulation of key organic osmoticum, including soluble sugars and proline, as corroborated by metabolomic data. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the superior tolerance of QMY to combined salt and heat stress compared to 38KC. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a cross-adaptation strategy in Chinese cabbage, wherein prior salt exposure primes photosynthetic thermotolerance and osmotic regulation, mitigating the impact of subsequent heat stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114840"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147804898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment of an efficient callus transformation system in Pyrus sinkiangensis for identifying PbPRX3 mediated lignin biosynthesis under BR and MeJA induction","authors":"Jiuhong Chen ,&nbsp;Zhihua Guo ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Functional studies of lignin–related genes in pear are often hampered by low transformation efficiency and the weak lignification capacity of dedifferentiated callus, which limits phenotypic readouts. Here, we established an <em>Agrobacterium</em>–mediated transformation system for fruit-flesh-derived callus of ‘Kuerle Xiangli’ (<em>Pyrus sinkiangensis</em> Yu), achieving a transformation efficiency of 53.06% using the non-destructive <em>RUBY</em> reporter gene (encoding a betalain biosynthesis pathway). To overcome the “weak lignification” bottleneck, we developed a hormone-induction module and found that 24–epibrassinolide (EBR) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) markedly enhanced lignin accumulation in callus, as indicated by Wiesner staining and acetyl bromide-based quantification. qRT–PCR analysis showed that EBR and MeJA treatments activated corresponding signaling components and coordinately upregulated multiple phenylpropanoid/lignin pathway genes. Notably, the class III peroxidase gene <em>PbPRX3</em> was consistently induced under lignification-promoting conditions. Using this platform, we generated <em>PbPRX3</em>-overexpressing callus and demonstrated increased lignin accumulation, elevated peroxidase activity, and thickened cell walls compared with empty-vector controls. A <em>PbPRX3</em>–eGFP fusion signal co-localized with a Golgi marker in <em>Nicotiana Benthamian</em>, suggesting that <em>PbPRX3</em> may traffic through the secretory pathway to support lignin accumulation. Collectively, our study provides a reusable toolkit that couples efficient callus transformation with inducible lignification phenotyping for pear functional genomics, and identifies <em>PbPRX3</em> as a promising target for manipulating lignin-associated traits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114843"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147804945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Silk sericin as a biostimulant for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.): Effects of foliar spray and soil drenching under water stress","authors":"Viviana Cavallaro ,&nbsp;Alice Petrini ,&nbsp;Carla Colombani ,&nbsp;Bhakti Prinsi ,&nbsp;Chiara Muratore ,&nbsp;Antonio Ferrante ,&nbsp;Luca Espen ,&nbsp;Giacomo Cocetta","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114844","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114844","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sericin solution (SER), derived from silkworm cocoons, is a mixture with promising properties that may enhance plant growth. To evaluate the potential use of this SER preparation as a biostimulant, a study was conducted on lettuce (<em>Lactuca sativa</em> L.) plants, assessing both leaf spray and soil drenching methods. The experimental design included the study of plant responses to SER treatment in well-watered and water stress (WS) conditions and compared them with those of two commercially available reference biostimulants (REF1, REF2). Although some beneficial effects were observed in well-watered plants, the most significant ones occurred under WS. In this condition, the fluorescence performance index (PI) increased in plants treated with SER via leaf spray. Additionally, both SER and the commercial references reduced leaf temperature, suggesting a positive impact on leaf transpiration. Moreover, shoot head diameter remained unaffected in plants treated with REF1 and SER via leaf spray. Although SER did not fully counteract the effects caused by WS, several biochemical parameters, such as the phenolic index, and the contents of total sugars, sucrose, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA), revealed notable differences in metabolic responses, some of which were comparable to those induced by the commercial references. Interestingly, the mode of SER application appeared to elicit distinct physiological responses. Notably, leaf application of both SER and REF1 significantly reduced leaf nitrate content under non-stress condition.</div><div>This study supports the potential use of SER as a biostimulant. Being derived from textile industry waste, it aligns well with the principles of the circular economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114844"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147804849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic insights into the adaptive evolution of the memorial rose (Rosa lucieae; Rosaceae) in saline environments","authors":"Ji-Hyeon Jeon ,&nbsp;Myunghee Jung ,&nbsp;Younhee Shin ,&nbsp;Seung-Chul Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114842","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114842","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rosa lucieae</em> (syn. <em>Rosa wichurana</em> or <em>R. wichuraiana</em>; Rosaceae) is a major wild progenitor of modern rose cultivars. In breeding roses, <em>R. lucieae</em> has contributed both ornamental traits and hardiness including success under harsh conditions and high resistance to diseases and pests. Wild <em>R. lucieae</em> occurs in exposed littoral sandy banks or rocky habitats, where drought stress and high salinity inhibit plant growth. In this study, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of a wild <em>R. lucieae</em> accession from a saline coastal environment to elucidate the genomic basis and evolutionary mechanisms underlying salt tolerance shaped by natural habitats. Comparative and evolutionary genomic analyses highlighted pronounced gene family expansion driven by recent and rapid gene duplication. Notably, rapidly evolving gene families were significantly enriched for functions related to salt tolerance, such as stress signaling, homeostasis, detoxification, protein repair, and secondary metabolism. Multiple modes of gene duplication, including tandem, segmental, and transposition-duplication, contributed to the diversification of salt tolerance-related genes. Together, this study contributes substantially to our understanding stress adaptation in wild roses, which promises the enhancement of our efforts of developing stress-tolerant rose cultivars in breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114842"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147804845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenotypic diversity and cultivar discrimination in Gulf date palm germplasm","authors":"Abdullah Al-Jabri ,&nbsp;Wai Kuan Ho ,&nbsp;Sean Mayes","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114845","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114845","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Large-scale comparative phenotyping of Gulf date palm germplasm remains limited, especially across integrated vegetative, reproductive, and fruit descriptor sets. Here, 246 date palm cultivars from Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries were evaluated using 58 standardized descriptors. Substantial variation was detected across all trait classes, with particularly broad diversity in vegetative architecture and fruit-related traits. Fruit descriptors, especially fruit weight, pulp weight, pulp-to-seed ratio, and total soluble solids, were the main drivers of PC1 (15.5%), whereas vegetative descriptors contributed most strongly to PC2 (8.5%). Correlation analysis showed strong positive associations among fruit size and edible biomass traits, while seed proportion was negatively associated with fruit size. Cross-category correlations were generally weak, indicating that vegetative, reproductive, and fruit traits captured complementary dimensions of diversity. Cultivars from different countries showed only partial separation in PCA space, and PERMANOVA confirmed that origin had a significant but limited effect on overall phenotypic structure (F = 6.997, R² = 0.149, p = 0.001), indicating that within-origin variation exceeded between-origin differentiation. Concordance among descriptor-specific clustering results was low, but 73.2% of cultivars were uniquely differentiated using integrated multivariate phenotypic profiles. These findings show that large-scale phenotyping is effective for cultivar discrimination and germplasm curation, while also indicating that closely related accessions should be confirmed with molecular markers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114845"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147804846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Redefining the classical floral repressor SVP as a photo-thermosensitive integral regulator of flowering time in chrysanthemum","authors":"Han Zhang ,&nbsp;Siyi Lai ,&nbsp;Shuangrui Ren ,&nbsp;Zhaoyu Gu ,&nbsp;Lin Yang ,&nbsp;Junping Gao ,&nbsp;Bo Hong ,&nbsp;Xin Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chrysanthemum (<em>Chrysanthemum morifolium</em>) is a typical photoperiod-sensitive flowering plant, and the flowering molecular mechanisms via the photoperiod pathway have been elaborated clearly. Now it has diversified into temperature-sensitive, as well as photoperiod and temperature dual-sensitive flowering ecotypes. However, the flowering mechanisms underlying photoperiod and temperature synergistical regulation remain poorly characterized. Herein, the photoperiod and temperature dual-sensitive flowering characteristic of <em>C. morifolium</em> ‘Fall Color’ has been identified. Through transcriptome analysis of photoperiod- and thermosensory flowering, <em>CmSVP</em> (<em>SHORT VEGETATIVE ‌PHASE</em> homolog) was identified as the integrator in the photo-thermosensitive <em>C. morifolium</em> ‘Fall Color’. The reduction of <em>CmSVP</em> plays an indicative role in floral transition and CmSVP was located in nucleus. Transgenic experiments showed that <em>CmSVP</em>-RNAi plants flowered earlier than WT under short day (SD) and 16°C, respectively. Thus, it was proposed that CmSVP is a photo-thermosensitive-floral repressor of <em>C. morifolium</em> ‘Fall Color’. Additionally, the <em>CmSVP</em>-RNAi flowering time of <em>Chrysanthemum indicum</em>, which flowers strictly under SDs, was promoted. And the <em>CmSVP</em>-RNAi flowering time of <em>C. morifolium</em> ‘Summer Yellow’, which flowers depending on low temperature, was advanced too. In brief, we propose that CmSVP negatively regulated flowering through photoperiod and thermosensory pathways in chrysanthemum conservatively. By knocking <em>CmSVP</em> in chrysanthemum, we anticipate that the non-photo- or non-thermo-sensitive resources will help enterprises save a significant amount of energy and costs during the production process and ultimately benefit year-round flower supply stably.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114815"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147736197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The light-induced transcription factor PavPIF3 mediates anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet cherry by regulating the expression of PavDFR and PavUFGT","authors":"Xinyu Wang,&nbsp;Bingyang Du,&nbsp;Maihemuti Turupu,&nbsp;Zhengyang Wen,&nbsp;Haoyu Wang,&nbsp;Shuo Wang,&nbsp;Yaxin Chen,&nbsp;Changhao Ru,&nbsp;Feiyue Quan,&nbsp;Dingliang Zhang,&nbsp;Tianhong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114863","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114863","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anthocyanins are important secondary metabolites that determine fruit coloration and contribute to antioxidant activity. While light signaling modulates their biosynthesis, and Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) play essential roles in this process, a systematic characterization of the <em>PIF</em> gene family and its regulatory mechanism in sweet cherry (<em>Prunus avium</em>) remain unclear. Here, we performed bagging shading and light exposure treatments on the bicolored sweet cherry ‘Rainier’ to explore the relationship among PavPIF, light signaling, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Transcript analysis revealed that <em>PavPIF3</em> expression was significantly upregulated 2 days after bag removal following continuous shading. Functional assays demonstrated that overexpression of <em>PavPIF3</em> in ‘Rainier’ fruits and calli significantly promoted anthocyanin accumulation. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay, electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that PavPIF3 directly bind to the promoter regions of <em>PavDFR</em> and <em>PavUFGT</em> and significantly activate their transcription. Collectively, these findings elucidated the molecular mechanism by which PavPIF3 mediates light signaling to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet cherry, providing a theoretical basis for deciphering the light regulatory network of fruit color formation in sweet cherry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114863"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147860169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adaptation to spring frost: Evaluating late-flowering apple cultivars in southwest Germany","authors":"Nils Siefen ,&nbsp;Monika Meyer ,&nbsp;Ulrich Mayr ,&nbsp;Eike Luedeling","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spring frosts remain a major threat to apple (<em>Malus domestica</em>) production in temperate regions. We assessed historical cultivar-specific frost exposure timing in the Lake Constance fruit-growing region in southwestern Germany. Using continuous phenology records for 26 cultivars with ≥25 years of observations collected at the ‘Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau Bodensee’ (KOB) experimental station between 1963 and 2024, we linked phenology data to local temperature data and quantified frost exposure during and after flowering (accumulated frost hours below 0 °C and below −2.2 °C). In addition, we screened ∼800 traditional cultivars (2021–2025) to identify late-flowering genotypes preserved in a regional genetic resource collection. Across cultivars, frost events during or after bloom occurred frequently, with high variability in intensity and timing. The historical record revealed three major prolonged frost events during bloom (1974, 1981, 2017), which coincided with pronounced regional yield losses, with yields dropping to 47%, 38%, and 45% of the long-term mean. Full bloom advanced by ∼4 days per decade; in 2015–2024, bloom occurred 19.2 days earlier than in 1963–1972. Although cultivar-specific differences in full bloom within the modern cultivar set were comparatively small (6.6 days between the earliest and latest cultivars), bloom timing strongly explained variation in frost exposure frequency (R² = 0.64 at 0 °C; R² = 0.42 at −2.2 °C). A 5.5-day difference in bloom timing (Gravensteiner vs. Golden Delicious) translated into a threefold difference in frost-hour exposure. Screening of traditional germplasm identified 22 consistently late-flowering cultivars that remained several BBCH stages behind Golden Delicious, implying substantially improved stage-dependent frost tolerance. Overall, modern commercial cultivars show limited phenological diversity, whereas traditional germplasm offers a much wider range for breeding late-flowering genotypes to reduce spring frost exposure and thereby enhance yield stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114817"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147736187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiple actions of genes affecting flower shape in Nigella damascena L.","authors":"Viktor Lyakh ,&nbsp;Anatoliy Soroka","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114853","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114853","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Nigella damascena</em> L., a plant of significant ornamental value, is cherished in floriculture for its vibrant flowers of various colors and intricate foliage. The development of varieties with unique floral morphology, paves the way for an enhanced market scope for this species. To further understand and manipulate the genetic makeup of <em>Nigella</em> the studies on induced mutagenesis were carried out, wherein we discerned two mutants manifesting a phenotype of shortened sepal length. The genes responsible for this phenotypic alteration, designated as <em>shs1</em> and <em>shs2</em> (shortened sepals), concurrently influenced the overall floral structure. The mutant carrying the <em>shs1</em> gene, characterized by a rose-like flower, exhibited superior ornamental appeal, producing a lavish and captivating appearance. The mutant with the <em>shs2</em> gene displayed shortened sepals lacking rounded margins. Unlike the first mutant, which was restricted to use as a pollen parent, the <em>shs2</em> mutant was capable of setting seeds. To elucidate the genetic inheritance of these traits, inter-mutant crosses were performed. The resultant F₁ hybrids displayed cotyledons and true leaves of wild type, a simple flower with full-length sepals, and a capsule with well-developed styloids. The examination of the segregation ratio in the F₂ generation, encompassing stages from cotyledons to true leaves, flowering, and ripening, revealed a 9:3:3:1 ratio. This ratio is indicative of a dihybrid cross with two genes independently inherited. The double recessive homozygote exhibited a distinct phenotype, characterized by a serrated cotyledon margin, significantly truncated and fewer true leaf segments, severely shortened sepals, and malformed capsules lacking styloids. Consequently, both the <em>shs1</em> and <em>shs2</em> genes exerted pleiotropic effects, concurrently influencing the morphology of cotyledons, true leaves, sepals, and capsules. Despite the female sterility of highly ornamental plants carrying the <em>shs1</em> gene, their unambiguous identification at the cotyledon and true leaf stages facilitates the successful selection of desired genotypes from segregating populations for introduction into the floriculture market.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"361 ","pages":"Article 114853"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147804852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}