Scientia Horticulturae最新文献

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Multi-omics dissection of volatile aroma biosynthesis and its potential regulation throughout guava fruit development” [Scientia Horticulturae, 368 (2026), 115211]","authors":"Jian Qiao,Tianzi Li,Lingdong Li,Xu Deng,Guopeng Li,Mei Chen,Zhipan Wang,Liqing Du","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115238","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"37 1","pages":"115238"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149209299","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":"Comparative analysis of phylogeny and chloroplast genome evolution of Salix","authors":"Min Ma,&nbsp;Qianzhou Yuan,&nbsp;Liuhan Yuan,&nbsp;Tian Lan,&nbsp;Haiyan Ren,&nbsp;Haifeng Song","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Willows play a crucial role in landscape architecture and the restoration of ecosystems. The phylogenetic relationships within <em>Salix</em> remain problematic due to phenotypic plasticity, frequent hybridization, and persistent discordance between nuclear and plastid data, particularly among recently diverged lineages. However, the current molecular markers and genomic resources are inadequate for facilitating accurate enhancement and stewardship of genetic resources. <em>Salix gordejevii</em> and <em>S. microstachya</em> are ecologically and horticulturally important shrub species widely utilized for sand dune fixation and riparian soil stabilization in arid environments. In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast genomes of <em>S. gordejevii</em> and <em>S. microstachya</em>, revealing typical angiosperm quadripartite structures with total lengths of 155,643 bp and 155,555 bp, respectively. Both plastomes encoded the same set of functional genes, comprising protein-coding genes, tRNA genes, and rRNA genes, and exhibited highly conserved gene content and structural organization. Codon usage was strongly biased toward A/U-ending synonymous codons, primarily due to functional constraints and natural selection rather than mutational pressure alone. Comparative genomics further revealed several mutational hotspots in non-coding regions, such as <em>psbA-trnH</em> and <em>trnS-trnG</em>, which may serve as potential molecular markers for species identification. The major diversification of <em>Salix</em> occurred during the Miocene, with <em>S. microstachya</em> diverging approximately 14.32 Mya, while <em>S. gordejevii</em> belongs to a more recent cluster that diverged within the last 10 Mya. Overall, these taxa likely originated in East Asian, with their current distribution in Northern China shaped by historical migration and continuous genomic adaptation to intensifying continental climates. Collectively, these findings provided reliable chloroplast molecular markers for species identification and population genetics, and accelerated the breeding of stress-resistant elite cultivars, thereby supporting ecological restoration and landscaping in arid and semi-arid regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115227"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149202189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exogenous zeaxanthin enhances cold tolerance in Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium seedlings through physiological regulation and transcriptomic reprogramming","authors":"Xiaoyun Yu,&nbsp;Xinjie Wei,&nbsp;Tongyan Yao,&nbsp;Yi Liao,&nbsp;Shuangshuang Yi,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Luo,&nbsp;Chonghui Li,&nbsp;Guangsui Yang,&nbsp;Shunjiao Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium</em>, a significant tropical orchid, is highly sensitive to low temperatures, limiting its cultivation in cooler climates. This study investigated the physiological and transcriptomic responses of Dendrobium seedlings to exogenous zeaxanthin to develop cold-tolerance strategies. Among the five non-brassinosteroid candidate compounds analyzed in the present study, zeaxanthin (optimal concentration: 50 mg <span>L-1</span>) provided the most consistent protection. Its application significantly mitigated cold-induced damage through several mechanisms: Cold tolerance: it reduced leaf chlorosis and lowered the semi-lethal temperature (LT50) from 6.67 °C in the control to 3.02 °C at 50 mg <span>L-1</span> zeaxanthin. Membrane and osmotic stability: malondialdehyde (MDA) levels dropped by 64.2%, while soluble sugars (+37.8%), soluble proteins (+88.7%), and proline (+118.9%) increased. Photosynthetic integrity: zeaxanthin stabilized chlorophyll levels and the photosynthetic apparatus during stress and recovery. Transcriptional reprogramming: RNA-seq and WGCNA revealed zeaxanthin-responsive genes enriched in hormone signaling, MAPK cascades, photosynthesis, and stress-related metabolism. The transcriptomic patterns were consistent with a putative resource reallocation between photosynthesis-related and defense-related programs; because carbon assimilation, electron transport rate, and non-photochemical quenching were not directly measured, this interpretation remains inferential. Efficacy varied with cultivar and seedling age, with ‘Reke Mini’ and younger seedlings showing higher responsiveness. Overall, exogenous zeaxanthin enhances cold resilience in Dendrobium through coordinated membrane stabilization, osmotic adjustment, and transcriptional regulation, providing a foundation for stage-specific cultivation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115197"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149088012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unraveling drought tolerance mechanisms in passion fruit and their modulation by chitosan and Spirulina-mediated physiological, anatomical, and molecular adaptations","authors":"Nahed M. Rashed,&nbsp;Mohamed S. Gawish,&nbsp;Abdelrahman A. Awad,&nbsp;Manal M. Zaater,&nbsp;Metwaly M.S. Metwaly,&nbsp;Saleh M. Alturki,&nbsp;Thikrayat S. Almuqrin,&nbsp;Mostafa Y. Nassar,&nbsp;Randa A. Zarban,&nbsp;Nardin B. Farag","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water deficit is a major constraint on passion fruit production, yet the coordinated structural, biochemical, physiological, and molecular responses associated with prolonged water limitation remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to characterize the time-dependent responses of passion fruit (<em>Passiflora edulis</em> L.) to three irrigation regimes (100, 85, and 70% of field capacity) and to evaluate whether foliar application of chitosan or <em>Spirulina platensis</em> extract modifies these responses. Photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll <em>a/b</em> ratio, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (DPPH (IC50)), proline, antioxidant enzyme activities, leaf anatomical traits, and the expression of <em>PeTIP3</em> and <em>PeNAC14</em> were evaluated at successive sampling times. Water deficit progressively altered pigment homeostasis and leaf anatomical traits and induced time-dependent changes in phenolic accumulation, antioxidant capacity, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Chitosan was associated with greater preservation of pigment and anatomical characteristics under water deficit, whereas <em>Spirulina</em> elicited more pronounced biochemical and molecular responses. Water deficit induced <em>PeTIP3</em> expression in untreated plants, while both foliar treatments reduced its expression relative to the corresponding untreated plants. <em>Spirulina</em> also strongly modulated <em>PeNAC14</em> expression, indicating a distinct transcriptional response to this treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed coordinated associations among structural and functional traits, including positive relationships between mesophyll thickness and DPPH (IC50) and between vascular bundle width and chlorophyll <em>b</em> and carotenoid contents. Overall, prolonged water deficit was associated with coordinated physiological, biochemical, anatomical, and molecular adjustments in passion fruit, while chitosan and <em>Spirulina</em> modified these responses in distinct patterns. These findings provide evidence that the two biostimulants may contribute to maintaining plant performance under deficit irrigation, although their effects were dependent on the physiological and molecular trait considered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115233"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149202188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Arachidonic acid inhibits Alternaria growth and reshapes phenylpropanoid–flavonoid metabolism in Pyrus betulifolia","authors":"Yinan Du,&nbsp;Baofeng Hao,&nbsp;Zhirui Ji,&nbsp;Zongshan Zhou,&nbsp;Jialin Cong,&nbsp;Zewen Lu,&nbsp;Minghui Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arachidonic acid (AA) can elicit plant responses, but its effects on a woody pear rootstock and their relationship with disease outcomes remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, tissue-cultured seedlings of <em>Pyrus betulifolia</em> Bunge and an <em>Alternaria alternata</em> isolate were subjected to four treatments: CK (0% AA), PA (0.1% AA, v/v), PB (0.01% AA, v/v), and PC (0.001% AA, v/v). Transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses were first conducted on leaves treated with AA without pathogen inoculation, and WGCNA, O2PLS, and KEGG integration was used to identify cross-omics candidate pathways. After these analyses suggested potential AA-associated disease resistance, pathogen-related phenotypes were evaluated in independent in vitro antifungal and tissue-cultured seedling inoculation assays, and the 72-h endpoint responses of candidate pathways were assessed by qRT-PCR and targeted LC-MS/MS. The mycelial growth inhibition rates of PA, PB, and PC were 44.07%, 27.78%, and 7.78%, respectively, and the corresponding leaf disease incidences in tissue-cultured seedlings were 0%, 0%, and 30.20%, all lower than the 100% incidence in CK. Transcriptomic and metabolomic scores were highly correlated on both O2PLS joint components, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (KEGG 00940) and flavonoid biosynthesis (KEGG 00941) received the most coherent support across evidence levels. Of the nine genes assessed by qRT-PCR, eight showed lower mean expression than CK in all three AA treatments, whereas <em>PbPR1</em> was reduced in PA and PB but remained close to CK in PC. Of the 37 targeted analytes, 27 were quantified; phenylalanine, luteolin, myricetin, kaempferide, epicatechin, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside increased in all three treatments, whereas free ferulic acid and quercetin decreased in all three treatments, indicating concentration-specific remodeling among the associated precursor, free, and glycoside-conjugated metabolite pools. In conclusion, AA-containing treatments were associated with inhibited <em>A. alternata</em> growth, reduced leaf disease incidence in tissue-cultured <em>P. betulifolia</em> seedlings, and altered phenylpropanoid–flavonoid metabolite pools; the molecular effects of AA and ethanol were not separated. These parallel observations do not establish that the host metabolic changes mediate disease protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115255"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149202187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative physiological and transcriptomic analysis reveals multi-layered regulatory mechanisms underlying waterlogging tolerance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)","authors":"Nanyi Wang,&nbsp;Gaoling Fan,&nbsp;Ya Yang,&nbsp;Wenting Fu,&nbsp;Di Wu,&nbsp;Yongfa Zhan,&nbsp;Jianwen He","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Waterlogging stress poses an increasing threat to global pepper production; however, the mechanisms underlying genotype-specific tolerance remain elusive. Here, we present an integrated analysis of phenotypic, physio-biochemical, and transcriptomic responses in two contrasting pepper genotypes (tolerant GC41 and sensitive GC39) under prolonged waterlogging stress. GC41 exhibited remarkable waterlogging tolerance, maintaining green foliage, initiating adventitious roots, and achieving 95.56% survival, substantially outperforming GC39. This enhanced tolerance is underpinned by a coordinated multi-layered defence strategy. At the physiological level, GC41 mounted a robust antioxidant response characterised by the synergistic upregulation of both enzymatic (SOD, POD, and CAT) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid [AsA]-Glutathione [GSH] cycle) systems, effectively curtailing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Concurrently, the elevated accumulation of proline (PRO) and soluble sugars reinforced osmotic adjustment, preserving cellular homeostasis under hypoxic conditions. Transcriptome analysis revealed genotype-specific metabolic reprogramming in GC41, with significant enrichment of pathways involved in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (preserving membrane fluidity), zeatin biosynthesis (sustaining meristem activity), branched-chain amino acid degradation (supporting energy metabolism), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters (may aid detoxification). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a distinct module (black module) that was rapidly and transiently activated in GC41 at the early stress stage (day 3). Pearson’s correlation analysis further revealed significant associations between the expression of candidate transcription factors (WRKY, HB, and C2H2 family members) and key physiological parameters, including antioxidant enzyme activity, AsA-GSH cycle components, PRO accumulation, and malondialdehyde content. Such correlations, alongside the temporal concordance of candidate gene expression and black module dynamics, position these transcription factors as potential regulators coordinating early stress responses. Integrating these findings, we propose a working model wherein WRKY, HB, and C2H2 transcription factors are associated with a multi-layered defence network encompassing antioxidant defence, osmotic regulation, and metabolic reprogramming, ultimately conferring enhanced waterlogging tolerance in GC41.</div><div>This study provides a comprehensive resource of candidate genes and pathways, establishes quantitative links between transcriptional and physiological responses, and provides insights into the multi-layered regulatory mechanisms underlying waterlogging tolerance in pepper. Furthermore, this study identifies valuable candidate gene resources as potential resources for future breeding studies of this horticulturally important crop.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115256"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149232220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Foliar application of nano-molybdenum modulates photosynthetic and antioxidant characteristics as well as improves yield and fruit quality in strawberry","authors":"Haifang Dai,&nbsp;Zenan Liu,&nbsp;Qihang Zhang,&nbsp;Ji Yao,&nbsp;Ruoyi Fu,&nbsp;Shuaichao Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The productivity and fruit quality of strawberries (<em>Fragaria</em> × <em>ananassa</em> Duch.) are closely linked to leaf photosynthesis, redox homeostasis, and carbohydrate metabolism. Developing efficient micronutrient-management strategies to improve these processes is important for sustainable strawberry production. However, it remains unclear how the physiological response of strawberries to foliar spraying with nano-molybdenum (nano-Mo) varies across growth stages. In this study, strawberry plants at the five-leaf stage received a single foliar application of nano-Mo at 0, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 mg L⁻¹. Plant physiological responses were monitored across eight developmental stages, and fruit yield and quality were evaluated at maturity. Among the treatments, 0.50 mg L⁻¹ nano-Mo (Mo3) produced the most favorable overall response. Compared with the control, Mo3 increased the net photosynthetic rate (<em>P</em>_n) by 9.9–29.8% during main developmental stages. This response was accompanied by increased stomatal conductance (<em>G</em>_s), improved maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (<em>F</em>_v/<em>F</em>_m), enhanced Rubisco activity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, indicating coordinated changes in stomatal and non-stomatal components of photosynthesis. Mo3 treatment was also associated with the activities of key enzymes in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, including monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and ascorbate oxidase (AAO), together with lower H₂O₂ accumulation. In addition, increased activities of pyruvate kinase and acid invertase coincided with enhanced sugar accumulation and improved fruit quality. Compared to the control, the Mo3 treatment increased yield per plant by 23.8%, single fruit weight by 36.7%, and marketable fruit rate by 14.7%. It also improved the sugar-to-acid ratio and increased phenolics and anthocyanins contents. Overall, a single foliar application of nano-Mo at appropriate concentration was associated with improved strawberry productivity and fruit quality by improved photosynthesis, antioxidant capacity, and sugar metabolism. These findings provide evidence for the potential use of nano-enabled micronutrient management in high-value horticultural production. However, further studies comparing nano-Mo with conventional Mo fertilizers at equivalent Mo doses are required to distinguish nano-specific effects from general Mo nutritional effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115267"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149254397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growth, physiological and yield responses of olive tree to biochar-enriched substrates irrigated with domestic and urban treated wastewaters","authors":"Lorenzo Bini,&nbsp;Pamela Lippi,&nbsp;Davide Passaseo,&nbsp;Ermes Lo Piccolo,&nbsp;Luca Rivoira,&nbsp;Maria Concetta Bruzzoniti,&nbsp;Donatella Fibbi,&nbsp;Roberto Camisa,&nbsp;Aleandro Ottanelli,&nbsp;Massimo Del Bubba,&nbsp;Edgardo Giordani","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assessed the combined effects of biochar substrate amendment (BC0: 0%, BC25: 25%, and BC50: 50% v/v) and irrigation with treated wastewaters (TWWs) on three-year-old potted olive trees (<em>Olea europaea</em> L., cv. ‘Arbosana’) over a full growing season. Two types of treated wastewater were used: domestic (TWW1) and urban (TWW2), both of which underwent phytoremediation. Additionally, tap water (TaW) served as control. Plant growth, physiological, and yield parameters were evaluated. Biochar addition improved substrate physical properties, decreasing bulk density (up to 56%) and increasing water-holding capacity (20–25%). Irrigation with TWWs promoted vegetative growth. TWW1 increased fruit yield and weight by ∼30–35% due to high nitrate and phosphorus loads. Conversely, TWW2 reduced fruit number and yield by ∼24%, likely due to lower phosphorus availability during reproductive development. Despite the elevated salinity of TWWs, olive trees exhibited strong osmotic tolerance. However, TWW1 induced ionic imbalance, characterized by increased Na accumulation and reduced K and P concentrations in leaves. This response may be associated with the high nitrate content of TWW1, which can promote Na uptake. Biochar application decreased heavy metal uptake, particularly Mn, which was reduced in BC50 olive leaves by 56%. Moreover, BC50 also reduced fruit yield by 27% due to a trade-off favoring vegetative biomass over fruit set. Overall, a moderate 25% biochar rate combined with domestic TWW1 represents a viable strategy to substitute freshwater and peat in sustainable olive nurseries and cultivation, but it requires precise substrate formulation and proper fertilization management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115228"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149150756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis unravels the biosynthetic mechanism of characteristic aroma compounds in red-fleshed 'Yexiang' mango pulp","authors":"QingYuan Zhang,&nbsp;Zhe Shan,&nbsp;Ling Wei,&nbsp;Chenyu Jiang,&nbsp;Yijia Gao,&nbsp;Jiabing Jiao,&nbsp;AiPing Gao,&nbsp;Ruixiong Luo,&nbsp;Kaibing Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mango pulp aroma comprises diverse volatile organic compounds that determine fruit flavor quality and commercial value. The ‘Yexiang’ mango is distinguished by its sweet flavor and delicate texture. In particular, the red-fleshed variant exhibits a distinctive aroma compared with the traditional yellow-fleshed variant. To elucidate the mechanism underlying this distinctive aroma, red- and yellow-fleshed ‘Yexiang’ mangoes from the same orchard were comparatively analyzed. The pulp of the red-fleshed fruit exhibited a deeper yellow color with a reddish hue, emitted a distinctive citrus-like aroma, and had a higher sugar-acid ratio. Volatile metabolomic analysis showed that terpenoids represented the largest class of differential metabolites, with limonene emerging as the monoterpene most closely associated with the distinctive aroma. Transcriptomic analysis showed that, from 90 days after flowering to postharvest ripening, most differentially expressed genes were enriched in metabolic and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways. Among them, genes encoding 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and DXS2 were identified as candidate regulators of limonene biosynthesis. Targeted GC–MS quantification confirmed that limonene content was significantly higher in red-fleshed fruit at 80, 90, and 97 DAF. ELISA assays demonstrated significantly elevated total DXS protein content in red-fleshed pulp, matching the trend of limonene accumulation. In addition, qRT-PCR verified the upregulation of <em>DXS</em> and <em>DXS2</em> at specific stages, indicating that enhanced precursor supply through the MEP pathway drives limonene accumulation and characteristic aroma formation. These findings clarify the molecular basis of citrus-like aroma biosynthesis in red-fleshed 'Yexiang' mango, offering practical guidance for fruit quality breeding and cultivation management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115210"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149088019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sulfur reduces the adverse effects of common pistachio psylla on pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.): physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses","authors":"Maedeh Jalali,&nbsp;Farideh Attar,&nbsp;Masoomeh Jannesar,&nbsp;Seyed Mahdi Seyedi,&nbsp;Christopher Botanga","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The common pistachio psylla (CPP) is a major pest of pistachio (<em>Pistacia vera</em> L.) orchards in Iran. Although sulfur is widely used as an insecticide, its potential role in modulating internal plant defense mechanisms in this valuable nut crop remains largely unexplored. This study investigated how foliar sulfur application (4%) affects enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses in two pistachio genotypes, cultivated (Ghazvini) and wild (Sarakhs), under CPP infestation. Sulfur treatment triggered a genotype-dependent response in pistachio, significantly enhancing the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, POX, CAT, and PPO, and increasing the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins, phenolics, and flavonoids. It also maintained higher chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoid contents, thereby mitigating the CPP‑induced decline in photosynthetic pigments. Under combined sulfur treatment and CPP infestation, Ghazvini exhibited stronger enzymatic defenses, whereas Sarakhs relied more on phenolic and anthocyanin compounds. In addition, sulfur reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA, H₂O₂) and upregulated key defense genes (CHS, PAL) in pistachio under CPP infestation, collectively alleviating the effects of this biotic stress. These findings indicate that sulfur, beyond its traditional pesticidal role, acts as a modulator of genotype-dependent defense responses in pistachio. The results provide insight into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying genotype-specific responses and contribute to the development of genotype-based and sustainable pest management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 115213"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149092298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}