South African Journal of Botany最新文献

{"title":"Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Kedrostis foetidissima and its larvicidal potential against mosquitoes","authors":"Ayyadurai Thirumurugan ,&nbsp;Meenaloshini Padmanaban ,&nbsp;Durairaj Sathish Kumar ,&nbsp;Rajagopal Govindharaju ,&nbsp;Sethuramasamy Padmavathy ,&nbsp;Velusamy Karthikeyan ,&nbsp;Thiruppathi Senthil Kumar ,&nbsp;Sivabalan Karthik","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and larvicidal potential of a hydroalcoholic leaf extract of <em>Kedrostis foetidissima</em> (Jacq.) Cogn. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, glycosides, saponins, and steroids, while carbohydrates and fixed oils were not detected. Quantitative analyses revealed moderate levels of total phenolics and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity, evaluated using DPPH radical-scavenging, FRAP, and reducing power assays, showed concentration-dependent but moderate activity relative to the reference standard. FT-IR analysis identified functional groups consistent with phenolic, aliphatic, and nitrogen-containing compounds, supporting the phytochemical findings. GC–MS analysis provided a qualitative chemical profile of the extract, identifying fatty acids, terpenoid-related compounds, and aromatic constituents, while acknowledging the possibility of analytical artefacts. Larvicidal bioassays against <em>Aedes aegypti</em> demonstrated reproducible, concentration and time-dependent mortality, accompanied by histopathological alterations in larval midgut tissues. Overall, the findings indicate that <em>K. foetidissima</em> leaf extract exhibits moderate antioxidant activity and measurable larvicidal effects, supporting its further investigation as a plant-based candidate, while emphasizing the need for compound isolation and mechanistic validation in future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"193 ","pages":"Pages 412-419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Standardization of tissue culture techniques for propagation of Melochia corchorifolia L. and analysis of phytochemical and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts","authors":"Selvaraju Murali,&nbsp;Jothi Kanmani Bharathi,&nbsp;Muthu Arjuna Samy Prakash","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.03.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.03.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Melochia corchorifolia</em> L. is a therapeutic herb because of its therapeutic compounds, but due to the lack of propagation, the availability of the herb is limited. The focus of the experiment was to establish an effective in vitro regeneration procedure and to determine the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of regenerated tissues. Explants of the leaf were grown in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with varying ratios of the plant growth regulators to induce callus, shoot, and root. In vitro and field-grown plants were subjected to quantitative analyses (alkaloid (TAC), flavonoid (TFC), and phenolic (TPC) contents) and antioxidant assays (DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelation (FIC)). The highest callus induction (89.58%) was obtained using 1.0 mg/L IBA + 0.5 mg/L TDZ + 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D. The maximum shoot regeneration (71.53%) and rooting (94.03%) were on the 0.5 mg/L kinetin + 1.0 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L IAA + 0.5 mg/L IBA in half-strength MS, respectively. TPC (71.06 mg GAE/g) was high in callus, and TFC (63.57 mg QE/g) and TAC (44.72 mg AE/g) were high in field-grown leaves. A strong relationship between antioxidant activity and the levels of phytochemicals was observed; the callus extract had an IC₅₀ of 68.5 µg/mL (DPPH), 99.9 µg/mL (FRAP), and 155.07 µg/mL (FIC). Regression analysis found that there was an inverse relationship between phytochemical contents and IC₅₀ values, which is one of the reasons that phenolics and flavonoids were main contributors to antioxidant effectiveness. The in vitro regeneration and phytochemical determination are optimized, which makes tissue culture a promising method of sustainable propagation and increased bioactive metabolite synthesis in <em>M. corchorifolia</em>, which opens the gate to its pharmaceutical and conservation uses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"193 ","pages":"Pages 420-432"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Searsia elisae Moffett, a new species of Searsia (Anacardiaceae) from Mpumalanga, South Africa","authors":"Rodney O. Moffett","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A small evergreen tree from the Lowveld Botanic Garden at Mbombela in eastern Mpumalanga, previously given the provisional name Taxon – C, as it was thought to be a hybrid, has found to be fairly common in the area between Mbombela and Barberton, and is given the formal name <em>Searsia elisae</em> Moffett.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 78-82"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review on Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) landrace characterisation studies","authors":"Mpho Clementine Matsobane ,&nbsp;Rhoda Ronette Malgas ,&nbsp;Sydney Mavengahama ,&nbsp;Ethel Emmarantia Phiri","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bambara groundnut (<em>Vigna subterranea</em> (L.) Verdc.) is a neglected and underutilised crop species (NUCS), valued for its protein content and drought tolerance. Despite its potential as a future crop, it remains in its landrace form due to the absence of improved varieties. Identifying traits that can benefit breeding programmes is crucial for crop improvement. This systematic literature review explored past methodologies, emerging themes, progress, and challenges in Bambara groundnut characterisation over the last 14 years to assess research progress and identify gaps. The review analysed 937 articles from Scopus and Web of Science, filtering down to 61 relevant studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Network analysis was applied to identify connections and gaps in Bambara groundnut characterisation research. The review revealed that genetic, cytogenetic, morphological, and agronomic characterisation are the most common approaches. Genetic characterisation was demonstrated using molecular markers to assess genetic diversity among landraces. Cytogenetics remains largely unexplored, with a need for understanding heritable patterns. Morphological and agronomic characterisations highlighted the complex interactions between traits and landrace characteristics. Network analysis underscored the interconnectedness of research themes and their links to broader agricultural issues like food security and climate change. Characterisation is essential for understanding Bambara groundnut's adaptability and resilience. While challenges persist, particularly with limited genetic and phenotypic studies, the review enhances the understanding of current methodologies. It offers insights into breeding, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting small-scale farmers and local communities reliant on improved varieties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 103-111"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biostimulant seed-soaking enhances development and metabolism in red Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea Verdc.) seedlings","authors":"Thubelihle Mathonsi ,&nbsp;Siphelele Ndlovu ,&nbsp;Fikisiwe Gebashe ,&nbsp;Manoj Kulkarni ,&nbsp;Johannes Van Staden","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Successfully establishing vigorous seedlings is crucial for predicting high crop yield. Biostimulants, including Kelpak, smoke-water and vermicompost, have been recognized as a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals by enhancing seed germination, seedling vigour, and stress tolerance. The current study investigated how soaking red Bambara groundnut seeds for different durations (6, 12, 18 and 24 h) in biostimulant solutions, smoke-water, vermicompost leachate, and seaweed concentrate impacts seedling development, biomass and nutrient composition. Twelve-hour soaking with biostimulants significantly enhanced seedling development and metabolic activity. Conversely, a longer duration of soaking in water for more than 6 h decreased seed weight, which may lead to oxygen deficiency, resulting in stunted seedling development. Seaweed extract and smoke-water noticeably increased root length and total seedling weight, lowering proline content in shoots and roots, indicating reduced osmotic stress. Vermicompost leachate increased total starch and protein levels but slightly increased proline levels, suggesting metabolic priming for future stress resilience. Interestingly, all three biostimulants shifted nutrient allocation towards shoot tissues, thereby improving carbon and nitrogen reserves for photosynthesis. A 12-h soaking in Kelpak or smoke-water optimally stimulates starch synthesis, protein accumulation and stress resilience. This offers eco-friendly plant promoters that improves plant establishment and yield potential in this underutilized legume.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 55-62"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanistic insights into the anxiolytic effects of Artemisia vulgaris via GABAergic, antioxidant and neurochemical correlation in swiss albino mice","authors":"Payal Mittal ,&nbsp;Preeti Gautam ,&nbsp;Vikas Gupta ,&nbsp;Kamal Shah ,&nbsp;Perwez Alam ,&nbsp;Hitesh Kumar Dewangan","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditionally, <em>Artemisia vulgaris</em> has been used to treat disorders related to stress and anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the underlying neurochemical mechanisms and anxiolytic potential of the methanolic extract of A. vulgaris aerial parts in Swiss albino mice. With diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) serving as the standard, behavioral evaluation was carried out using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Model (LDM) at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg (i.p.). Similar to diazepam, the 600 mg/kg dose markedly increased the amount of time spent in light area (LDM) and open arms (EPM) (p &lt; 0.001). α-cardinol, viridiflorol, germacrene D, and limonene were found to be active constituents with a strong binding affinity toward MAO-A (–6.2 to –6.5 kcal/mol), similar to diazepam (–6.7 kcal/mol), according to molecular docking (AutoDock Vina, PDB <span><span>6D6U</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). The docking is presented as predictive evidence that these compounds may interact with the target and support the <em>in-vivo</em> findings, but not as confirmation of biological effect. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex showed increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase, and GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), while neurochemical tests (HPLC/ELISA) showed increased levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT). According to these results, <em>A. vulgaris</em> reduces oxidative stress, inhibits MAO, and modulates GABAergic transmission to produce anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. Additional <em>in-vivo</em> and receptor-binding research is necessary because the identified phytocompounds exhibit encouraging potential as natural anxiolytic candidates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 83-91"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hypericum vermiculare and Salvia officinalis inhibitory effects on aflatoxin B1 production and regulatory genes expression in Aspergillus flavus","authors":"Mahsa Rezaei ,&nbsp;Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi ,&nbsp;Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), is a highly potent type I hepatocarcinogen, posing a significant global health concern due to its association with liver cancer and acute aflatoxicosis in human and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the combinational inhibitory effects of <em>Hypericum vermiculare</em> (HVEO) and <em>Salvia officinalis</em> (SOEO) essential oils on fungal growth, ergosterol synthesis, AFB₁ production and the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes in <em>Aspergillus flavus</em>. The chemical composition of both essential oils was determined using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). AFB₁-producing <em>A. flavus</em> was cultured in yeast extract-sucrose (YES) broth and treated with two-fold serial concentrations (62.5–2000 μg/ml) of plant EOs at 28 °C for 4 days. Mycelia biomass was measured as an index of fungal growth. Ergosterol content of fungal mycelia was quantified spectrophotometrically, and AFB₁ was determined by HPLC analysis. Expression of <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> regulatory genes was assessed via quantitative real-time PCR. GC–MS analysis identified α-pinene (45.3%) and longifolene (14.19%) as major HVEO components, while SOEO was rich in camphor (31.78%) and 1, 8-cineole (22.30%). At 1000 μg/mL, SOEO significantly inhibited fungal growth, ergosterol content, destructed membranous structures of hyphae and suppressed AFB₁ production, whereas HVEO exhibited comparatively lower inhibitory effects. HVEO down-regulated <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> expression by 3.7-fold and 2.8-fold, while SOEO caused 2.9-fold and 2.3-fold decreases, respectively. This study provides the first evidence that HVEO and SOEO suppress <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> in <em>A. flavus</em>, linking their GC–MS-identified compounds to anti-aflatoxigenic effects. The inhibition of <em>A. flavus</em> growth and AFB₁ production by reducing ergosterol synthesis and down-regulating <em>aflR</em> and <em>aflS</em> expression provide evidence-based information about <em>S. officinalis</em> and <em>H. vermiculare</em> as promising candidates to control fungal contamination of agricultural crops and food commodities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 139-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-adipogenic potentials of Jasminum fluminense subsp. gratissimum (Deflers) P.S.Green ethyl acetate fractional extract on high-fat-diet adipocytes culture in relation to its phytochemical content by LC-ESI-MS/MS","authors":"Hala E. Taha","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Jasminum fluminense</em>, growing in Egypt, has not been previously investigated for its chemical composition or anti-obesity potential. Accordingly, the anti-adipogenicity of <em>J. fluminense</em> aerial parts (the total ethanolic extract and its fractions) was evaluated. Among the tested samples, the ethyl acetate fractional extract (EtOAc. Fr. Ext.) exhibited moderate pancreatic lipase inhibition with an IC₅₀ (25.79 ± 1.89 µg/ml). EtOAc. Fr. Ext also significantly reduced lipid accumulation in high-fat-diet adipocytes (HFD-AD) culture without cytotoxic effects at an EC₅₀ of 0.992 ± 0.05 µg/ml. This study revealed the extract's ability to improve lipid metabolism and to mitigate the oxidative stress in the HFD-AD model, indicating an initial antiadipogenic potential. The chemical composition of the active extract was analyzed <em>via</em> LC-ESI-MS-MS leading to the tentative identification of 64 compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, iridoids, lipids and cyclic tetrapyrrole photosensitizer compounds. Overall, these findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the anti-adipogenic potential of <em>J. fluminense</em> EtOAc. Fr. Ext. and highlight its phytochemical richness as a promising basis for further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In vitro and in silico insights into the comparative bioactivities of Ulva intestinalis (green) and Macrocystis pyrifera (brown) South African Seaweeds in diabesity management","authors":"Vunene N. Chabalala ,&nbsp;Kolawole A. Olofinsan ,&nbsp;Almahi I. Mohamed ,&nbsp;S’thandiwe N. Magwaza ,&nbsp;Md. Shahidul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seaweeds have been serving as an essential source of food and traditional medicines for indigenous communities in South Africa and many other coastal countries. This study investigated the seaweeds <em>Ulva intestinalis</em> and <em>Macrocystis pyrifera</em> for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects using <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in silico</em> experimental models. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and non-site-specific hydroxyl (HO^•) scavenging activities, as well as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzyme inhibitory activities of the cold water and ethanol extracts of the seaweeds, were evaluated. The extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis to elucidate their possible bioactive compounds. Molecular docking of selected compounds was done to determine their binding affinity to digestive enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. The cold-water extract of <em>M. pyrifera</em> exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity through DPPH and HO^• scavenging assays (IC₅₀ = 0.8 mg/mL and IC₅₀ = 0.97 mg/mL, respectively). <em>U. intestinalis</em> ethanol extract had the best inhibitory effect on α-amylase, whereas the similar extract of <em>M. pyrifera</em> had the best α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities. The compounds, 3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyisoflavanone, presented the strongest binding affinities with the digestive enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while caffeoyl tartaric acid presented the strongest binding affinities with pancreatic lipase. While these seaweeds possess multifunctional bioactive properties with therapeutic applications in disease management, findings in this study revealed that <em>U. intestinalis</em> green seaweed had better anti-diabetic capacity, whereas <em>M. pyrifera</em> brown seaweed presented superior antioxidant properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 92-102"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Smoke water promotes root meristem activity and cell elongation but inhibits root hair growth under phosphorus deficiency in rice","authors":"Lalichat Ariyakulkiat ,&nbsp;Sompop Pinit ,&nbsp;Juthamas Chaiwanon","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity, and plants exhibit root adaptations to optimize P acquisition. Plant-derived smoke water has been reported to promote root growth, but its mechanisms of action under P deficiency remain unclear. In this study, we investigated how rice straw-derived smoke water affects root meristem development, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and phosphorus use efficiency in rice (cv. Nipponbare) under hydroponic conditions with high or low P availability. P deficiency reduced root elongation by limiting cell proliferation in the root meristem. Smoke water treatment enhanced root elongation under both high and low P conditions by increasing meristem size, cell number, and mature cell length. It also alleviated superoxide accumulation in root tips under P deficiency. Despite promoting overall root growth, smoke water suppressed root hair elongation, which was accompanied by a reduction in phosphate uptake rate following P resupply. Under P deficiency, smoke water increased P accumulation in roots while decreasing it in shoots, suggesting altered internal P partitioning. Together, these findings highlight the dual role of smoke water in promoting root elongation while modulating P acquisition and allocation under nutrient stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"191 ","pages":"Pages 12-19"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}