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Note: The papers published below will continue to be available from this page until they are assigned to an issue. To see an article, click its [PDF] link. To review many abstracts, check the boxes to the left of the titles you want, and click the 'Selected articles' button. To see one abstract at a time, click its [Abstract] link. Please wait a minute... For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails Select Deep vertical rotary tillage and planting density enhance salt leaching and water productivity via root-mediated processes in saline cotton fields Jianshu Dong, Hongguang Liu, Yuanhang Guo, Qiang Meng, Yibin Xu, Xiaojun Shen, Ke Zhang, Ke Sun DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.023 Online: 16 January 2026 Abstract （6）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Optimizing root architecture is vital for enhancing crop stress tolerance and resource use efficiency. This study examined the interactive effects of deep vertical rotary tillage (DVRT) and planting density on cotton root morphology, water–nitrogen utilization, and soil quality in arid saline-alkali fields. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, China, using cultivar ‘Xinluzhong 56’ under a split-plot design. The main plots included four tillage regimes: conventional plow tillage at 20 cm (D0) and DVRT at 20 cm (D1), 40 cm (D2), and 60 cm (D3). The subplots consisted of three planting densities (R1, 17.6×104; R2, 21.1×104; R3, 26.4×104 plants ha-1). Root traits were significantly improved with increasing DVRT depth. The D3R2 combination was identified as the optimal treatment, significantly increasing root surface area, volume, and diameter by 45.15, 34.85, and 48.05%, respectively, compared with the conventional practice (D0R2). However, excessive density (R3) offset these benefits, resulting in an 11.49% reduction in root volume in D3R3 compared with D3R2. DVRT promoted deeper roots, with 38.54% of root length density in the 40–60 cm layer under D3 versus 19.24% under D0. In 2022, D3R2 increased shoot and root biomass (124.10 and 9.30 g/plant) and root activity (69.92% compared to D0R2). This treatment increased yield (50.33% over two years), water productivity (56.61–62.62%), and partial factor productivity (50.03–50.63%). DVRT also reduced topsoil pH and achieved a desalination efficiency of 55.15%. Path modeling showed that yield gains mainly stemmed from root deepening and soil amelioration, whereas density enhanced root biomass and activity. DVRT at 60 cm with 21.1×104 plants ha-1 is recommended to maximize cotton yield and resource use in saline-alkali soils. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimal ethephon application strategies for enhancing lodging resistance and yield in maize under different irrigation and fertilisation regimes Minglong Yu, Mengfan Yang, Mingwei Du, Yushi Zhang, Zhaohu Li, Mingcai Zhang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.022 Online: 16 January 2026 Abstract （2）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Ethephon is widely applied in maize production to reduce centre of gravity and enhance lodging resistance; however, its efficacy is strongly influenced by site-specific irrigation and fertilisation regimes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of optimised ethephon concentrations on lodging resistance and yield under two contrasting management systems—traditional water–fertiliser (TWF) and drip irrigation with water–fertiliser integration (DIWF)—across two ecological regions (Wuqiao [WQ] and Baicheng [BC]). Field experiments were conducted in 2023 and 2024 at WQ and in 2024 at BC, using two maize hybrids (Woyu 3 [WY3] and Jingnongke 728 [JNK728]) and three ethephon concentrations (0 mg L−1 [CK], 270 mg L−1 [E270], and 540 mg L−1 [E540]). DIWF_E270 (DIWF with 270 mg L−1 ethephon) shortened the effect duration by 1.9 d at both ecological sites, leading to increased ear height, reduced stalk quality, and significantly higher lodging rates compared with those in TWF_E270. However, DIWF_E540 exhibited a compensatory effect—prolonging the effect duration by 3.6 d in WQ and 4.9 d in BC compared with that in DIWF_E270. The prolonged effective duration of ethephon optimised basal internode morphology (decreased length, increased cross-sectional area, and greater mass density) and quality (increased rind penetration strength, breaking strength, and lignin deposition) by increasing ethylene evolution while suppressing gibberellin and auxin concentrations. These changes improved plant architecture traits (lower plant height, ear height, centre of gravity height, and ear ratio) and significantly reduced lodging rate. However, its effects on yield varied by site and regime. Optimizing ethephon application strategies achieved the highest productivity. Under TWF with only pre-sowing irrigation, the optimal ethephon concentration was 270 mg L−1, though it resulted in yield reduction. For TWF with supplemental drip irrigations and DIWF without plastic‑film mulching, the optimal concentration remained 270 mg L−1, increasing yields by 3.9 and by 4.3%, respectively. In contrast, under DIWF with plastic‑film mulching, the optimal ethephon concentration was 540 mg L−1, achieving a 6.5% yield increase. These findings suggest that adjusting ethephon concentrations to irrigation–fertilisation regimes optimise the balance between increased yield and lodging resistance, highlighting the potential of integrating chemical regulation strategies with local agronomic practices for sustainable maize production. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Density-dependent regulation of rapeseed root development by long-petiole leaves: Mediated by sucrose partitioning and phytohormones Xiaoyu Huang, Hongxiang Lou, Xiaoqiang Tan, Anda Guo, Dongli Shao, Jie Zhao, Zhenghua Xu, Jing Wang, Bo Wang, Jie Kuai, Guangsheng Zhou DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.021 Online: 16 January 2026 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The morphological establishment and yield formation of rapeseed are fundamentally dependent on root system development. While long-petiole leaves constitute the earliest true leaves in rapeseed, their regulatory effects on root growth under high-density planting conditions remain unexplored. Field experiments were conducted with two planting densities (D3, 4.5×10⁵ plants ha−1; D5, 7.5×10⁵ plants ha−1) and two leaf treatments (CK: no leaf pruning; LP: removal of 50% long-petiole leaves). A continuous 13C-CO2 labeling experiment was implemented in pot-grown plants to track photoassimilate partitioning, with half of the long-petiole leaves receiving 13C-CO2 pulse labeling. The results indicate that compared with CK, LP treatment reduced per-plant leaf area and dry weight while increasing root-to-shoot ratio. From seedling to bolting stages, LP increased relative expansion rate of leaf area (RER LA) by 56.01% (D3) and 19.87% (D5), but decreased relative expansion rates of root surface area (RERRSA) and relative growth rates of root volume (RGR RV) from seedling to flowering stages, with average annual reductions of 32.71% and 56.98% (D3), and 32.60% and 16.61% (D5), respectively. At the seedling stage, LP treatment enhanced root sucrose synthase (SUSY) activity and elevated sucrose, starch, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations, but reduced sucrose transporter (SUT) levels. By the flowering stage, cytokinin (CTK), abscisic acid (ABA), and SUT contents declined under D3 density, coinciding with inhibited lateral root growth. Furthermore, LP treatment increased invertase (INV) activity and sucrose content at both seedling and flowering stages but diminished starch reserves, SUT activity, and IAA levels, collectively impeding lateral root development. Notably, LP treatment significantly elevated ABA content under D5 density, which stimulated taproot elongation. Siliques exhibited the highest 13C assimilation and distribution rates under both planting densities. Elevated density reduced 13C-labeled photoassimilate accumulation in vegetative organs but enhanced their allocation to seeds and stems. Root 13C distribution rates declined from 14.5% (D3) to 11.5% (D5), demonstrating that the contribution of long-petiole leaves to root carbon allocation diminished with increasing plant density. The regulatory influence of long-petiole leaves on root growth diminished with increasing planting density. At D3, reduced long-petiole leaf count enhanced sucrose translocation to roots, whereas at D5, starch remobilization in roots was prioritized to sustain basal root development. This study elucidates key mechanisms by which long-petiole leaves modulate root morphogenesis under varying densities and establishes a theoretical framework for optimizing root-shoot balance in high-density direct-seeded rapeseed cultivation systems. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Nutrient management regulates soil fertility in paddy-upland rotations: A meta-analysis Yating Fang, Hongyan Deng, Hehe Gu, Xin Cui, Shipeng Liao, Zhifeng Lu, Rihuan Cong, Xiaokun Li, Tao Ren, Jianwei Lu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.020 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （6）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Maintaining soil fertility through balanced fertilization is essential for ensuring high crop productivity in intensive paddy-upland rotation systems. In this study, a meta-analysis of 141 published studies was conducted to evaluate the effects of different fertilization regimes on soil chemical properties and crop yields in predominant paddy-upland rotation systems. Relative to balanced fertilization (BF), both no fertilization (CK) and unbalanced fertilization (UF) significantly reduced soil organic matter (SOM) (16.6% and 7.2%), total N (11.3% and 4.9%), total P (14.6% and 7.1%), available P (41.0% and 22.9%), and available K (13.0% and 11.0%). In contrast, the combined application of chemical fertilizer with organic manure (F+M) or straw return (F+S) significantly increased SOM (16.5% and 9.6%), total N (14.9% and 8.7%), total P (29.2% and 16.6%), available P (37.6% and14.7%), and available K (9.1% and 12.9%). Notably, the response of soil fertility to fertilization regimes differed between oilseed rape–rice (OR) and wheat–rice (WR) rotations. The WR rotation showed greater declines in SOM and total N under CK treatment than the OR rotation. While F+S treatment was more effective in improving soil available P in OR rotation, F+M treatment produced better outcomes in WR rotation. These soil responses were reflected in crop yields, with a more severe rice yield reduction under CK in the WR (45.0%) than in the OR rotation (29.2%). The greatest yield increases were associated with the F+S treatment in OR and the F+M treatment in WR. Random Forest analysis and linear regression identified SOM, available P, and total N as the primary factors governing rice yield. These results suggest that integrated nutrient management combining chemical fertilizers with organic amendments is crucial for sustaining soil fertility and productivity in paddy-upland rotations, and that tailored fertilization strategies should be developed based on specific rice-based cropping systems. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Effect of rice leaf color-changing patterns and nitrogen application on stem non-structural carbohydrate translocation during grain filling Yanan Xu, Chang Ye, Yi Tao, Deshun Xiao, Junlin Zhu, Wenli Liao, Song Chen, Guang Chu, Chunmei Xu, Jianliang Huang, Danying Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.019 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （1）      PDF in ScienceDirect       To elucidate the relationship between leaf color-changing and stem NSC translocation during grain filling and their impact on yield formation, two indica-japonica hybrid varieties with distinct leaf color change patterns were planted under three N fertilizer dosages (LN 0 kg ha−1; MN 150 kg ha−1; HN 300 kg ha−1). Leaf color change characteristics, photosynthetic productivity, stem NSC translocation, yield and harvest index were analyzed. The results showed that CY927 (slow leaf color change) achieved 10.45%−21.81% higher yields than YY1540 (fast leaf color change) under high-temperature conditions. Compared to YY1540, CY927 delayed the onset of leaf color-changing (T0) by 2.1−4.1 d, enhanced the final leaf color indicator at maturation (CIf) by 16.79−52.25%, contributing to 10.56−42.77% greater aboveground biomass accumulation through higher photosynthetic capacity, but significantly limited stem NSC remobilization, reduced total NSC translocation by 23.78−33.19% and NSC translocation ratio by 14.65−22.19%, resulting in a 2.66−8.43% lower harvest index. N application increased rice yield via a delay in leaf color-changing onset (T0), a reduced color-changing rate (Rm), a shortened color-changing duration (T100), and an improved final color index (CIf). This retardation of senescence enhanced photosynthetic capacity, which was associated with elevated sucrose content and sucrose synthase activity. However, N reduced stem α-amylase activity (14.83−62.07%) and NSC translocation ratio (5.44−16.30%) in both varieties. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between T0 and aboveground biomass (P<0.001), and between T100 and stem NSC translocation (P<0.001). In conclusion, rice variety and N application indirectly regulate the dynamic balances between leaf photosynthetic carbon metabolism and stem NSC translocation by influencing the leaf color-changing dynamic, ultimately affecting yield and resource use efficiency. This integrative framework, connecting leaf color-changing, carbon allocation, and yield performance, provides scientific guidance for optimizing rice cultivars and N fertilization strategies.   Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimizing sowing method and density of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) to improve lodging resistance and yield Xiaoyan Liang, Jiajia Li, Kuihua Yi, Yinyu Gu, Meng Li, Chuanjie Chen, Junlin Li, Rao Fu, Jialei Zhang, Shubo Wan DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.017 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （3）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Quinoa–peanut relay intercropping is a potential practice in saline-alkali land; however, quinoa varieties exhibit considerable variability, and a paucity of information regarding suitable varieties of quinoa for intercropping with peanuts. A field experiment with three intercropped peanut treatments (PSE, PMM, and PTL) with quinoa varieties of short-stemmed and early-maturing (QSE), medium-stemmed and medium-maturing (QMM), and tall-stemmed and late-maturing (QTL) was conducted in 2021–2022 to elucidate the effects of quinoa varieties on the root distribution, soil moisture content (SMC), electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient (N, P, and K) absorption, and pod yield of peanuts. The results showed the pod yield, pod dry weight, biomass, and 100-fruit weight of peanut under PSE were the highest, followed by PMM, and PTL was the lowest. The pod yield of PSE was 6.03–21.16% higher than that of PMM and PTL in 2021 and 2022. In the co-growth period of quinoa and peanut (CGP), the main stem height, branch number, leaf area (LA), dry matter weight, and nutrients absorption of peanut plants under PSE and PMM were all significantly higher than PTL; but no difference was observed between PSE and PMM. In the solo-growth period of peanut (SGP), the plant traits (except for the main stem height) and nutrient absorption of peanut under PMM were worse than PSE, and PTL was the worst, which was consistent with the variation of root length density (RLD) of peanuts. Meanwhile, PSE had the highest SMC at soil depths below 10 cm, nutrient contents in rhizosphere soil (K+, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−, and TOC), also EC and Na+ contents compared with PMM and PTL. The RLD of peanut, SMC, EC, and nutrient contents in rhizosphere soil of peanuts were negatively correlated with the RLD of quinoa. Therefore, intercropping peanut with short-stemmed and early-maturing quinoa variety is more conducive to increasing peanut yield in saline-alkali soil. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimizing sowing method and density of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) to improve lodging resistance and yield Ruiyun Li, Shaopeng Yu, Jiayue Zhou, Ziyang Lu, Mingrui Zhao, Xuwen Su, Qinghua Yang, Yuhao Yuan, Jinfeng Gao, Baili Feng DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.018 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （3）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The frequent occurrence of extreme adverse climatic conditions worldwide has led to a significant increase in crop lodging, resulting in reduced yields and posing a threat to food security. Broomcorn millet is mainly cultivated in marginal land where agricultural practices are relatively less advanced. Improper sowing methods and density have exacerbated the lodging issue of broomcorn millet, hindering yield increase. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of different sowing methods and densities on the lodging resistance and yield of broomcorn millet, aiming to optimize cultivation techniques for enhanced lodging resistance and higher yields. The experiment was conducted using the Shaanxi broomcorn millet No. 2 variety, with three sowing methods (row sowing, hole sowing, and wide-range sowing) and three sowing densities (D1-D3, 6×105, 9×105, and 1.2×106 plants ha-1, respectively) to assess the impact on lodging-related characteristics and yield changes. The results showed that as sowing density increased, the total dry matter of broomcorn millet decreased. However, wide-range sowing maintained a larger leaf area and better growth status at higher densities. Wide-range sowing exhibited superior stem breaking resistance under all density conditions, optimizing both plant height and the height of the center of gravity, thereby enhancing overall lodging resistance. Furthermore, the mechanical tissue structure in wide-range sowing was superior to that in row and hole sowing at the same density, promoting lignin and cellulose accumulation, thereby strengthening broomcorn millet's lodging resistance. Based on these findings, it is recommended that local broomcorn millet production adopt wide-range sowing with a D2 density, as this combination results in a lower lodging rate and higher yields. This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing broomcorn millet planting strategies, demonstrating that a suitable combination of sowing method and density can effectively improve lodging resistance and yield. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select A zoning-based machine learning framework for accurate soil organic matter prediction across Mollisol and non-Mollisol regions Xue Li, Bo Jiang, Depiao Kong, Deqiang Zang, Ya Chen, Changkun Wang , Huanjun Liu, Chong Luo DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.016 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （1）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Soil organic matter (SOM) is a core indicator of soil fertility and ecosystem function. However, in regions where Mollisol and non-Mollisol coexist, high-precision spatial mapping faces significant challenges due to pronounced terrain heterogeneity and redundancy in high-dimensional covariates. This study proposes a “remote sensing zoning-feature selection optimization-random forest (RSZ-FSO-RF)” framework. By integrating Landsat-8 multi-temporal imagery from 2014-2023 with topographic and climatic factors, and leveraging the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, it achieves high-precision remote sensing zoning of Mollisol and non-Mollisol areas (overall accuracy: 92.13%, Kappa coefficient: 0.70). Subsequently, local Random Forest (RF) regression models were established within each zone for SOM prediction, with predictive variables optimized using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). Results demonstrate that compared to FAO-zone-based modeling, the RSZ-FSO-RF framework significantly enhances prediction accuracy (R2=0.619, RMSE=6.849 g kg-1). And further feature optimization continued to enhance model performance (R2=0.627, RMSE=6.781 g kg-1). Notably, optimal predictor combinations varied significantly across zones, with SOM spatial variability generally higher in non-Mollisol areas than in Mollisol regions. By organically integrating remote sensing zoning with feature selection, this framework effectively mitigates covariate redundancy while accounting for local heterogeneity, significantly enhancing the accuracy and stability of high-resolution SOM mapping. Furthermore, this study provides scientific basis and decision support for soil resource management and sustainable agricultural development under complex topographic conditions. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Involvement of brassinosteroids in mediating phosphorus acquisition and utilization of rice Shiyan Peng, Jiangyao Fu, Kuanyu Zhu, Weiyang Zhang, Zhiqin Wang, Junfei Gu, Jianhua Zhang, Jianchang Yang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.015 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （5）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a novel class of plant hormones that play important roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known whether and how BRs mediate phosphorus (P) acquisition and utilization in rice. This study investigated the question. Both hydroponics and field experiments were conducted in 2019-2024 by using rice varieties either with strong tolerance to low P (SVs) or with weak tolerance to low P (WVs). The results showed that the SVs had higher levels of BRs including 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) and 28-homobrassinolide (28-HBL) in both roots and leaves than WVs at each growth stage and under a low P (LP) condition. Levels of 24-EBL and 28-HBL were very significantly and positively correlated with the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization, such as P content, activities of acid phosphatase and proton-pumping adenosine triphosphatase, and P remobilization, leading to more P accumulation and higher P harvest index, internal P use efficiency, and grain yield for SVs. In contrast, levels of other phytohormones including cytokinins (zeatin+zeatin riboside), indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acids (GA1+GA4), abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene were neither markedly different between SVs and WVs nor significantly correlated with the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization under LP. Applying 24-EBL prominently increased BRs levels in plants, improved the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization, up-regulated expression of the genes involved in P uptake and transport, and increased P remobilization, internal P use efficiency, and grain yield, whereas applying brassinazole, an inhibitor of BRs synthesis, exhibited opposite effects. These findings shed light on the role and mechanism of BRs in mediating P acquisition and utilization, and provide a strategy for synergistically improving grain yield and P use efficiency through increasing BRs levels in the plants in rice breeding and crop management. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select A rapid and highly efficient tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV)-induced gene silencing system based on vacuum infiltration and tenoxicam co-cultivation in melon Jiyu Wang, Xiang Li, Xiaoxue Liang, Yingying Chen, Lei Cao, Qiong Li, Zhiqiang Cheng, Yan Guo, Junlong Fan, Wenwen Mao, Chen Luo, Lili Li, Panqiao Wang, Luming Yang, Juan Hou, Jianbin Hu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.014 Online: 14 January 2026 Abstract （2）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Melon is a globally important cucurbit crop, but its functional genomics are hindered by inefficient genetic transformation. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) enables rapid gene analysis and high-throughput screening. In this study, we evaluated the silencing efficiency of three viral vectors delivered via vacuum infiltration and cotyledon injection. We developed an optimized tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV)-mediated VIGS system using vacuum infiltration, which exhibited remarkable silencing efficiency and accelerated phenotypic manifestation in melon. The reporter gene CmPDS (phytoene desaturase) was effectively silenced, resulting in complete photobleaching across the entire leaf surface. This method achieved 95.2% silencing efficiency with 80% transformation frequency, completing the entire process from seed treatment to observable phenotype within just 11 days. Supplementing with tenoxicam (TNX, oxicam-type nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs) during co-culture significantly enhanced transformation frequency to 93.3% across diverse genotypes. qRT-PCR showed TNX may boost transformation by attenuating plant immunity. To validate the system’s broad applicability, we silenced the Mg-chelatase H subunit (CmChlH) gene, resulting in the expected yellow-leaf phenotype. The VIGS system developed herein provides a powerful tool for investigating gene function during early melon development. Also, this work establishes a foundational framework for VIGS system construction and accelerates genetic research in other cucurbit species. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select The CsRAP2.3-CsUGT78A14 module regulates flavonol biosynthesis in white tea trichomes Junmei Huang, Dafeng Dong, Tao Wang, Zhidan Chen, Peitao Lü, Weijiang Sun, Wen Zeng DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.013 Online: 14 January 2026 Abstract （1）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Tea trichomes are rich in secondary metabolites and play a crucial role in the stress resistance and quality formation of tea plants. However, the specific metabolites involved and their regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to conduct a comprehensive targeted metabolomic analysis of the trichomes and corresponding defoliated leaves from the buds of Fudingdahao (FDDH) white tea. Our analysis identified a total of 2,425 metabolites, with 1,537 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between the trichomes and leaves. Notably, flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and its derivatives, were found to be more abundant in trichomes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 447 genes specifically highly expressed in trichomes, with significant enrichment in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Further chromatin accessibility analysis identified an ERF transcription factor, CsRAP2.3, as a key regulator. DNA affinity purification sequencing and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that CsRAP2.3 binds to the promoter of the CsUGT78A14 gene, which is involved in kaempferol glycosylation. Transient overexpression of CsRAP2.3 in tobacco leaves increased flavonol metabolites. Our results suggest that CsRAP2.3 may regulate the expression of CsUGT78A14, thereby influencing the accumulation of flavonols in trichomes of tea plants. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the accumulation of flavonol metabolites in white tea trichomes and offers a foundation for improving tea stress resistance and quality. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Antagonism and convergence of MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH in mango (Mangifera indica) flowering and abiotic stress Junjie Zhong, Ruoyan Li, Yuan Liu, Shuquan Chen, Huibao Wen, Teng Tang, Cong Luo, Xinhua He DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.012 Online: 14 January 2026 Abstract （2）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The CONSTANS/CONSTANS-LIKE (CO/COL) gene family plays important roles in plants flowering and stress response. In this study, two variants of the MiCOL14B gene were identified from two different mango cultivars; they were designated as MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH, which exhibited significant differences in sequence and B-box domain. Both genes are expressed in various tissues of mango, localized in the nucleus, and responsive to drought and salt stress. In transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, MiCOL14B-GQ delayed flowering, while MiCOL14B-JH promoted flowering. This phenotypic divergence stemmed from their molecular regulatory specificity. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that both variants directly bind to the promoters of florigen genes (MiFTs), with MiCOL14B-GQ repressing their transcription and MiCOL14B-JH enhancing it. Altered expression levels of MiFTs in the roots of transgenic mango further validated this mechanism. Moreover, both MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH improved stress tolerance under drought and salt conditions in transgenic A. thaliana as well as in transgenic mango roots. These variants significantly increased stress tolerance by increasing proline (Pro) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays revealed that MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH interact with several stress-related proteins. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential function of MiCOL14B gene sequence variation in regulating flowering and stress responses, providing valuable genetic resources for mango molecular breeding. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Multiple human-mediated introductions shape the disjunct distribution of an invasive weed Amaranthus palmeri in China Jingjing Cao, Yongpan Qian, Jianying Guo, Hongwei Wang, Jianguo Fu, Yibo Zhang, Wanxue Liu, Fanghao Wan, Rui Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.011 Online: 14 January 2026 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       A central challenge in invasion biology is to determine whether disjunct distributions of invasive species stem from secondary spread from an initial introduction bridgehead or from recurrent, human-mediated introductions. The devastating alien weed Amaranthus palmeri, with its large-scale disjunct distribution across China, provides an ideal system to address this question. We tested the competing hypotheses of bridgehead-mediated expansion (originating from the initial introduction in Beijing, 1985) versus multiple independent introductions. By integrating genetic analyses with stable isotope geolocation, we treated propagules from imported soybean shipments as direct, traceable links to potential source populations. Newly field-collected populations in China harbored significantly higher nucleotide diversity (π=(0.78 ± 0.18) × 10-3) and haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.47 ± 0.04) than both the initial introduced population and the pooled propagules from the primary source, the United States (US). Significant genetic differentiation (FST > 0.20) was observed both among newly field-established populations and between them and the initial introduction. Non-significant neutrality tests, coupled with multimodal mismatch distributions (Raggedness index = 0.0946, P > 0.05), indicated that these populations did not undergo a recent demographic expansion or selection. Genetic diversity and structure correlated with regional soybean import volume (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) but not with environmental distance (Mantel r = 0.24, P > 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that recurrent transcontinental introductions, mediated by global grain trade, are the dominant force shaping the genetic pattern and invasion process. This study provides a framework for reconstructing invasion pathways and highlights the need for proactive, source-targeted biosecurity strategies to manage invasions in the Anthropocene. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Parallel denitrification and nitrite oxidation in the unsaturated zone: isotopic constraints from nitrate δ15N and δ18O in Tianjin, China Dongmei Xue, Jinglei Wang, Lanxin Xiang, Xiaoxian Peng, Ke Jin, Yunting Fang, Xiangzhen Li, Yidong Wang, Zhongliang Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.010 Online: 14 January 2026 Abstract （2）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Denitrification plays a critical role in mitigating anthropogenic nitrate (NO3-) accumulation in JIA-2025-1634 Jinke slj ZR.docxecosystems. The isotopic composition of NO3- (δ15N and δ18O) serves as a powerful tracer for identifying N sources and transformation processes. Denitrification often superimposed on the isotope effects of NO2- oxidation, resulting in parallel enrichment of δ15N- and δ18O-NO3- (Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectory) that causes them to be either below or above 1. This study compared the Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectory during denitrification, functional genes (narG, napA, and nxrA), and carbon sources from metabolites in the Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectories below or above 1 in unsaturated zones. The results revealed that NO3- reduction was more important for variation in the Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectory because the difference in isotope effects (15εNO3 reduction and 18εNO3 reduction) between the two Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectory groups was significant, whereas the difference in isotope effects (15εnxr and 18εnxr) upon NO2- oxidation was not. Carbon sources in the group with Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectories below 1 facilitated more efficient electron production to promote NO3- reduction because of their low molecular weight and simple structure. Conversely, the lower electron production efficiency due to the high molecular weight and complex structures of carbon sources in the group with Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectories above 1 downregulated the expression of the three functional genes (narG, napA, and nxrA). The group with Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectories below 1 showed significantly higher levels of 15εNO3 reduction, 18εNO3 reduction, NO2- oxidation ratio, and copy numbers of narG, napA, and nxrA genes compared to the other group, revealing that NO3- reduction at the cellular level was more active in the former group. This study elucidated the integrated influence of isotope effects, NO3- reductase and NO2- oxidoreductase activities, and carbon sources from metabolites. These findings are significant for understanding the Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectories of N cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and support groundwater conservation by improving carbon supplementation approaches that stimulate denitrification, with Δδ18O:Δδ15N trajectories serving as effective tracers for assessing denitrification performance in terrestrial environments. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Functional analysis and epitope recognition of African swine fever virus pA151R antigen-specific T cells Jing Cao, Yunfei Tian, Longfei Han, Xiaoping He, Liming Niu, Jiawei Liu, Fangyuan Zhang, Dongyue Wang, Jiangnan Li, Changjiang Weng, Jiajun Wu, Li Huang, Shaobin Shang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.009 Online: 08 January 2026 Abstract （20）      PDF in ScienceDirect       African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal hemorrhagic disease of swine caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Development of safe and effective ASFV subunit vaccine relies on the identification of protective antigens. In this study, we systematically evaluated the antigenicity of ASFV non-structural protein pA151R recognized by T cells from immune-protected pigs. Recombinant pA151R (rpA151R) was expressed in E. coli and used to generate anti-rpA151R polyclonal antibodies (pAb). This pAb bound both eukaryotically-expressed and native viral pA151R, confirming that rpA151R retains its native antigenicity. Using ASFV attenuated vaccine-immunized pigs, we further analysed the kinetics and functions of pA151R-specific T cells as well as their epitope recognition. The results showed that pA151R-specific T cell responses peaked at 14 days post-immunization in pigs, and secreted IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and perforin simultaneously, with multifunctional characteristics. T-cell epitope mapping identified seven peptides recognized by these pA151R-specific T cells. Among them, three peptides (P2, P4, and P5) were exclusively recognized by CD4⁺ T cells, four peptides (P6, P10, P12, and P13) were specific for CD8⁺ T cells whereas P1, P7, and P9 were recognized by both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. These peptide-specific CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells showed cytotoxicity, killing peptide-pulsed autologous target cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrated that pA151R-specific swine T cells are able to contribute to protective immunity against ASFV and pA151R is a potential protective antigen for vaccine development. This study established a benchmark for screening and defining more ASFV protective antigens. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Molecular epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics of Streptococcus suis isolated in Hainan Island of China Song Liang, Shaoyan He, Shidan Zhang, Jiqi Song, Yubing Wang, Xinyi Liu, Lei Dai, Jinxiu Wang, Youzhi Xie, Huochun Yao, Guangjin Liu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.008 Online: 08 January 2026 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important global zoonotic pathogen that can cause meningitis, arthritis, and even death in humans and pigs. Hainan, as the only tropical island in China, experiences a year-round prevalence of S. suis in swine and a high risk of human infection. This work aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics of S. suis isolates from pigs in Hainan. Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 298 S. suis isolates were recovered from 639 samples (629 from healthy pigs and 10 from sick pigs) collected across Hainan Island. Serotype 16 (22.15%) and 2 (11.74%) strains exhibited the highest prevalence, followed by serotypes 7 (6.04%) and 31 (5.37%), while 17.79% of the strains belonged to non-classical serotypes. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 63 representative strains, and the genome data showed that 65.08% of the strains belonged to novel sequence types, which reflects the distinctive evolutionary relationships of strains originating from Hainan. Notably, D74-2 and D77-1, isolated from healthy pigs, exhibited high virulence with 106 virulence-associated genes (VAGs), and had the closest evolutionary relationship to the human strains 98HAH33 and 05ZYH33, which were responsible for two human outbreaks in China. Further, two new NCL subtypes (NCL3-3, NCL29-2) were identified from diseased pig-derived strains. Furthermore, 98.41% of sequenced strains exhibited multidrug resistance, irrespective of whether they originated from healthy or diseased pigs. Interestingly, all SS2/ST1 and SS7/ST29 strains were classified as highly virulent, whereas all SS16 strains were categorized as lowly virulent in zebrafish infection experiments. Nevertheless, our data showed that some strains lacking combinations of virulence markers (mrp/sly/epf, srtF/ofs, and NisR/K) still exhibited high virulence. In conclusion, the results presented above illustrate the diverse molecular epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics of S. suis in Hainan, providing a targeted scientific basis for the development of prevention and control strategies for this zoonotic pathogen in the Chinese tropical region Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Green agriculture enabled by versatile metal-organic frameworks: A review Lianjie Wan, Fei Ma, Jianmin Zhou, Changwen Du DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.007 Online: 08 January 2026 Abstract （15）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Modern agriculture faces unprecedented challenges: a growing global population, limited arable land, freshwater scarcity, and inefficient agrochemical use have triggered severe environmental degradation.  Pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, antibiotics, nutrient runoff, and greenhouse gases threaten ecosystem stability, food security, and human health.  Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their tunable structures, high porosity, and versatile functionality, emerge as promising materials to address these issues.  This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in MOFs-based solutions for agriculture.  It covers green synthesis strategies to enhance structural stability and promote circular economy principles.  Applications span three primary domains: pollutant remediation, sustainable technologies (e.g., atmospheric water harvesting, seawater desalination, and green ammonia synthesis), and smart agricultural systems.  The latter enables controlled agrochemical release and real-time sensing and monitoring.  Finally, challenges - such as high costs, biosafety concerns, and scalability limitations - are discussed, alongside forward-looking perspectives including AI-assisted design, improved recyclability, scalable production, and multifunctional integration toward green and smart agriculture. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Genetic diversity and recombination analysis of NADC34-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses Zhengqin Ye, Wenqiang Wang, Zhenbang Zhu, Wei Wen, Hu Suk Lee, Xiangdong Li DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.006 Online: 08 January 2026 Abstract （5）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Macroaggregates magnify the positive feedback of trophic cascades on carbon accrual Lele Jin, Xiaoyue Wang, Yu Luo, Jie Zheng, Francisco Dini-Andreote, Chao Liang, Yuji Jiang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.005 Online: 08 January 2026 Abstract （7）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The interactions between nematodes and fungi are important for soil carbon cycling. However, their cascading effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) accrual remain unclear, particularly the role of soil aggregates and manure amendments in mediating this trophic cascade. Using a 19-year fertilization experiment, we examined how nematode predation influences fungal necromass carbon (FNC) and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSPs), and quantified their contributions to SOC across soil aggregates under different manure amendments. Our findings showed that nematode predation significantly enhanced fungal biomass and promoted deterministic assembly of fungal communities. These effects were strongly dependent on aggregate size, with the most pronounced responses observed in the large macroaggregate (LA) fraction. A complementary microcosm experiment confirmed that nematode predation increased fungal biomass by over 6%, particularly in the LA fraction. Manure amendments further stimulated fungal growth and reinforced deterministic community assembly, thereby enhancing trophic cascade-driven accrual of FNC and GRSPs. Of the two fungal-derived carbon sources, FNC contributed more substantially to SOC (40%) than GRSPs (17%), with the greatest contribution found in the LA fraction. Path analysis further revealed that nematode-induced changes in fungal communities mediated the positive effects of manure amendments on fungal-derived carbon accrual. Overall, these findings underscore the pivotal role of nematodes in driving positive trophic cascade impact on SOC accrual. Our study offers new insights into aggregate-scale carbon dynamics and biologically mediated strategies for soil carbon management. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Oilseed Brassica under threat: viral pathogens and the compounding effects of climate change Archita Sahu, Rohit Bharati, Piotr Trebicki, Jiban Kumar Kundu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.004 Online: 08 January 2026 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Oilseed crops of the genus Brassica rank third globally in vegetable oil production and contribute substantially to global oil supplies for both food and industrial purposes, including lubricants, biofuels, and cosmetics. Despite advances in high-yielding cultivars and modern agronomic practices, the productivity of oilseed Brassica species remains significantly constrained by a range of pathogens, particularly viral agents such as turnip yellows virus (TuYV), turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), and cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV). Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by influencing plant physiology, virus biology and vector ecology. Rising temperatures enhance virus-vector interactions and increase the risk of disease outbreaks, while elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations can alter plant nutritional profiles, potentially stimulating vector feeding behaviour and promoting virus transmission. Although natural sources of resistance offer partial protection, their effectiveness may be compromised under abiotic stress conditions such as heat stress, highlighting vulnerabilities in plant defence. This mini-review addresses three major challenges to Brassica oilseed production: the impact of principal viral pathogens, climate-driven shifts in host-virus-vector dynamics, and the environmental robustness of genetic resistance. The review also outlines knowledge gaps and research priorities for developing climate-resilient Brassica oilseed genotypes. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics page Page 1 of 20 Total 388 records First page Prev page Next page Last page