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For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails Select Global trends in the commercialization of genetically modified crops in 2024 Haohui Li, Xingru Cheng, Liqiang Wang, Pei xie, Haiwen Zhang, Yadong Yang, Tao liu, Youhua Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.037 Online: 25 November 2025 Abstract （34）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The ongoing commercialization of GM crops continues to enhance global grain yields, improve crop quality, and reduce pesticide usage.  These technological advancements have effectively propelled agricultural production systems toward sustainable transformation.  Specifically, GM crops address core challenges such as pest infestations, weed proliferation, and arable land constraints, emerging as a pivotal new productive force in agriculture. This study systematically examines the global spatial distribution patterns of GM crops in 2024 and provides an in-depth analysis of the driving forces and evolving regional trends, offering critical informational support and strategic guidance for innovation in agricultural science and technology. In 2024, the global GM crop cultivation area reached 209.8 million hectares, reflecting a 1.7% year-on-year increase. GM Glycine max (soybean) and Zea mays (maize) dominated the landscape, accounting for 50.0 and 32.5% of the total area, respectively, with stacked traits maize—conferring insect resistance and herbicide tolerance—comprising up to 92.5% of GM maize. The share of cultivation in developing countries expanded substantially, with Brazil and Vietnam emerging as regional growth drivers. Policy support and the diffusion of advanced technologies were identified as core driving forces. Concurrently, gene-editing technology applications accelerated, and several countries approved novel traits—including drought tolerance and disease resistance—marking substantial progress in the commercialization of next-generation GM crops. This research provides multidimensional insights and strategic guidance to support global agricultural biotechnology development, promoting the transition of biotechnology breeding into the "4.0 era". Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Mechanism of canopy nitrogen spraying after anthesis increasing grain yield and protein content in wheat Jie Ren, Haoran Li, Bingjin Zhou, Zhongwei Liu, Ying Liu, Zhimin Wang, Zhigan Zhao, Zhencai Sun, Yong Li, Xubo Zhang, Yinghua Zhang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.036 Online: 25 November 2025 Abstract （12）      PDF in ScienceDirect       During wheat grain filling, exogenous nitrogen supply can enhance grain yield and protein accumulation by delaying senescence and increasing nitrogen reserves. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The efficacy of canopy nitrogen spraying at 15 days after anthesis (AS) was first evaluated in a pot experiment, and the associated regulatory mechanisms were further investigated in a field trial under water-saving cultivation conditions. The pot experiment demonstrated that AS treatment increased grain weight, yield, and nitrogen accumulation by improving both pre-anthesis nitrogen remobilization and post-anthesis nitrogen assimilation. Canopy-derived nitrogen began accumulating significantly in grains at 12 h after spraying, accounting for 32.52% of the increase in grain nitrogen accumulation. The field experiment further validated that AS treatment increased grain filling rate and nitrogen accumulation rate during fast and slow growth stages, significantly increasing grain yield by 5.21% and protein content by 7.50% compared to spraying equal amounts of deionized water (CK). AS treatment upregulated key enzymes in the C4 pathway—including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK)—and increased malate levels in glumes, lemmas, and paleae. These responses suggested that AS treatment facilitated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycleand the Calvin cycle, providing reaction substrates for protein and starch biosynthesis. Additionally, AS treatment promoted grain nitrogen metabolism, facilitating protein accumulation. This study presents a viable strategy to mitigate post-anthesis drought stress and improve wheat productivity and grain quality in regions with similar agroclimatic conditions. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Moisture content drives the dynamic changes in maize stalk internode mechanical strength pre- and post-physiological maturity Fan Liu, Xiang Chen, Xia Du, Chaode Liang, Tianqiong Lan, Dongju Feng, Jichao Yuan, Fanlei Kong DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.035 Online: 25 November 2025 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Studying maize stalk internode traits pre- and post-physiological maturity is critical for developing strategies to enhance stalk lodging resistance, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of mechanical kernel harvesting. The field experiment with 6 maize hybrids used in large-scale local production was conducted in 2019–2021 to investigate the temporal dynamics of internode mechanical strength, morphological traits and matter constituents pre- and post-physiological maturity, and to identify key traits influencing mechanical strength. The stalk lodging rate increased linearly with the number of days after physiological maturity. Peaks in rind penetration strength and bending strength occurred at 7–13 days after physiological maturity, followed by a gradual decline. Differences in the response of various internode traits to sampling time were observed pre- and post-physiological maturity. Internode morphology exhibited relatively high stability pre- and post-physiological maturity, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 0.01129–0.05968, compared to internode matter constituents (CV: 0.07107–0.1913). Changes in dry matter pre- and post-physiological maturity were mainly attributed to reductions in non-structural carbohydrates. The hybrid effect on internode traits was more significant than that of sampling time. Linear regression analysis revealed that changes in internode moisture content better explained the temporal dynamics of rind penetration strength and bending strength pre- and post-physiological maturity than internode weight plumpness or volume plumpness. Selecting maize hybrids with high stay-water characteristics and internode dry matter constituents is conducive to the field-standing stalk. Delayed stalk senescence should be considered when designing field management practices to support kernel mechanical harvesting. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Increasing fruit weight and altering flavour of pitaya by supplementing blue light during fruit growth Qingming Sun, Juncheng Li, Satish Kumar, Ran Yao, Honghua Su DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.034 Online: 25 November 2025 Abstract （13）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Supplemental light is often used in fruit production, but few studies have been conducted on pitaya. In this study, supplemental blue light was applied to pitaya for four hours each night in the field from flowering to fruit ripening to examine changes in peel and pulp physicochemical parameters and metabolites. Blue light treatment significantly increased fruit weight, improved fruit firmness by increasing pectin content and retarding hemicellulose degradation, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Blue light had minor effects on primary metabolites but more pronounced effects on volatiles. It is possible that by affecting alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, blue light treatment resulted in significant fruit growth, improved fruit biotic resistance, increased accumulation of bioactive ingredients in the peel, and significantly altered the accumulation of flavor-associated volatile compounds, such as organic acids, esters and terpenes in the pulp. Our results provide an important reference for improving the yield and quality of pitaya production using supplemental light in the field. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Long-term fertilizer application mitigates the impacts of climate conditions on soil nitrogen activation Hongqin Zou, Minggang Xu, Hayatu Nafiu Garba, Keyu Ren, Dejin Li, Wenju Zhang, Changai Lu, Yinghua Duan DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.033 Online: 24 November 2025 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Soil nitrogen activation (Nact) is pivotal for the global N cycle, influencing crop N availability and environmental N losses. However, it remains unclear how climate and fertilization individually, or jointly, affect soil Nact over multiple decades. Here, we examined the dynamic shifts in Nact between the first decade and later period in soils treated with non-fertilizer, mineral fertilizer with/without manure, mineral fertilizer with stover return, at 1982/1990, in six typical agricultural zones. Results revealed that soil total N (TN) and available N (AN) increased at rates of 10.1–58.2 mg kg–1 yr–1 and 1.41–4.13 mg kg–1 yr–1, respectively, by manure application at five sites, suggesting that manure enhanced both soil N storage and availability. The GZL site exhibited the highest annual change rate (ACR) in TN (48.3–58.2 mg kg–1 yr–1), while the ZY site had the lowest (10.1 mg kg–1 yr–1). Conversely, the YL site showed the highest ACR in AN (3.65–4.13 mg kg–1 yr–1), whereas the ZZ site exhibited the lowest (1.41–2.23 mg kg–1 yr–1). Notably, the Nact rates with manure application were higher in the first decade (42–181 mg g–1) than in the later period (33–92 mg g–1) at all sites. Overall, the average Nact of all treatments in the first decade (79–105 mg g–1) across six study sites was higher than in the later period (30–78 mg g–1). Variance portioning analysis indicated that soil properties’ contribution to Nact increased from 35% to 45% over time, while climatic conditions’ effect decreased from 19% to 8%. Structural equation modeling confirmed a direct impact of annual temperature on Nact, with path coefficients of 0.86 in the first decade and 0.45 in the later period. These results show that the impacts of climate on soil Nact were attenuated under long-term fertilizer application, while the interactions between climate and soil had an enhanced impact on Nact in the later period of fertilization. This context-specific insight can guide soil management strategies to enhance N availability, modulate the effects of climate change on agricultural production, and minimize environmental N losses. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Contrasting effects of long-term warming and increased precipitation on ecosystem respiration and methane fluxes in an alpine meadow Lina Shi, Zhenrong Lin, Yuchuan Shi, Yicheng He, Zeying Yao, Ruijie Zhang, Xinqing Shao DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.032 Online: 24 November 2025 Abstract （11）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Warming and altered precipitation frequently co-occur and jointly influence key carbon cycling processes in alpine ecosystems. However, the interactive effects of these two global change factors on ecosystem respiration (Re) and methane (CH4) fluxes remain unclear. To address this gap, a long-term field experiment was conducted in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, combining warming (+2°C) and increased precipitation (+20%). Warming significantly reduced Re by 14.2%, concurrent with a shift from fungal to bacterial dominance. In contrast, increased precipitation enhanced Re by 34.1%, driven by improved soil moisture and greater plant carbon inputs. CH4 uptake increased under warming (+31.0%) but decreased under increased precipitation (−26.3%), linked to the change in methane-oxidizing bacterial communities. Candidatus Methylumidiphilus, Methylococcus, and Methylomagnum were identified as key predictors. Combined warming and increased precipitation enhanced Re while suppressing CH4 uptake, indicating that future warming–wetting conditions may intensify carbon losses and weaken the carbon sink capacity of alpine meadows. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating microbial ecological responses into ecosystem models to better predict carbon–climate feedbacks under multifactorial global change. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select One-step generation of sh2isu1 sweet maize via CRISPR/Cas9 cytosine base editor (CBE) Lu Zhang, Yao Wang, Mengyuan Liu, Ziheng Song, Xiaoxu Li, Yue Fu, Panchao Wang, Ya Liu, Ronghuan Wang, Jiuran Zhao DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.031 Online: 24 November 2025 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select GhSBP1 promotes cotton fiber initiation and elongation by activating GhNRT1.5, GhEzrA, and GhSH3P2 Xin Li, Jiaquan Chai, Liyong Hou, Zengqiang Zhao, Zongming Xie, Youzhong Li, Liping Zhu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.030 Online: 24 November 2025 Abstract （11）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN (SBP) transcription factor is plant-specific and plays a critical role in developmental processes across many plant species. SBP transcription factors are essential for plant growth, development, and cell elongation. However, the mechanism by which SBP proteins regulate fiber development remains poorly understood in Gossypium hirsutum L. (cotton). In this study, we identified an SBP family transcription factor, designated GhSBP1, in cotton. Overexpression of GhSBP1 increased both fiber cell length and fiber initiation frequency, whereas knockout of GhSBP1 resulted in shorter fibers and reduced fiber initiation, demonstrating that GhSBP1 positively regulates both fiber elongation and initiation. DNA Affinity Purification Sequencing (DAP-seq) enrichment analysis using cotton fibers revealed that GhSBP1 directly binds to the GTAC motif, a key cis-regulatory element. We selected three genes—GhNRT1.5, GhEzrA, and GhSH3P2—that exhibit high expression during the rapid fiber elongation phase. Yeast one-hybrid, luciferase reporter, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that GhSBP1 directly interacts with the promoters of these genes. Furthermore, overexpression of GhSBP1 upregulated the expression of these downstream genes, while knockout of GhSBP1 led to their downregulation. Collectively, these findings indicate that GhSBP1 promotes cotton fiber development by modulating the transcription of GhNRT1.5, GhEzrA, and GhSH3P2. This study not only enhances our understanding of GhSBP1 function in cotton fiber development but also identifies potential genetic targets for improving cotton lint production through manipulation of GhSBP1 and its associated regulatory network.   Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Straw incorporation simplifies soil-rice association networks and reduces nitrogen requirements for high rice yield Jie Li, Guiling Xu, Yuehua Feng, Zhengli Song, Zhengfei Luo, Jiali Luo, Xiaoke Wang, Wei Lu, Qiangxin Luo DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.022 Online: 18 November 2025 Abstract （15）            Straw incorporation (SI) with the appropriate optimal rate of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is recommended in agricultural production to achieve high grain yields, high resource efficiency, and environmental friendliness. However, there is little information available on the soil-rice association network under SI and straw removal (SR). This study compared and examined differences in the association networks architectures based on soil-rice indicators under SI and SR in a rice-oilseed rape rotation system. The results showed that the soil-rice association network under SI exhibited a significantly distinct structure compared to its SR counterpart. Specifically, the SI network (34 nodes, 61 edges) demonstrated ‌markedly lower complexity‌ than the SR network (56 nodes, 483 edges), as evidenced by its ‌sparser connectivity and reduced node density‌. Meanwhile, SI acted as an “N sponge” in the soil-rice system, which absorbed N inputs and prevented N losses, thereby mitigating the impact of N application rates on yield, enhancing yield stability, and increasing overall yield. Thus, while maintaining the high yield (average yield increase of 2.41%), SI simultaneously reduced the soil-rice system’s demand for N (by at least 19.34%). This study confirms that SI represents a viable strategy for agricultural sustainability and underscores the importance of integrating SI with appropriate N application rates to ensure long-term sustainable crop production. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select StCOMT1 enhances potato resistance to Fusarium sporotrichioides by regulating coumarin-related substance accumulation and the ROS system Jiaqi Wang, Biao Zhao, Dan Liu, Fumeng He, Chong Du, Yunzhu Che, Zengli Zhang, Xu Feng, Xue Wang, Yingnan Wang, Fenglan Li DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.021 Online: 18 November 2025 Abstract （22）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a crucial enzyme in the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, with significant roles in both the lignin and coumarin pathways. The function of COMT in plant disease resistance has been demonstrated in several species. Our research identified the potato COMT gene family on a genome-wide scale and identified StCOMT1 as a candidate gene for enhancing potato disease resistance under DON induction through phylogenetic analyses combined with previously identified metabolic differences and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). In order to better understand the function of StCOMT1, heterologous expression and overexpression were conducted. StCOMT1 is localized in chloroplasts and was found to catalyze the methylation of substrates to produce ferulic acid and melatonin in vitro. Physiological parameters showed that, compared with wild-type potato plants, StCOMT1-overexpressing plants infectced with Fusarium sporotrichioides exhibited smaller lesion areas and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Based on the analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) expression profiles and RT-qPCR data, it was found that coumarin-related compounds and coumarin-related genes showed organ-differential accumulation and expression in StCOMT1-overexpressing plants after inoculation. The results indicate that StCOMT1 overexpression in potatoes enhanced resistance to F. sporotrichioides by enhancing reactive oxygen species clearance and promoting organ-specific accumulation of coumarin-related compounds. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Candidate gene analysis of cabbage head-splitting resistance based on QTL mapping and omics profiling Xiaowei Zhu, Min Wang, Xiang Tai, Panling Lu, Hang Gui, Jinxiu Chen, Tianyue Bo DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.020 Online: 18 November 2025 Abstract （10）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Head-splitting is a prevalent physiological disorder in cabbage that causes substantial economic losses. However, the genetic factors and molecular mechanisms underlying head-splitting resistance remain largely unexplored. This study identified a genomic region (qNLQ3.1) for head-splitting resistance on chromosome C03 through the combination of QTL-seq and GPS analysis in an F2 population derived from hybridizing two cabbage inbred lines, 'Dazhengfu' ('ZF', susceptible) and '103' (resistant). Traditional genetic linkage analysis narrowed qNLQ3.1 to a 74.6 kb region. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the two parental lines using transcriptomic and metabolic profiling demonstrated the crucial role of hormones in regulating head-splitting resistance. Bol028000, encoding a homologue of Arabidopsis Cytokinin Response Factor 3 (CRF3), emerged as a promising candidate for head-splitting resistance and was subsequently validated through Sanger sequencing and Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Subcellular localisation analysis revealed that Bol028000 was mainly expressed in the nucleus. Additionally, one kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker from Bol028000 was developed and utilized to screen 42 inbred lines. These findings enhance the theoretical understanding of head-splitting resistance and provide valuable insights for the molecular breeding of head-splitting resistant cabbages. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Rapid and ultrasensitive point-of-care detection of ASFV antibodies using p30-Fc-labeled nanoparticle-based fluorescence strip-assisted portable immunosensor Yang Yang, Jiayang Zheng, Yan Zhang, Qianming Zhao, Yafang Lin, Junjie Zhang, Zongjie Li, Ke Liu, Beibei Li, Donghua Shao, Yafeng Qiu, Zhiyong Ma, Jianchao Wei DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.028 Online: 17 November 2025 Abstract （21）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select A secreted glycoside hydrolase of Puccinia triticina modulates fungal pathogenesis and host immunity Yanan Lu, Huimin Qian, Mengting Li, Shijia Zhao, Yanhui Zhang, Na Liu, Daowen Wang, Zhengqing Fu, Guozhen Xing, Wenming Zheng, Chuang Li DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.027 Online: 17 November 2025 Abstract （19）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Many species of the obligate biotrophic rust fungi often cause destructive diseases on crops. Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) in phytopathogens have been widely recognized for their crucial roles in breaking through the plant's defense system. Despite this, the specific functions of most GHs in rust fungi remain largely uncharted. In this study, we examined a GH26 gene from the wheat leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina (Pt), designated PtGH26_1, which exhibited highly induced expression during critical stages of host infection. PtGH26_1 demonstrated cellulase activity and contained a functional signal peptide, localized to both the plant cytoplasm and nucleus. When transiently expressed, PtGH26_1 inhibited Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax)-induced cell death, callose deposition, and the expression of defense-related genes in Nicotiana benthamiana. Additionally, infiltrating PtGH26_1 protein into wheat leaves compromised resistance to Pt and lessened hypersensitive responses. Silencing PtGH26_1 through host-induced gene silencing impaired fungal growth and virulence of Pt, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species and activation of defense-related genes in wheat. Moreover, PtGH26_1 was shown to target one member of the Fantastic Four-like proteins in wheat (TaFAF), which positively regulated host resistance to Pt. Consequently, our findings indicate that PtGH26_1 is a significant virulence factor, potentially involved in breaching the barrier of plant cell walls and modulating host immune responses during Pt infection. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Identification of a novel linezolid resistance gene, cfr(F), in Riemerella anatipestifer Yihua Zhang, Zhishuang Yang, Mingshu Wang, Renyong Jia, Shun Chen, Mafeng Liu, Xinxin Zhao, Qiao Yang, Ying Wu, Shaqiu Zhang, Juan Huang, Xumin Ou, Di Sun, Bin Tian, Yu He, Zhen Wu, Anchun Cheng, Dekang Zhu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.026 Online: 17 November 2025 Abstract （20）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Replication-competent vaccinia virus-vectored oral vaccines provide complete protection against the SARS-CoV-2 challenge and effectively prevent viral transmission via respiratory droplets in mice and minks Linya Feng, Hong Huo, Yunlei Wang, Lei Shuai, Gongxun Zhong, Zhiyuan Wen, Liyan Peng, Jinying Ge, Jinliang Wang, Chong Wang, Weiye Chen, Xijun He, Xijun Wang, Zhigao Bu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.025 Online: 17 November 2025 Abstract （16）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Here, we generated three recombinant replication-competent vaccinia virus (VACV) Western Reserve (WR) strains rWR-S6P, rWR-DS6P, and rWR-BA2S6P. These recombinant viruses express the prefusion-stabilized S proteins S6P, DS6P, and BA2S6P, which target the full-length S protein of the strain ancestor and variants Delta and Omicron BA.2 of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. These recombinant viruses maintained the growth property of the parental virus WR in CV-1 cells. A mouse study indicated that the insertion of these modified S genes reduced the virulence of the vector virus WR. Oral or intramuscular vaccination with rWR-S6P elicited a robust neutralizing antibody (NA) response against live SARS-CoV-2 and provided complete protection against the SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice and minks. Of note, oral vaccination with rWR-S6P induced significantly higher titers of SARS-CoV-2 NAs and superior protective efficacy compared to intramuscular vaccination at an equivalent dose. More importantly, oral administration of rWR-S6P effectively prevents transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among minks via respiratory droplets. Furthermore, combined oral vaccination with three recombinant WRs induced a strong and long-lasting NA response against homotypic SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in mice without compromising their immunogenicity profiles. These findings indicate that the attenuated replication-competent VACV-vectored vaccines hold promise as effective oral COVID-19 vaccines for minks while demonstrating that combined vaccination is an effective administration strategy for preventing and controlling COVID-19. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select An effector from 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' targets the armadillo (ARM) repeated protein of Citrus sinensis to inhibit salicylic acid-mediated host immunity Yalin Mei, Zaiyu Yang, Shushe Zhang, Pan Shen, Changyong Zhou, Xuefeng Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.024 Online: 17 November 2025 Abstract （18）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) has caused extensive damage to the global citrus industry. 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), the primary causal agent of HLB, utilizes effectors to modulate host defense responses, though the mechanisms of these effectors remain unclear. This study demonstrates that the Citrus ARM repeated protein CsARM26 interacted with CLIBASIA_00185 (CLas0185) in vivo and in vitro. CLas0185 enhanced the abundance of CsARM26, while CsARM26 destabilized the effector. Additionally, the transient co-expression of CLas0185 and CsARM26 facilitated infection by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. Moreover, transgenic CsARM26 citrus plants suppressed the accumulation of free salicylic acid (SA) and the expression of SA-associated genes. This study reveals that an ARM repeated protein plays a role in the immune response to the CLas–citrus interaction, establishing a foundation for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of CLas infection. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Establishment of gene expression and silencing assays in Echinacea purpurea Jianbin Yu, Congyu Wang, Qiao Yang, Zhenpeng Huang, Miaoxin Li, Lijing Gong, Yanqun Li, Mei Bai, Hong Wu, Xiangxiu Liang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.023 Online: 17 November 2025 Abstract （20）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) is a perennial herb and horticulture plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is an easy cultivating plant that is well-known for its medicinal (e.g. chicoric acid) and high ornamental value. However, information based on the synthesis and regulatory mechanisms its secondary metabolites are limited. Therefore, to improve research progress on E. purpurea, this study aims to establish gene expression and silencing systems in E. purpurea. First, a transient gene expression system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was developed in E. purpurea leaves. Following optimization, it was determined that injecting the fourth newly emerged leaf with the EHA105 strain and maintaining it for 4 d yielded the best expression results. Then a previously reported cut-dip-budding (CDB) system was adapted and improved to establish a gene expression system based on Agrobacterium rhizogenes. By infecting the roots with A. rhizogenes, we detected efficient expression of the target gene after 30 d. Using this system, we achieved expression of EpHTT, a key gene involved in chicoric acid synthesis, and significantly increased the accumulation of chicoric acid. By expressing a double-strand RNA targeting EpHTT, we successfully silenced the EpHTT expression and reduced chicoric acid accumulation. We further investigated the protoplast-based transient gene expression system, studied key parameters, such as enzyme concentration and osmotic pressure, and successfully achieved transient expression of the target gene in protoplasts. Finally, a gene-silencing system in E. purpurea mediated by the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) was established and EpCHLH was identified as the optimal silencing indicator gene, with the best silencing effect observed in 15-day-old seedlings. By silencing genes involved in the chicoric acid synthesis pathway, such as EpHCT, EpHTT, and EpCAS, chicoric acid accumulation was successfully reduced. In summary, this study successfully established various gene expression and silencing systems for E. purpurea and providing a valuable toolkit for further functional studies. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Stage-dependence of the impacts of grazing and mowing on temporal stability of grassland biomass Jiatao Zhang, Hongbin Xu, Xiao Tao Lü, Lei Zhang, Ting Yuan, Taogetao Baoyin, Zhuwen Xu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.018 Online: 14 November 2025 Abstract （19）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Ecosystem stability ensures the sustainable supply of ecosystem services. Our current understanding of ecosystem stability is mainly based on results from the initial stage after disturbance or experimental treatments, which reveal short-term responses. There is a big knowledge gap regarding whether the long-term responses would be consistent with such initial responses. We examined how grazing and mowing affect the temporal stability of aboveground biomass in a temperate semi-arid steppe and further clarified the differences in treatment impacts and primary drivers of stability between the initial four years and the subsequent five years. Both grazing and mowing significantly decreased the community stability across the nine years, and such impacts showed high stage-dependency. Grazing reduced community stability in the first four years but not in the following five. Mowing initially did not affect community stability but reduced it over the next five years. Community stability was driven by species asynchrony in the early stage, and later solely regulated by the dominant species stability. When Stipa krylovii and Cleistogenes squarrosa become dominant in the community following prolonged grazing, or when mowing leads to a notable decline in community stability over time, enclosure measures should be adopted to promote ecological recovery. Additionally, long-term enclosure may also lead to a decline in biomass, thereby affecting the maintenance of community functions. We recommend implementing a rational rotation of enclosure, grazing, and mowing in grassland management based on different stages, as a scientifically sound grassland management system is key to achieving sustainable utilization of grassland resources. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Integrating meta-QTL analysis and VIGS to decipher GhPCMP-E17-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in upland cotton Qiwen Yang, Dandan Li, Yan Zhao, Xueli Zhang, Wenmin Yuan, Ying Li, Junning Yang, Junji Su, Caixiang Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.017 Online: 14 November 2025 Abstract （12）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Cotton (Gossypium spp.), a globally important cash crop, is increasingly threatened by abiotic stresses that significantly affect yield and fiber quality. In this study, data on 3,016 abiotic stress-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) described in 31 published papers were integrated through meta-QTL analysis, a total of 34 MQTLs were identified. Nine major MQTLs with numerous initial QTLs, high R2 values, narrow confidence intervals (CIs), and close colocalizations were successfully detected. Combined with the transcriptome data, the candidate gene GhPCMP-E17 was identified. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology, the role of GhPCMP-E17 in the response to abiotic stress was clarified. Compared with the TRV:00 plants, the GhPCMP-E17-silenced plants presented more severe wilting and yellowing under drought and salt stress conditions. Silencing GhPCMP-E17 weakens the function of antioxidant enzymes, thereby increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. These results indicate that downregulation of GhPCMP-E17 gene expression enhances the sensitivity of cotton plants to drought and salt stress. This research provides excellent genetic resources for adaptive abiotic crop breeding in upland cotton. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Dissecting chromatin accessibility profiles of anatomically distinct skeletal muscles and different breeds in pigs at single-nucleus resolution Yiwu Chen, Yundi Zheng, Ziyu Chen, Geng Zhang, Chuang Tang, Fuwen Wang, Can Liu, Mingzhou Li, Long Jin DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.016 Online: 14 November 2025 Abstract （11）      PDF in ScienceDirect       To dissect chromatin accessibility profiles in pig skeletal muscle at single-nucleus resolution, we performed single-nucleus ATAC-seq on longissimus dorsi and psoas major muscles of Large White pigs. After quality control, 26,225 nuclei were classified into seven major cell types, including myofibers, muscle stem cells, and immune cells, using snRNA-seq-based label transfer. We identified 158,438 accessible chromatin regions, with cell-type-specific differentially accessible regions (DAR) enriching for specific functions. Myonuclei subtypes (type I, IIA, IIB) showed distinct accessibility patterns, with SIX1 and MAF transcription factor motifs enriched in fast myofibers (type II). Comparative analysis between muscles revealed that myofiber composition drove chromatin differences, with psoas major featuring more type I myofibers. Cross-breed analysis (Rongchang vs. Large White) identified breed-specific DARs in myonuclei, linking MEF2-mediated regulation to myofiber hypertrophy. Pseudo-temporal analysis of myogenesis showed dynamic accessibility changes in key myogenic genes (e.g., MYF5, MYH1). This study unveils cell-type-resolved chromatin landscapes underlying myofiber specification, tissue heterogeneity, and breed-specific muscle development in pigs.   Reference | Related Articles | Metrics page Page 1 of 17 Total 325 records First page Prev page Next page Last page