Plants

Global demand for pseudocereals, including buckwheat, has surged in recent years due to their higher nutritional and pharmaceutical value than cereals and also due to them being a climate-resilient, gluten-free, and potential crop for combating cancer, type ll diabetes, and overcoming micronutrients hidden hunger problems that lack in cereals. Major efforts are needed to make its cultivation more popular by improving its quantitative and qualitative traits through crop genetics by adopting modern genetic, molecular, and mutational approaches, which also necessitate the induction of genetic variation for better yielding and improved varieties. In this experimental study, the induced mutant populations of widely recommended VL-7 and PRB-1 varieties of buckwheat were generated using different concentrations treatments of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). Investigation on induced phenotypical and genotypical variations in individual plants of M1 population of different treatments resulted in morphological and cytological mutant types affecting plant germination, survival, height and morphology, leaf morphology, flower morphology, growth period, chlorophyll and pigments abnormalities in leaves, leaf growth pattern, plant fertility, yield, and cytological aberrations. This experiment showed that plant survival decreased with the concentration of the mutagen doses. The lower doses resulted in dwarf varieties suitable for cultivation as they increased yield by having higher breaking force and lower lodging index over the tall plants. Studies on various quantitative parameters revealed the general effectiveness of intermediate doses and stimulatory effectiveness of lower and higher concentrations in M1 generation.

BackgroundUrtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, is a widespread plant that can indicate high nitrogen availability in the soil. It is probably best known for the pain caused by touching it. U. dioica is also recognized as a medicinal plant with reports claiming applicability against numerous diseases. ResultsA highly continuous genome sequence was constructed based on nanopore long read sequencing data. The total assembly size is 1.1 Gbp with an N50 of 40.7 Mbp. RNA-seq data and hints from other species were integrated to produce a high quality annotation of the protein encoding genes. This genomic resource enabled the identification of genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis. A particular focus was on anthocyanin biosynthesis genes as these are crucial for high light and nitrogen deprivation stress response, which is revealed by redding of the leaves. ConclusionThis genomic resource provides the basis for future studies unraveling the biosynthesis pathways underlying various medically important compounds produced by stinging nettles.

Many Vicia species contain vicine and convicine (VC), which limit the use of faba bean and some vetches in food and feed. The first step in VC biosynthesis in V. faba is shared with the riboflavin pathway and attributed to VC1, a member of the ribAB family. Since riboflavin is ubiquitous to life, we examined the distribution of VC production in genus Vicia. Three accessions of each of 33 Vicia species were grown in glasshouse conditions to provide fresh seeds for VC analysis and leaves for DNA analysis. PCR was used to amplify fragments of the VC1/ribAB gene for sequencing, and these sequences were used to create a phylogenetic tree. COX1 and ITS2 sequences were used for examining the nucleotide diversity in the subgenera. VC and DNA sequences consistent with VC1 were found only in members of subgenus Vicia. In V. lathyroides, VC1 was present but no VC was detected. There was less sequence diversity in VC1/ribAB sequences of subgenus Cracca than in those of subgenus Vicia, suggesting that ribAB remained under stricter purifying selection than VC1. VC1 is confirmed as a prerequisite for the presence of VC, and the gene and its products are restricted to subgenus Vicia. HighlightThe favism-causing factors of vetches and faba bean, vicine and convicine, depend on the presence of the VC1 variant of the ribAB gene, which is found in only one subgenus.

This paper presents the results of a structural analysis of chlorogenic acid isolated from a 70% ethanol extract of red clover (Trifolium pratense) callus culture. X-ray phase analysis showed that the sample was crystalline and single-phase and crystallized in an orthorhombic unit cell with the following parameters: a = 36.7548(5) [A], b = 11.0770(3) [A], c = 7.7947(2) [A], V = 3173.46(11) [A]3, R-Bragg = 0.347 %, Rexp = 4.75 %, Rwp = 5.83 %, Rp = 4.39 %, GOF = 1.23 %. NMR spectroscopy data (1H, 13C{1H}, 2D 1H1H-COSY, 1H13C-HSQC, 1H13C-HMBC) confirmed that the chemical structure and purity of the sample fully corresponded to chlorogenic acid, with no chemical impurities detected. Complete proton and carbon atom assignments are provided.

The chemical constituents and cytoprotective potential of Cyathea podophylla, a Vietnamese fern, remain poorly investigated. This study aimed to isolate its compounds and evaluate their in vitro cytoprotective activity against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity in F11 cells. Compounds were chromatographically isolated and structurally characterized using NMR and HR-ESI-MS. Seven compounds were identified: five phenolics (trans-cinnamic acid, (E)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one, p-coumaric acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-O-acetyl-caffeic acid), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and butyl-{beta}-D-fructofuranoside. Six of these are newly reported for the Cyathea genus. In MTT assays, butyl-{beta}-D-fructofuranoside exhibited the strongest cytoprotective effect (69.6% cell protection at 10 {micro}M, p < 0.001), followed by (E)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one (39.2% at 10 {micro}M). The remaining compounds lacked significant activity. These findings expand the phytochemical profile of Cyathea podophylla and provide preliminary evidence of its cytoprotective properties against 6-OHDA-induced injury, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo validation.

Background and AimsThe evolution of reproductive isolation between previously interbreeding populations is a fundamental driver of plant speciation. Within Amaryllidaceae, Nothoscordum represents an evolutionarily complex genus, characterized by an unusually high incidence of chromosomal rearrangements. During fieldwork, Nothoscordum montevidense and Nothoscordum bonariense were found growing in sympatry, along with individuals exhibiting intermediate morphological traits, suggesting a putative hybrid origin. To test this hypothesis, we employed an integrative approach to characterize the morphologically intermediate specimens and the two sympatric populations. Materials and methodsTo characterize the putative hybrids we have combined morphological, cytogenetic analyses (chromosome counts, CMA/DAPI banding, and FISH) and flow cytometry-based genome size estimation. Phylogenetic relationships and genomic structure were also investigated through Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS), complete chloroplast genome assembly, and comparative repetitive DNA analysis. We also performed species distribution modeling and phenological analyses of the putative parental species. Key ResultsMultiple lines of evidence confirm the hybrid origin of the studied plants. Cytogenetic analyses revealed specimens with 2n = 21 (1C {approx} 33 pg = 32.274 Mbp) and 2n = 25 (1C {approx} 37 pg = 36.186 Mbp), accompanied by meiotic irregularities consistent with interspecific hybridization. Chloroplast genome phylogeny identified N. montevidense (2n = 16, 1C {approx} 25 pg) as the maternal lineage, while GBS data confirmed N. bonariense (2n = 26, 1C {approx} 41 pg) as the paternal contributor and revealed evidence of subsequent backcrossing. Comparative analysis of repetitive DNA showed reduced 35S rDNA diversity in the hybrid, indicative of post-hybridization genomic restructuring. Despite the observed genomic complexity, no clear morphological differentiation was detected among hybrid individuals. Phenological analyses and species distribution models demonstrated broad overlap between parental species. ConclusionsOur findings highlight the role of hybridization in shaping genome architecture in cytogenetically labile plant lineages. Furthermore, our results underscore that morphological similarity can mask profound genomic complexity, reinforcing the value of integrative approaches to understand genera characterized by reticulate evolution and genomic instability.

Belemia belongs to Nyctaginaceae and comprises two species of delicate vines. Both species are endemic to Brazil. Belemia fucsioides, the type species, described in 1981, occurs in a restricted area of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Belemia cordata, described in 2020, is known from only two records from the same area in the Cerrado of northern Brazil. Here, we describe the taxonomic history of Belemia and provide the first synopsis for the genus. We include species description, distribution map, identification key, and anatomical data. We used field observations over the past decade and modeled anthropogenic changes in the species range to conduct a conservation assessment in accordance with the IUCN Red List criteria. Conservation assessments indicate significant concerns for Belemia, classified as either endangered (B. fucsioides) or critically endangered (B. cordata). The species are threatened primarily by habitat loss to land used for agriculture, forestry, and livestock production. This study contributes to ongoing initiatives exploring plant diversity in the Neotropics and supports efforts to identify threats to biodiversity.

Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) is a widely distributed annual weed that can cause significant yield losses if not properly controlled. Its phenotypic plasticity allows it to rapidly acclimate to new environmental conditions, such as drought and herbicides, such as glyphosate, with the potential for cross stress acclimatization. The objectives of this research were to uncover the physiological and genetic effects at the intersection of drought stress and glyphosate resistance. To this end, we performed greenhouse dose response experiments, RNAseq, 14C glyphosate absorption and translocation, and cuticular lipid profiling via GC/MS. Greenhouse dose-response experiments revealed that, after drought stress, there was a 2.5-3.7 fold reduction in glyphosate sensitivity via a significant reduction in glyphosate absorption, regardless if the starting population was resistant or susceptible to the field use rate already. Cuticular waxes were collected from each population with and without drought stress and were analyzed via GC/MS. When comparing total wax loads of plants grown under WW and DS conditions, we found that drought stress significantly increased total wax loads for all three populations. Additionally drought stress substantial increases the proportion of triterpenoids in the cuticle. By RNAseq, we found serval triterpenoid biosynthesis genes upregulated after drought, which likely drive the changes in cuticle composition and ultimately increased glyphosate resistance following drought. Ultimately, understanding how drought impacts glyphosate resistance is critical for maintaining optimal weed control in the changing climate. HighlightDrought stress induces changes to cuticle composition and gene expression that reduce glyphosate absorption, thereby increasing horseweeds ability to survive glyphosate application.

The research was carried out in Tartus (Syria), in a plastic greenhouse during the season 2024-2025. Two tomato hybrids "Levovil and Shannon" were grafted onto two tomato "Spirit and Maxifort" rootstocks. Four levels of salinity (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl) were applied on the hybrids and grafted plants. Salinty stress induced physiological and biochemical changes in plant. At salinity level of 150 mM, the absolute value of the osmotic pressure increased to -1.18 and -1.12 Mpa, in Levovil and Shannon hybrids, as compared to -0.80 and - 0.74 Mpa in the controls, respectively. While 150 mM salinity level led to an increase of the contents of dry matter, proline, sugars and chlorine, it caused a decrease of K: Na ratio in the two hybrids (1.99 and 1.8) as compared to the controls (5.29 and 4.68, respectively). The salinity stress at 150 mM, reduced the yield of the two hybrids (26.26 and 25.28 kg/m2) as compared to the controls (33.90 and 33.11 kg/m2, respectively). The tomato scions "Levovil and Shannon hybrids" grafted onto the "Spirit and Maxifort" rootstocks enhanced the osmotic adjustment phenomenon, especially when the two hybrids were grafted onto Spirit. While tomato grafting had a significant effect on the accumulation of some osmotic compounds such as proline and sugars, in addition to increasing K: Na ratio, it reduced the absolute value of the osmotic pressure of the plant and its sodium content. Therefore, the yield increased in grafted tomato plants compared with non-grafted plants under saline conditions. The results of PCA analysis showed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 89.08% of the total variation, wherease all the studied parameters were well represented. The dendrogram was obtained based on the same variables as PCA, and it led to classify "Spirit" rootstock as tolerant to salt stress, "Maxifort" rootstock as half tolerant, and the non-grafted hybrids "Levovil and Shannon" as sensitive to salt stress.

(1) BackgroundSaffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is the source of saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. It evolved about 3000 years ago as a sterile triploid clone in Greece. Since then, saffron has spread across the globe, where regionally distinct practices of saffron cultivation have developed. Despite differences in morpho-physiological traits, genetic variability is low, if present at all. Here, we aim to resolve chromosomal and sequence-associated variability across saffron crocus cultivars from the crops main cultivation areas in Africa, Asia and Europe. (2) MethodsWe used genome-wide DNA polymorphisms obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 33 saffron and 14 closely related Crocus accessions, which we place into a phylogenetic context. For karyotyping, we compare nine saffron accessions by multi-color fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) with repetitive DNA probes. (3) Key resultsPhylogenetic analyses confirmed the single origin and clonal nature of all saffron accessions. We detected slight DNA differences among saffron crocus genotypes, which were minor compared with those in wild C. cartwrightianus populations. Still, the Iranian saffron accessions form a genetically very narrow group that differs from the other proveniences in population genetic analyses. However, chromosomes of some saffron accessions display variable FISH signals, likely resulting from gains and losses of tandemly repeated DNA. (4) Main conclusionsBased on the high genetic identity and small karyotypic differences, we confirm the clonal origin of the saffron accessions. Nevertheless, as we detected small and regional chromosomal variability, we conclude that at least four somaclonal saffron lineages emerged after saffrons origin. Societal Impact StatementFor millennia, many cultures developed cultivation practices and regional crop varieties. A notable case is saffron, the worlds most expensive spice that is harvested from stigmas of saffron crocus. This flower crop arose 3000 years ago in a singular genome triplication event and since then spread clonally across the globe. By identifying genetic and chromosomal variability in clonal saffron accessions, we highlight regional diversity, support the preservation of traditional knowledge, and underscore the risk of relying on only one clonal lineage. This informs strategies for saffron cultivation, linking cultural heritage with modern genomics to address biodiversity, evolution, and food security.

The study of historical documents from the original excavation led by J. M. Cruxent, of museum collections, as well as results of fieldwork, are combined to provide a revised assessment of the archeologically site of Cucuruchu, which together with those of Taima-Taima and Muaco, document megafaunal lithic remains associated from the Late Pleistocene in northern Venezuela. Six vertebrate taxa are reported for Cucuruchu: five megaherbivores (a giant sloth, Eremotherium laurillardi; a glyptodontid, Glyptotherium cf. G. cylindricum; a macrauchenid, cf. Xenorhinotherium bahiense; a proboscidean, Notiomastodon platensis; and an equid, Equus sp.), and a turtle (Kinosternon sp.). Two fragments of El Jobo projectiles were found in situ lying among megaherbivores bones, while another unidentified projectile fragment was also found in the same layer. Although no direct evidence of human exploitation on these megaherbivores remains has been found, the presence of El Jobo projectiles in the undisturbed fossil-bearing layer some of which are associated with fossil remains, could be a suggestive of such interaction. Two new radiocarbon dates indicate ages of at least ca. 15.3-16.0 kyr cal BP for the fossil-bearing layer, contrasting with the mid to late Holocene age originally reported. Cucuruchu is a window to the past and supports the presence of hunter-gatherers of the El Jobo culture in the region at the end of the Pleistocene.

Two threatened new species of Podostemaceae belonging to the genus Inversodicraea, I. joulei and I. lebbiei, both from the Republic of Sierra Leone, are described and illustrated. A first record in Sierra Leone of the genus Lestestuella is also reported. Inversodicraea is the most species-rich genus of Podostemaceae in Africa and now comprises 38 species. Inversodicraea joulei is easily recognised because it has a persistent spine distally on the median rib of each fruit valve, and scattered, membranous scale-leaves with broadly rounded apices, while Inversodicraea lebbiei is distinct in having narrowly triangular robust scale-leaves which are inrolled, spreading distally, and completely covering the stem, arranged in five ranks. Inversodicraea joulei is known from a single location with three sites while I. lebbiei is known from two locations each with one site. Using the latest IUCN Red List guidance, Inversodicraea joulei is assessed as Critically Endangered and I. lebbiei is assessed as Endangered, due to threats from dam construction projects, agricultural practices and mining activities, resulting in high levels of siltation on rocks in the fast-flowing rivers where these species grow.

This study presents the structural verification of baicalin isolated from a hydroethanolic extract of an in vitro Scutellaria baicalensis root culture using X-ray diffraction analysis and a set of NMR spectroscopy techniques. The crystalline molecular structure of the sample was found to correspond to baicalin. The 1H, 13C{1H}, 2D 1H1H-COSY, 1H13C-HSQC, 1H13C-HMBC spectra confirmed that the chemical shifts, signal multiplicities, integral intensities, and spin-spin coupling constants were fully consistent with the structure of the target compound. Minor impurity signals were detected in the aliphatic region of the spectra, with a total content not exceeding 5 mol%. These results confirm the high purity and structural individuality of baicalin, a biologically active flavonoid glycoside of considerable interest.

Banana (Musa spp.) is a vital staple food and cash crop cultivated in over 140 countries, providing nourishment and livelihoods to more than 400 million people worldwide. In this context, Bhimkol (Musa balbisiana, BB genome), a diploid banana variety native to Northeast India holds significant nutritional and commercial value. Its high iron and nutrient content have already been commercially validated through products like Bhimvita and Bhimshakti, which utilize fresh fruit pulp as nutrient-rich food for infants. However, Bhimkol fruits typically contain 100-150 seeds, an undesirable trait for product development. The manual removal of these seeds significantly increases production time and labour costs. Furthermore, because bananas are recalcitrant to traditional breeding, there is a constant need for rapid in vitro transformation protocols. To address these challenges, as a proof of concept, our research aims to knockout the INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene, which is responsible for ovule development. Using CRISPR/Cas12a technology, we established an efficient and reproducible in vitro regeneration and transformation system using Embryogenic Cell Suspensions (ECS). The resulting CRISPR-edited plantlets exhibited various mutations, including insertions and deletions (INDELs) within the targeted INO gene. These INDELs resulted in frameshift mutations that triggered premature stop codons. While these genetic changes are expected to render the banana seedless, phenotypic verification is currently underway to confirm the absence of seeds in mature fruit. Significance StatementDespite its superior nutritional profile, the commercial viability of the Bhimkol banana (Musa balbisiana) is restricted due to abundance of seeds (100-150 per fruit). This study employs CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated knockout the INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene in Bhimkol and expected to develop seedless fruits. The resulting plantlets exhibit targeted indels that trigger frameshift mutations, effectively disrupting ovule developmental INO gene.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) produces a wide array of medicinally significant compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds are predominantly synthesized in female hemp inflorescences. The proposed research utilizes next-generation sequencing-based transcriptome analysis using a 3{square}-end-directed approach to identify differentially expressed genes between male and female hemp plants at the early vegetative stage. 886 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, a majority of which were upregulated in males compared to females. We hypothesized that alternative RNA processing contributes to sex-specific gene expression. To this end, 932 genes were identified that exhibited significant changes in poly(A) site usage when comparing males and females. These genes were much more likely to be differentially expressed, supportive of this hypothesis. Males tend to have longer 3 UTRs with canonical motifs found in the Near-Upstream Elements (NUE), compared to the shorter 3 UTRs in females, which have A-rich motifs near the cleavage site. This suggests that polyadenylation remodels hemp mRNAs with distal poly(A) sites being preferred in males. To further investigate when this sex-specific gene expression program is established, RNA was isolated from plants at various developmental stages, such as developing seeds, four-day-old seedlings, and different developmental stages up to four weeks after sowing. Diagnostic male-specific genes were analyzed using RT/PCR. The results indicate that sex-specific gene expression is not evident in seeds but rather is set during or after germination. SignificanceO_LIHemp males tend to have longer 3 UTRs with canonical motifs found in the Near-Upstream Elements (NUE), compared to the shorter 3 UTRs in females, which have A-rich motifs near the cleavage site. C_LIO_LIThe sex-specific gene expression program is not yet established in mature seed but is set in the time between germination and 4 days of growth. C_LI

Crop photoperiodism models assume that flowering time is primarily controlled by daylength, yet many field observations contradict this view. We previously proposed an alternative framework integrating daily changes in sunrise and sunset times (dSR and dSS). Variety trials in Madagascar and in Argentina supported this concept: mid-late sorghum varieties from the northern hemisphere flowered late or very late when sown in November and December, consistent with the higher dSR/dSS values of the southern hemisphere summer. One Malian variety, sown monthly over six years in West Africa, exhibited high interannual variability in flowering time when sown between November and February. This revealed that up to four photoperiodic responses -- two quantitative and two qualitative, occurring at different times of the year -- may coexist within a single late photoperiod sensitive variety. All responses use only dSR and dSS cues. The qualitative responses are triggered by an internal phasic coincidence, which is set by a linear relationship between dSR and dSS at the onset of plant photoperiod sensitivity, and between dSR+dSS at panicle initiation. The research model fitted data from 28 varieties grown in Mali well. It also accurately fitted the duration to PI observed in three varieties sown at tropical and temperate latitudes. HighlightThe seasonal photoperiodic adaptation of flowering time in sorghum plants may rely on several signal transduction pathways regulated by sunrise and sunset times rather than day length.

Background and aimsThis study combines morphological and environmental data to better understand a Brunfelsia (Solanaceae) species complex, aiming to clarify patterns of variation and identify ecological factors that shape morphotype boundaries. Such an approach provides a broader perspective on how organisms respond to environmental gradients and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity. MethodsWe analyzed 273 herbarium specimens for 13 morphological traits using univariate and ordination analyses, namely PCA and CVA. Climatic and edaphic variables were extracted for 147 specimens with georeferenced records. To assess habitat suitability and the ecological niche of each predefined morphotype, niche models under present conditions and niche overlap tests were conducted. A redundancy analysis (RDA) was applied to evaluate how environmental predictors explain variation in vegetative and floral traits. Finally, DAPC was used to estimate membership probabilities based on morphological and environmental data. Key ResultsTwo well-differentiated groups were recovered: the capitata-hydrangeiformis morphotype, allegedly composing a cline, and the ecologically and morphologically distinct "bahia" morphotype. Variation in floral traits was better explained by environmental predictors than variation in vegetative traits; moreover, floral traits were able to delineate morphotypes more robustly when plotted in isolation. However, when analyzing the results of ecological niche overlap, a significant ecological separation of the "bahia" morphotype from the others was observed. Therefore, key morphological characters for the taxonomy of Brunfelsia covary in part with environmental variables. ConclusionsThese findings support the recognition of "bahia" morphotype as a distinct species to be formally described. This integrative approach contributes to understanding diversification processes in biodiversity hotspots and highlights hidden taxonomic diversity within Brunfelsia, where many rare and narrow-endemic taxa lie.

The fully mycoheterotrophic, non-photosynthetic Afrothismia fonensis Cheek & G.Delhaye sp. nov. (Afrothismiaceae), is described and illustrated from two sites in submontane forest in or adjacent to the Pic de Fon Foret Classee, Simandou Range, Republic of Guinea. This is the first record of the genus and family in West Africa west of Nigeria. The new species is remarkable for its small size, and for being unique in the genus in the entirely connate intertepaline lobes (in other species of the genus they are free or only partly united) and the longitudinal ridges on the outer perianth tube (unknown in other species). The provisional extinction risk assessment for Afrothismia fonensis is Critically Endangered (CR B1ab (iii)+2ab(iii)+D1) using the IUCN 2012 categories and criteria, due to less than 50 individuals being recorded, and due to the both the very small range and the immediate threats from foraging by red river hogs, trampling by cattle and from de-watering of the adjacent Oueleba iron-ore body where mining began in 2025. It should be noted that mitigation actions are expected to adequately address the risks associated with mining activities, and direct impacts to both areas of Afrothismia fonensis habitat have been fully avoided through relocation of planned infrastructure. We review the importance of the Boyboyba forest, Simandou range, as the West African centre of diversity for non-photosynthetic heteromycotrophs. This new discovery is examined in the context of other recently discovered range extensions to Guinea of Central African genera and families.

BackgroundControlled-environment cultivation of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) typically optimizes light conditions to enhance the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important metabolites like cannabinoids. Such experimental strategies may also influence other specialized metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, among others. Previous untargeted metabolomics studies testing short wavelength conditions like UV and blue light have shown that terpenoids and prenylated flavonoids in cannabis leaves respond differentially. However, since metabolomic studies in cannabis have so far mostly focused on floral cannabinoids, a comprehensive untargeted study into cannabis floral metabolome response to short wavelengths is currently lacking. ObjectivesOur study investigates the impact of short wavelength usage on cannabis specialized metabolism, and in particular the influence of UVB, UVA, and blue light on the cannabis floral flavonoid metabolome and associated glycosylation moieties. MethodsCannabis plants were grown under a white background light and exposed to supplemental UVB, UVA, or blue light during the generative phase of the cultivation cycle. Treatments were compared to a reference white background light without UV or blue light. Metabolites from floral tissue were extracted and analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A comparative metabolomics workflow was designed and used to characterize the floral flavonoid metabolome and associated glycosylation moieties. ResultsOur results demonstrate how short wavelengths differentially affect the metabolism of natural product compound classes including polyketides and phenylpropanoids/shikimates. Blue light induced flavonoids similarly to how UVB did, while both UVA and blue light specifically induced flavanones accumulation. UVB showed the strongest regulatory effect on flavonoids production and glycosylation patterns. ConclusionsUVB reshapes the cannabis floral flavonoid metabolome by selectively stimulating the accumulation and structural modification of flavonoids. Therefore, UVB application in cannabis cultivation represents a useful horticultural strategy to increase inflorescence medicinal quality without affecting cannabinoid levels.

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic factors limiting cotton productivity worldwide by inducing osmotic imbalance, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances in plant tissues. The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of different cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes under NaCl-induced salinity stress through analysis of proline accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation intensity. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions using several cotton genotypes exposed to different NaCl concentrations. Proline content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed as major biochemical indicators associated with salinity tolerance and oxidative stress responses. In addition, modern bubble heatmap visualization was applied for comparative assessment of genotype-specific stress response patterns under saline treatments. The obtained results demonstrated that increasing NaCl concentrations generally stimulated proline accumulation and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in most investigated cotton genotypes. Increased SOD and CAT activities indicated activation of enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms under salinity stress conditions. Simultaneously, elevated MDA accumulation reflected enhanced oxidative membrane damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under saline environments. Considerable genotype-dependent variability was observed among the investigated cotton varieties. Genotypes such as "Nasaf", "Gulbahor-2", "Ravnaq-1", "Buxoro-6", "Afsona", "Baraka", "Namangan-77", "Porloq-1", and "C-4727" demonstrated comparatively stronger physiological and antioxidant responses under salinity stress conditions, suggesting relatively higher adaptive capacity to NaCl-induced stress. The heatmap visualization additionally confirmed substantial heterogeneity among cotton genotypes in biochemical stress responses and allowed comprehensive comparative interpretation of salinity-induced physiological variability. Overall, the present findings suggest that proline accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT), and MDA content may serve as important biochemical markers for evaluation of salinity tolerance in cotton. The identified stress-tolerant genotypes may therefore represent valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at improving cotton productivity under saline environmental conditions.