Sustainable agriculture urgently requires innovative, pesticide-free strategies to mitigate herbivory and safeguard food security. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation, with tunable intensity and cost-effectiveness, has emerged as a promising non-chemical method to enhance plant resistance, yet its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, using tea plant ( Camellia sinensis) and its major pest Ectropis obliqua as a model, we developed a multimodal framework that integrates AI-enhanced electronic nose technology for real-time volatile profiling with in situ hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to characterize defense responses under precisely controlled UV-B treatments. This approach identified herbivore-induced volatiles—hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenol, octanal, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate—optimally induced at 1.2 kJ·m -2 UV-B and linked to insect deterrence. SRS imaging further revealed elevated jasmonic acid derivatives and L-phenylalanine, coupled with reduced protein levels and altered stomatal dynamics, all correlating with enhanced resistance. Transcriptomic and molecular analyses confirmed transcriptional regulation of these pathways. By bridging volatile detection, metabolic imaging, and molecular validation, this study pioneers a multimodal strategy that provides mechanistic insights into UV-B–mediated plant defense and highlights the potential of multimodal methodologies as powerful tools for developing sustainable, pesticide-free pest management solutions in precision agriculture.

Plants have evolved highly efficient strategies to maintain iron (Fe) homeostasis. In this study, we investigate the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on the Fe-deficiency response and ionomic profile of tomato plants, as well as how Fe availability affects AM symbiosis. Fe deficiency and AM colonization both reduced shoot Fe concentrations, while root Fe concentrations increased in AM plants. Notably, Fe accumulated in cortical cells colonized by arbuscules, suggesting that in the Rhizophagus irregularis-tomato symbiosis, the fungus acts as a sink for Fe. We further show that Fe deficiency reduces expression of AM-related tomato genes ( SlEXO84, SlRAM1, SlAMT2.2 and SlPT4,) and of the fungal RiEF1α gene. These findings indicate that Fe availability is crucial for sustaining AM colonization and symbiotic functionality. Under Fe-limiting conditions, AM symbiosis enhances the Strategy I Fe acquisition pathway ( SlFRO1, SlIRT1), an effect not observed under Fe-sufficient conditions. The high Fe demand of AM symbiosis is supported by the reduced expression of the vacuolar Fe transporters SlVIT1 and SlVTL1 in mycorrhizal roots. Ionomic analysis reveals that AM colonization partially mitigates the alterations induced by Fe deficiency, underscoring the role of AM in buffering nutrient imbalances and maintaining a more stable ionomic profile under Fe stress.

Hyperspectral indices integrated with physiology predicted metabolites such as Rubisco activity across early, mid, and late flowering drought, establishing a rapid, non-destructive framework to detect sink limitations and identify cotton resilience to stage-specific stress and fiber quality decline.

Leaf shape displays remarkable diversity, with its evolution hypothesized to reflect adaptive ecophysiological functions. Theoretical models propose that variation in leaf shape—particularly through modifications in effective leaf width ( w e)—primarily influences thermoregulation and hydraulic efficiency. However, comprehensive empirical tests of both hypotheses are lacking. Oxytropis diversifolia (Fabaceae) has natural variation in leaf shape (1 leaflet, 1–3 leaflets, and 3 leaflets) and exhibits clinal variation, making it an ideal candidate to test those functional relationships. Here, we quantified leaf morphometrics across populations, logged in situ leaf temperature and gas exchange, and examined leaf anatomy associated with water balance. We found that the production of more leaflets did reduce w e. Leaves with reduced w e could stay cooler during the day, but the extent of leaf-to-air temperature difference was typically small (often within 1℃); to some extents, the intermediate 1–3-leaflet phenotype exhibited superior gas exchange. Leaf anatomy showed a benefit-cost: reduced w e correlated with a decreased mesophyll-to-mid-vein ratio and increased vein density, whereas vascular dimensions were also significantly decreased. We propose that the functional significance of leaf shape lies in water relations over thermoregulation. The trade-off in water balance could probably lead to balancing selection maintaining leaf-shape variation.

Climate change alters phytogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, yet a quantitative understanding of the interactive effects of warming and drought across plant types and physiological mechanisms remains limited. Here, we quantify the impacts of warming and drought on isoprene and monoterpene (MT) emissions through a meta-analysis of field and greenhouse experiments, complemented by machine learning simulations, and map their spatial distribution. Globally, warming increased isoprene and MT emissions by 107% and 60%, respectively, while drought reduced them by 27% and 33%. Combined warming and drought increased MT emissions by 37%. Warming-induced increases in isoprene emissions were positively correlated with changes in photosynthetic electron transport rate ( J f), whereas MT responses declined at higher mean annual temperatures. Under drought, although decoupled from photosynthesis, the responses of both compounds remained positively associated with those of stomatal conductance ( g s). Spatially, +1 °C warming elicited the strongest responses at high altitudes/latitudes (e.g., Siberian Plateau, Arctic, Tibetan Plateau). Under a low emission scenario (SSP1-1.9), responses resembled historical trends, while a high emission scenario (SSP5-8.5) amplified isoprene emissions in C 4 vegetation-dominated regions and suppressed MT responses in boreal coniferous forests. Our findings reveal distinct physiological controls: isoprene exhibits thermal resilience, MT remains temperature-sensitive, and both compounds are regulated by g s during drought. These response patterns vary significantly with plant functional type, experimental design and duration, and initial climate conditions. These mechanistic insights can inform the selection of low-emission plant species, and adaptation strategies for vulnerable ecosystems, thereby helping to mitigate air quality and climate feedbacks under future warming and drought conditions.

CO2 responsive CCT protein (CRCT) is a positive regulator of starch synthesis related genes such as ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit 1 and starch branching enzyme I particularly in the leaf sheath of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The promoter GUS analysis revealed that CRCT expressed exclusively in the vascular bundle, whereas starch synthesis related genes were expressed in different sites such as mesophyll cell and starch storage parenchyma cell. However, the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) using a FLAG-CRCT overexpression line and subsequent qPCR analyses showed that the 5’-flanking regions of these starch synthesis-related genes tended to be enriched by ChIP, suggesting that CRCT can bind to the promoter regions of these genes. The monomer of CRCT is 34.2 kDa, however CRCT was detected at 270 kDa via gel filtration chromatography, suggesting that CRCT forms a complex in vivo. Immunoprecipitation and subsequent MS analysis pulled down several 14-3-3-like proteins. A yeast two-hybrid analysis and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays confirmed the interaction between CRCT and 14-3-3-like proteins. Although there is an inconsistency in the place of expression, this study provide important findings regarding the molecular function of CRCT to control the expression of key starch synthesis-related genes.

Carbonate-rich soils limit plant performance and crop production. Previously, local adaptation to carbonated soils was detected in wild Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, allowing the selection of two demes with contrasting phenotypes: A1 (carbonate tolerant, c+) and T6 (carbonate sensitive, c-). Here, A1 (c+) and T6 (c-) seedlings were grown hydroponically under control (pH 5.9) and bicarbonate conditions (10 mM NaHCO 3, pH 8.3) to obtain ionomic profiles and conduct transcriptomic analysis. In parallel, A1 (c+) and T6 (c-) parental lines and their progeny were cultivated on carbonated soil to evaluate fitness and segregation patterns. To understand the genetic architecture beyond the contrasted phenotypes a bulk segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-Seq) was performed. Transcriptomics revealed 208 root and 2503 leaf differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in A1 (c+) vs T6 (c-) comparison under bicarbonate stress, mainly involved in iron, nitrogen and carbon metabolism, hormones, and glycosylates biosynthesis. Based on A1 (c+) and T6 (c-) genome contrasts and BSA-Seq analysis, 69 genes were associated with carbonate tolerance. Comparative analysis of genomics and transcriptomics discovered a final set of 18 genes involved in bicarbonate stress responses that may have relevant roles in soil carbonate tolerance.

Tree transpiration dynamics and mechanisms in karst habitats are not fully understood due to the heterogeneous environmental features and complex species composition. Two common coexisting tree species, Mallotus philippensis and Celtis biondii, were examined in soil- and rock-dominated (SD and RD) karst habitats. Soil moisture, plant transpiration, root distribution, and leaf water potential were measured over two years (2021 and 2022). The mean water content was significantly lower in the RD than in the SD habitat. Transpiration patterns also differed between habitats, although species-specific distinctions were driven by leaf and root physiological traits. M. philippensis showed an isohydric tendency in both habitats and a lower density of fine roots, mostly in the soil zone, in the RD habitat. The transpiration of M. philippensis followed the variation in soil moisture, being lower in the RD habitat. Conversely, an anisohydric tendency in both habitats and a higher density of fine roots in both the soil and bedrock zones in the RD habitat were found in C. biondii. This species showed higher transpiration in the RD habitat, arising from ample water availability from soil and epikarst. Our findings reveal the regulatory mechanisms of species-specific root-zone water availability in transpiration patterns across karst habitats.

Soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr) is among the most important agricultural seed crops and source of vegetable protein. Further yield improvements per unit land area are needed to meet future demand and avoid destruction of more natural lands. Mesophyll conductance ( gm) in C 3 crops quantifies the ease with which CO 2 can transfer from the sub-stomatal cavity to Rubisco within the mesophyll. Increasing gm is in theory most attractive as it would increase photosynthesis, yield potential and water-use efficiency. Most measurements of gm have been made during steady-state light saturated photosynthesis. However, in field crop canopies, light fluctuations are frequent and the speed with which gm can increase following shade to sun transitions is likely important to crop carbon gain. Is there variability in gm that could be used in breeding? If so, indirect selection could be expected to have already increased gm and be apparent when comparing wild ancestors of soybean ( Glycine soja) to a domesticated high-yielding cultivar. The elite LD11 was compared with four ancestor accessions collected from the assumed area of domestication by concurrent measurements of gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination (∆ 13C). This allowed estimation of gm both through induction following transfer to high light and at steady-state. The results have shown 1) gm was a significant limitation to soybean photosynthesis both at steady-state and through light induction, especially when the major biochemical limitation was in vivo Rubisco activity and, 2) compared to the ancestral accessions, the elite LD11 showed a large and significant increase in gm at both steady-state and through light induction, which also corresponded to a substantial increase in leaf level CO2 assimilation and water use efficiency.

The reproductive cycle of plants features a crucial transition between diploid sporophytic and haploid gametophytic generations. In garlic ( Allium sativum L .), a lack of gametophyte fertility poses significant challenges for breeding. This study conducted a comprehensive comparative transcriptomic analysis across three developmental stages of garlic floral buds from three genotypes with varied fertility profiles to unravel the genetic underpinnings of gametophyte development. Through differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified key pathways and genes influencing gametophyte fertility. Our analysis revealed significant enrichment in pathways related to lipid metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, nucleic acid metabolism, and ribosome biogenesis, which are pivotal for gametophyte vitality and development. Furthermore, we identified the AsAMS gene as a key regulator of gametophyte fertility, that may orchestrat tapetal development and microspore formation by modulating the expression of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and transport, thereby playing a crucial role in pollen viability. The first functional validation using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in garlic further substantiated the role of AsAMS, which demonstrated its critical impact on pollen viability and morphological integrity of reproductive structures. Taken together, these findings not only deepen our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying gametophyte development in garlic but also shed light on potential genetic interventions to overcome fertility barriers. By delineating the pathways and key regulators such as AsAMS, this study opens new avenues for enhancing reproductive efficiency in garlic.