This study aimed to examine the effects of aluminum (Al) stress on the leaves of Shatian pomelo (Citrus maxima Shatian Yu) and its underlying response mechanisms. Leaf phenotype analysis, physiological response index determination, transcriptome analysis, and genome verification were employed to investigate the effects of Al toxicity in detail. Al toxicity stress inhibited leaf growth and development, reducing leaf area, girth, and both dry and fresh weights. Antioxidant enzyme activity and soluble protein content in leaves significantly increased with rising Al stress levels. Additionally, Al toxicity caused an accumulation of Al ions in leaves and a decline in boron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and iron ion content. RNA sequencing identified 4868 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under 0 mM (Control) and 4 mM (Al stress) conditions, with 1994 genes upregulated and 2874 downregulated, indicating a complex molecular regulatory response. These findings were further validated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of Shatian pomelo leaf response to Al toxicity and offer a theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving citrus productivity in acidic soils.

Mulch was prepared using composted sugarcane leaves, with polyvinyl alcohol and cationic starch as adhesives, through compression molding. The study aimed to investigate the effects of different adhesives on the mechanical properties, thermal oxidative degradation performance, and biodegradability of the covering materials. The results indicated that, when the adhesive dosage was consistent, cover material A, which utilized polyvinyl alcohol as the adhesive, exhibited higher tensile strength and elongation at break compared to cover material B, which employed a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and cationic starch. Specifically, at an adhesive dosage of 20%, cover material A achieved a tensile strength of 0.46 MPa and an elongation at break of 7.72%, representing the highest values among all experimental groups. There was minimal disparity in the thermal oxidative degradation performance between materials prepared with either adhesive; however, a higher quantity of adhesive led to decreased biodegradability performance. After being buried in soil for 120 days, the degradation exceeded 40% for both materials, resulting in loss of their original shape and strength properties. In conclusion, while sugarcane leaves-based biodegradable materials demonstrate favorable degradation performance, further enhancements are necessary to improve their mechanical properties. These materials have potential applications as substitutes for plastic mulch.

Selenium (Se) is crucial for both plants and humans, with plants acting as the main source for human Se intake. In plants, moderate Se enhances growth and increases stress resistance, whereas excessive Se leads to toxicity. The physiological mechanisms by which Se influences rice seedlings' growth are poorly understood and require additional research. In order to study the effects of selenium stress on rice seedlings, plant phenotype analysis, root scanning, metal ion content determination, physiological response index determination, hormone level determination, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and other methods were used. Our findings indicated that sodium selenite had dual effects on rice seedling growth under hydroponic conditions. At low concentrations, Se treatment promotes rice seedling growth by enhancing biomass, root length, and antioxidant capacity. Conversely, high concentrations of sodium selenite impair and damage rice, as evidenced by leaf yellowing, reduced chlorophyll content, decreased biomass, and stunted growth. Elevated Se levels also significantly affect antioxidase activities and the levels of proline, malondialdehyde, metal ions, and various phytohormones and selenium metabolism, ion transport, and antioxidant genes in rice. The adverse effects of high Se concentrations may directly disrupt protein synthesis or indirectly induce oxidative stress by altering the absorption and synthesis of other compounds. This study aims to elucidate the physiological responses of rice to Se toxicity stress and lay the groundwork for the development of Se-enriched rice varieties.

Over a period of 15 years, the influence of 12 different rootstock varieties on phenology, vigour, nutrient content of leaves, yield, must components and wine sensory characteristics was observed on a calcareous deep-loosened soil on marl in the high-precipitation wine- growing region Southern Styria. While the varieties 161-49C and B & ouml;rner were the earliest and 1103P the latest at budbreak, no difference was found in the time of flowering. The lowest vigour was shown by the varieties 161-49C, B & ouml;rner and Binova. Medium vigour was achieved with 8B, C3309, Ganzin 9 and 5C. The strongest growth was achieved by 5BB, 1103P, SO4, 420A and Fercal. Significant differences in leaf nutrient values were found for the elements phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and copper. The highest phosphorus levels were measured in Fercal, Ganzin 9 and 1103P and the lowest in B & ouml;rner and Binova. The highest calcium value was shown by the 420A variant, the lowest by Ganzin 9, B & ouml;rner and 8B. Magnesium was absorbed most efficiently by 1103P, Fercal and C3309. There were no significant differences in bunch texture and susceptibility to bunch rot. There were also no significant differences in drought resistance, especially in the dry vintages 2013 and 2017, although the varieties 420A, Fercal and 1103P tended to show fewer symptoms of drought damage and 8B, B & ouml;rner and Binova more. In terms of yield, the rootstock varieties 420A and 1103P were the most productive. The lowest grape weights and yields were produced by the varieties 161-49C and Ganzin 9. High must proline values were achieved by Ganzin 9, the lowest by 5BB and 1103P. The highest must magnesium values were achieved by C 3309, the lowest by 5C and SO4. Organoleptic wine evaluation of the 2018 vintage revealed no significant differences in the ,,body/density parameter. In the parameter taste, there was a preference for the rootstocks 5C, Ganzin 9 and 1103P over 420A, SO4 and C3309. Regarding the parameter bitter/tannin, only 5C and SO4 differed significantly, with the SO4 variant being rated as more bitter.