搜索结果：Photosynthesis research

Light is both the primary energy source for photosynthesis and a key regulator for circadian rhythms, influencing the comprehensive quality and the production cycle of plants. Light quality is a critical parameter of light parameters, and the response patterns of photosynthesis and circadian rhythm to different light qualities remain to be explored. Here, white (broad-spectrum), red, blue and purple lights were each applied to celery for two days (light/dark: 12 h/12 h), and stomatal openness, photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigments contents, and the expression levels of photoreceptor-related genes were measured. The results showed, narrow-spectrum treatments outperformed white light in both photosynthetic parameters and pigments accumulation red light most effectively promoted stomatal openness and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), reached the maximum levels after 4 h of illumination. Compared with white light, the average contents of photosynthetic pigments were improved 1.12, 1.25 and 1.37 times higher under the red, blue, and purple light, respectively. Furthermore, within the two days, narrow-spectrum treatments upregulated the maximal relative expression of most photoreceptor genes (especially AgPHYB and AgPHOT2). The expression of circadian rhythm genes previously established under white light were disrupted, leading to disordered expression, complex uncoupling or loss of rhythmicity. This research provided references for light quality response mechanism researches and facility-based light supplementation in celery cultivation.

The use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is a promising strategy to offset the harmful effect of combined salinity and low phosphorus availability and constitutes an affordable solution to enhance agricultural productivity under co-occurring abiotic stresses. In the present study, we investigate the effect of seed inoculation with different PSB isolates on the responses of barley (Hordeum vulgare) seedlings exposed to salt stress, whether individually applied or in combination with phosphorus deficiency. PSB strains used showed beneficial effect by significantly improving barley response under single and/or combined stresses. Yet, effects were strain- and organ-specific. Considering the plant growth promoting effect, GS4f isolate (Pseudomonas sp.) was the most effective strain in relationship with better water status and photosynthesis activity. Seed inoculation with PSB also reduced Na+ content and enhanced K+ content along with higher phosphorus mobilization (as P accumulation and acid phosphatase activity). This was concomitant with decreased H2O2 production resulting in lower MDA content in stressed roots and leaves of inoculated plants. PSB Inoculation triggered the overall plant antioxidant defense, including enzymatic (SOD, CAT and GPX) under simultaneous salinity and low phosphorus availability. Overall, our findings provide valuable information for prospective production of effective biostimulants based on halotolerant PSB and further highlight the possibility of using this promising eco-friendly approach to improve plant growth in P-deficient and salt-affected soils.

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The efficient conversion of solar energy into chemicals is fundamentally limited by the rapid, random recombination of photogenerated charges and strong exciton binding in semiconductors. We transcend incremental catalyst optimization by introducing a universal molecular design strategy "simultaneous geometric and electronic symmetry breaking" in covalent organic frameworks that intrinsically programs directional charge flow. Our strategy of replacing symmetric benzene units with asymmetric thiophene rings induces cooperative point-group distortion and asymmetric electron density redistribution, thereby creating a built-in polarization field that slashes exciton binding energy, extends carrier lifetime by over 300%, and steers reaction selectivity. This leads to a record photocatalytic H2O2 production rate from just water and air. Crucially, life-cycle assessment confirms this pathway reduces environmental impact by an order of magnitude. The generality of this design strategy is further validated across multiple framework systems and enables stable operation in a continuous-flow photoreactor, demonstrating a robust platform for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

Photocatalytic carbon-carbon coupling offers a route for converting plastic-derived chemicals into valuable multi-carbon products, yet uncontrolled coupling of intermediate limits efficiency and selectivity. Here, we report atomically dispersed barium species on titanium dioxide that act as frustrated Lewis pairs, enabling efficient and selective generation intermediates during the co-oxidation of ethylene glycol and methanol toward lactic acid. The barium species create interstitial states near the Fermi level, enhancing charge separation and surface redox activity. Meanwhile, barium sites promote the formation of transient •CHOHCH2OH radicals from ethylene glycol, while lattice O generates stable *CH3 intermediates from methanol. Their directed cross-coupling yields lactic acid at rate of 2.04 ± 0.08 mmol g-1 h-1 with 81.8 ± 2.4 % carbon selectivity, alongside H2 evolution at 5.85 ± 0.23 mmol g-1 h-1. In this work, we show an alkaline-earth frustrated Lewis pairs for selective solar-driven cross-coupling reaction.

Global climate warming has increasingly exacerbated the adverse effects of high temperature on crop yield and quality. Saccharum spontaneum, a wild resource that serves as a crucial genetic reservoir for sugarcane, represents a valuable genetic asset for improving heat tolerance in sugarcane breeding. Recent studies have shown that S. spontaneum contributes to modern sugarcane breeding not only as a source of resistance genes but also to sugar accumulation in contemporary cultivars. However, the molecular basis underlying its photosynthetic recovery following combined heat and high light stress remains unclear. In this study, 20 S. spontaneum accessions were evaluated under natural high-temperature and high-light conditions by measuring photosynthetic parameters at 09:00, 14:00, and 17:00. Two accessions showing contrasting post-noon recovery of net photosynthetic rate were identified: the fast-recovering line 82-114 (L114) and the slow-recovering line 2021-17 (L17). Transcriptome sequencing and differential expression analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly enriched in pathways related to plant hormone signal transduction, antioxidant enzyme systems, photosynthesis, and carbon metabolism. Further weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified co-expression modules highly associated with the afternoon samples of L114, along with key regulatory factors including WRKY, NF-YC, CAMTA, C2H2, and RLK family members. Physiological and molecular data together indicate that L114 orchestrates a dynamic response under heat and high light stress by remodeling ethylene, jasmonic acid, and auxin signaling networks; coordinately enhancing peroxisome-associated antioxidant systems; transiently downregulating and subsequently restoring the expression of light-harvesting and electron transport genes in the photosystems; and finely tuning glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway to achieve a temporal response characterized by "damage suppression-rapid repair-recovery of high photosynthesis." This study is the first to investigate candidate pathways underlying the rapid recovery of photosynthesis following midday depression in S. spontaneum, and to identify germplasm with high photosynthetic capacity and rapid post-midday recovery. These mechanistic insights provide novel candidate targets for functional validation and genetic improvement in sugarcane breeding.

Nanoplastics are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems and pose a threat to environmental and human health. They inhibit the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and increase its microcystin content, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we investigated the effects of nano-polystyrene on the growth, photosynthesis, microcystin content and transcriptome of M. aeruginosa. The results showed that 10 mg/L nano-polystyrene slightly inhibited the growth during the first two days of exposure (toxicity phase), followed by a rapid recovery and enhanced growth of M. aeruginosa (promotion phase). During the toxicity phase, 10 mg/L nano-polystyrene decreased the content of phycocyanin, ATP and NADPH, and increased transcriptional levels of psbA, cpcA, grxC, trxA, gst, gshB and sod2 key genes in the studied species. During the promotion phase, the growth rate of M. aeruginosa increased with increased phycocyanin, ATP and NADPH production, and a series of photosynthetic parameters increased, which were reflected by the up-regulation of photosynthesis-related genes (e.g., psbH, psb28-1, petJ) to increase the photosynthetic electron transport rate, and the corA gene to absorb more necessary metals to support growth. Additionally, M. aeruginosa increased the microcystin content during both the toxicity and promotion phases, which might suggest it could potentially play a role in promoting photosynthesis and growth. The results indicated that nano-polystyrene could increase the growth and the microcystin content of M. aeruginosa, which could amplify the adverse and harmful effects of nanoplastics on freshwater ecosystems and human health. This study provides novel insights into the restoration and remediation of aquatic ecosystems.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a threat to crop productivity and ecological safety. To understand the mechanisms of Cd tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), we used physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses. Increasing Cd levels significantly inhibited plant growth by reducing shoot height, leaf area, and biomass, while increasing Cd accumulation, particularly in roots and cell walls. Severe Cd stress decreased photosynthetic pigments and efficiency, casused ultrastructural damage, and reactive oxygen species. Antioxidant enzyme responses varied: POD and APX activities increased consistently, while SOD and CAT showed different patterns. We conducted transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling under moderate Cd stress compared with Cd0. Using M. sativa and M. truncatula reference genomes, transcriptome analysis identified 16,888 and 4768 differentially expressed genes, respectively, enriched in photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, hormone signaling, and redox regulation. Metabolomic analysis identified 3359 differentially accumulated metabolites, indicating a shift towards secondary metabolism, particularly flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Integrated analyses revealed galactose metabolism as a as a key link between photosynthesis, antioxidative defense, and Cd sequestration. Collectively, alfalfa responded to Cd toxicity involved suppressing photosynthesis, activatiing antioxidant pathways, redirecting metabolism. These findings offer insights into Cd tolerance and a basis for improving alfalfa's phytoremediation potential.

Microalgae have significant potential for environmental applications, such as carbon sequestration and bioremediation, while also generating biomass and synthesizing a range of metabolites that can be utilized for various industrial applications. This paper focuses on the genes underlying photosynthesis, carbon fixation, lipid production, antioxidant synthesis, and pollutant uptake by reviewing research on the microalgal transcriptome. Transcriptomics have helped identify characteristic genes, such as rbcl, ACC, DGAT, PDS, PSY, CHY, LCY, and FAD, which are involved in key metabolic pathways, including the Calvin cycle, fatty acid synthesis, beta-oxidation, PUFA production, and pigment synthesis. After identifying the key genes, these pathways can be modulated through metabolic engineering to enhance the production of targeted metabolites. Thus, this paper further discusses emerging approaches used in the metabolic engineering of microalgal genomes to improve industrial applications, including bioremediation, carbon sequestration, biofuels, and nutraceuticals. Genetic engineering studies have successfully enhanced the potential of microalgae for various applications, especially strains of Nannochloropsis, Phaeodactylum, Chlamydomonas, and Chlorella, which are now being further explored. CRISPR has been identified as one of the most reliable techniques for transient expression and multiple-gene editing. Thus, various CRISPR-based techniques for industrial applications are discussed, along with their challenges and prospects.

Since 2.4 Giga-annum, cyanobacteria have played a pivotal role in the oxygenation of Earth, supporting nitrogen availability through symbiosis with plants such as cycads, and enhancing growth, yield, and resilience to abiotic stresses, particularly drought induced by climate change. This research explores the effects of their lyophilized and aqueous extracts on tomato growth and stress resilience. The primary goal was to identify the cyanobacterial symbionts and evaluate the effects of the two biostimulant forms on tomato growth traits, in order to select the most effective for alleviating drought stress. The results indicated that the isolated strains belong to Desmonostoc sp., with the best performance observed in lyophilized biomass extracted from Desmonostoc sp. CH3C6 and C5. The experimental setup, involving single inoculations of the best performing strains and their co-inoculation revealed that inoculation enhanced root growth and relative water content, while negatively affected photosynthetic pigments. Inoculation with Desmonostoc sp. CH3C6 increased total soluble sugar (37.32 mg) and total phenol content (20.74 mg GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalent) /g), whereas proline (31.78 mg/g), catalase activity (0.002 U mg⁻¹ protein), and anthocyanin (0.101 mg/mL) biosynthesis were significantly improved by co-inoculation under stress. These findings reveal strain-specific responses to the derived biostimulant forms, with lyophilized biomass particularly improving tomato tolerance under water scarcity. Nevertheless, further research is required to understand crop specificity to biostimulant form, as well as the optimal application frequency and techniques.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymers secreted by bacteria (including cyanobacteria) and fungi that have attracted increasing interest as biostimulants for sustainable crop production. Despite a growing body of literature, an integrated analysis connecting EPS structural and physicochemical properties to downstream plant molecular responses has been lacking. This review addresses that gap by adopting a structure-function-omics framework, tracing a sequence from EPS chemical composition, including charge, molecular weight, hydrophilicity, and rheological behavior, through plant perception mechanisms, to the transcriptomic and metabolic changes that follow. In the rhizosphere, EPS contribute to soil aggregate stabilisation, water retention, and heavy metal chelation, improving root-zone conditions under drought, salinity, and metal toxicity. At the plant surface, LysM-domain receptor-like kinases recognize structurally defined EPS and initiate signaling cascades. The outcome, such as symbiosis, immunity, or growth promotion, depends on the EPS structural identity. Transcriptomic and metabolomic studies across multiple crop systems indicate that EPS exposure is associated with modulation of photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, antioxidant defense, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Phytohormone networks involving salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and auxin are also influenced, though evidence for intact high-molecular-weight EPS as direct hormonal regulators remains limited. Dedicated coverage is provided for cyanobacterial EPS, an underexplored source with distinctive structural properties. The review concludes by identifying priority knowledge gaps, notably the complete absence of studies on EPS-mediated epigenetic effects in plants, and outlines directions for translating EPS research into field-applicable biostimulant technologies.

Soil contamination and abiotic stress have become serious global problem due to rapid development of social economy. Oxalic acid (OA), an important organic acid and fertilizer component, has been found effective in enhancing plant tolerance against various abiotic stresses. For this purpose, we have designed the current experiment to explore the contribution of OA in mediating growth and eco-physiology by alleviating abiotic stresses, in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seedlings of T. aestivum were subjected to the different abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, heat, and cold stress, and were supplemented with exogenous OA at 5&#xa0;mM. Results from the present study revealed that the abiotic stresses induced a substantial decrease in shoot length, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, soluble sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar contents, calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), iron (Fe2+), and phosphorus (P) contents, microbial diversity, richness, and evenness in T. aestivum plants. In contrast, abiotic stresses in the soil significantly (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05) increased phenolic content, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), health risk indices, bioaccumulation factors. Although, the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase in the T. aestivum plants and non-enzymatic such as phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin contents were increased with the exposure of abiotic stresses. The application of OA significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency, microbial diversity, richness, and evenness, while reducing health risk indices, bioaccumulation factors, MDA, and H2O2 contents under stress conditions. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiling further supported the regulatory role of OA in modulating stress-responsive signaling pathways and enhancing stress tolerance in T. aestivum plants. Increased antioxidant enzyme activities in OA-treated plants appeared to play a crucial role in scavenging stress-induced reactive oxygen species. Research findings, therefore, suggested that OA application can ameliorate abiotic stresses toxicity in T. aestivum seedlings and resulted in improved plant growth and composition under abiotic stresses.

Elymus sibiricus L., a perennial grass critical for livestock production and ecological restoration on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is frequently exposed to intense high-altitude light stress. NAC transcription factors are key regulators of plant development and stress responses, yet they remain uncharacterised in E. sibiricus. Here, we reported the first genome-wide analysis of the NAC family in this allotetraploid species and identified 290 EsNAC genes. These genes are classified into 14 subfamilies, 11 of which have undergone significant expansion mainly through segmental duplication events, a process that may contribute to adaptation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We observed pronounced enrichment of light-responsive cis-elements in the promoters of EsNAC genes. Consistent with this, we identified a significant overlap between Arabidopsis AtNAC genes and a set of light-repressed genes, implicating the NAC family in light-inhibition pathways. To explore how E. sibiricus copes with high-light stress, we functionally characterised EsNAC29, a homologue of Arabidopsis ANAC029/AtNAP. Heterologous overexpression of EsNAC29 in Arabidopsis recapitulated a strong light-inhibition phenotype, including chlorosis and dwarfism, with the chlorophyll content, plant height, and fresh weight reduced by more than 32%, 48%, and 80%, respectively. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that EsNAC29 represses chlorophyll-biosynthesis and photosynthesis-related genes while up-regulating light-repressed and defence-related pathways. These findings establish EsNAC29 as a key negative regulator of photosynthesis and an integrative node that links light perception with stress adaptation, providing molecular insights into how the grasses of the plateau acclimate to intense light environments.

Phototrophic organisms must balance energy between photosynthesis and respiration to survive. In cyanobacteria, this coordination is especially critical as both processes share the same membrane and electron transport complexes. Although electron exchange between the two pathways is known, photosynthesis is often presumed to dominate under many conditions. Here, under an extended heat-stress condition, our data indicate that respiration can compensate for reduced photosynthetic activity. We compared two Microcystis aeruginosa strains (PCC7806 and Lake Kinneret isolated strain C-1004). PCC7806 maintained viability while increasing dark respiration and sustaining a larger, active plastocyanin pool and turnover. C-1004 maintained higher photosystem II activity but showed reduced respiration and reduced biomass. Overall, the results suggest that respiratory compensation, rather than residual photochemical throughput, aligns with survival under this condition. Such differences could contribute to seasonal shifts in strain dominance and point to respiration as an important survival mechanism in cyanobacteria during heat stress.

As a fast-growing tropical tree species, Ochroma lagopus exhibits rapid growth and high nutrient demand. This study investigated one-year-old Ochroma lagopus trees under four fertilization frequencies: control (CK), high (F1), medium (F2), and low (F3). The research examined how water-soluble fertilizer frequency during the rainy season affects tree growth, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake, stoichiometric ratios, and nutrient allometric relationships among organs, aiming to identify optimal fertilization strategies. Results showed that F2 treatment (500&#xa0;g/plant every 30&#xa0;days) produced the most significant height increase at 60, 90, and 120&#xa0;days after fertilization, with a maximum increase of 26.53% compared to CK. The stable nutrient supply promoted preferential "height growth." In contrast, F3 treatment (500&#xa0;g/plant every 45&#xa0;days) achieved a 36.58% increase in diameter over CK. The lower nitrogen supply likely avoided potential inhibition of cambium cell differentiation and lignification caused by excess nitrogen, thereby enhancing stem diameter growth and improving plant stability under stress. Nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios in organs showed stage-specific variations: at 60&#xa0;days, a "source organ competition" pattern dominated, prioritizing leaf allocation for photosynthesis; by 90&#xa0;days, photosynthetic products were transported from leaves to roots via branches, enhancing organ synergy and shifting to "source-sink-translocation coordination"; by 120&#xa0;days, nutrients accumulated in "sink" organs. Allometric analysis revealed that high-frequency F1 caused inter-organ imbalance and elemental conflict; medium-frequency F2 maintained synergistic balance; while low-frequency F3 promoted a "root nutrient reserve" stress-response strategy. Therefore, for Ochroma lagopus plantations, medium-frequency fertilization (500&#xa0;g/plant every 30&#xa0;days) during the rainy season is recommended.

Thylakoid membranes (TM) in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts host the light-dependent reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis. Gloeobacterales, the earliest-diverging cyanobacterial lineage, lack TM and perform photosynthesis in the cytoplasmic membrane (CM), representing an ancestral state relative to other cyanobacteria (Phycobacteria). This study investigates the evolutionary origin of TM. Phylogenomic analyses were performed across a phylogenetically diverse set of cyanobacteria, including extensive representation of basal lineages (Gloeobacterales, Thermostichales, Gloeomargaritales, and Pseudanabaenales), as well as micro- and macrocyanobacteria, using orthologous proteins involved in membrane dynamics and photosystem II (PSII) assembly, together with structural modeling using AlphaFold3. We identified two candidate proteins associated with membrane trafficking that may contribute to TM biogenesis, including the SPFH (Stomatin, Prohibitin, Flotillin, en HflK/C) family member Slr1106, proposed to have been acquired by lateral gene transfer. Analysis of 36 PSII assembly factors revealed modifications in late-stage assembly, notably in manganese homeostasis. Structural changes in the YidC translocase may have facilitated the relocation of linear electron transfer components from the CM to TM. Altogether, these phylogenetic and functional prediction analyses provide new insight into the molecular innovations that led to TM emergence, including membrane trafficking systems, PSII assembly changes, and protein targeting adaptations.

Identifying key genes involved in drought tolerance and clarifying their molecular mechanisms are crucial for breeding drought-tolerant poplar varieties. In this study, Populus alba &#xd7; Populus glandulosa '84K' was used as the experimental material to analyze its physiological and molecular responses to different levels of drought stress. Key drought-responsive genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and their functional roles were further validated. The results showed that drought significantly inhibited poplar growth, and both photosynthetic damage and oxidative damage in leaves increased with the severity of stress. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in poplar leaves under drought stress were not only significantly enriched in photosynthesis and antioxidant-related pathways, but also enriched in plant hormone signal transduction and &#x3b1;-linolenic acid metabolism pathways, suggesting that jasmonic acid (JA) signaling play a role in regulating the drought response of poplar. Based on the combined analysis of RNA-Seq and WGCNA, PagJAZ12B was identified as a key gene. The overexpression lines of PagJAZ12B showed higher sensitivity to drought, as indicated by stronger inhibition of photosynthesis and more severe oxidative damage. In conclusion, the repressor gene PagJAZ12B in the JA signaling pathway negatively regulates drought tolerance in poplar, indicating that activation of the JA signaling pathway plays a positive role in the drought response of poplar. These findings provide important gene targets and theoretical basis for improving drought tolerance in poplar through molecular breeding and for developing stress-resistant forestry varieties.

Carotenoid molecules are critical in photosynthesis, performing functions at the heart of both light harvesting and photoprotection. As both these processes involve excitation energy transfer, fully understanding them requires a precise description of the electronic states involved. The excited-state manifold of carotenoids is not yet fully characterized and includes several dark electronic states that remain elusive. Using femtosecond-stimulated resonance Raman spectroscopy, where the vibrational contributions of each excited state can be observed selectively as a function of the Raman excitation, we resolve vibrational signatures consistent with three dark-state contributions and propose assignments for them. These results address long-standing controversies in carotenoid research and provide a spectroscopic framework that is relevant to the multiple roles of these molecules.

The genetic basis of long-term photoprotection under sustained high-light exposure in perennial trees remains poorly understood. Here, we report that a miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) located 1.2 kb upstream of PsiGCN2 reduces promoter activity by approximately 26% (P < 0.01) in transient heterologous reporter assays, consistent with a potential cis-regulatory contribution in Populus simonii. Genome-wide association study of 334 accessions identified PsiGCN2 (Chr07:14786025) as significantly associated with electron transport rate (ETR, P < 1&#xd7;10-7) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ, P < 3.72&#xd7;10-7) under high-intensity light stress. Loss-of-function paggcn2 mutants demonstrated enhanced photoprotection during prolonged high-intensity light exposure, including 19% higher maximum PSII efficiency, 46% increased NPQ, and 10-20% ETR following eight-day exposure compared to wild-type plants. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 432 differentially expressed genes, with photosynthetic antenna proteins significantly upregulated (NES = 1.86, P < 0.001) and reduced enrichment of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling components (NES = -1.56, P = 0.0078) in mutants. Nuclear-localized PsiGCN2 is positioned as an integrative regulatory hub, coordinating 514 protein interactions spanning proteostasis, photosynthesis, and RNA metabolism pathways. Genome-wide annotation identified 27,395 MITEs with 42.6% of genes harboring insertions near transcriptional boundaries. Phylogenetic analysis revealed episodic MITE amplification at 16.7 million years ago, coinciding with Mid-Miocene climatic shifts. These findings support a MITE-PsiGCN2-phenotype regulatory axis that influences the balance between photoprotection and photosynthetic efficiency under sustained high-light conditions. They also shed light on how promoter-proximal transposable element insertions contribute to transcriptional modulation of light acclimation in woody species.