Tomato fruit ripening is accompanied by profound biochemical and microbial-associated changes that collectively shape fruit flavor, quality, and susceptibility to (a)biotic stresses. However, integrated insights into the co-varying effect of metabolic reprogramming and fruit-associated microbiome across ripening stages remain limited. Here, we employed a multi-omics approach to investigate stage-dependent shifts in the metabolome and bacteriome of cherry tomato fruits across three ripening stages: mature green, pink, and red ripe. Fruit quality analysis revealed a significant increase in soluble sugars, lycopene, and ascorbic acid from the green to the red stage. Untargeted metabolomics showed extensive metabolic reprogramming during ripening, characterized by the marked accumulation of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, and flavonoids in red ripe fruits, alongside a decline in defensive alkaloids such as tomatine. High-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed that bacterial diversity and community composition shifted significantly with ripening, with red ripe fruits harboring higher diversity and enrichment of gram-positive taxa, including Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Lactiplantibacillus, Litchfieldia, and Pediococcus, whereas Pseudomonas was enriched in the mature green stage. Correlation analysis revealed a strong association between specific bacterial taxa and ripening-related metabolites, suggesting a link between microbial succession and metabolic remodeling. Together, these findings demonstrate that tomato fruit ripening involves tightly coupled metabolic and microbial dynamics, providing new insights into fruit quality formation and postharvest ecology for sustainable agriculture.
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya, has become increasingly popular in Europe and the United States owing to its nutritional value and potential health-promoting properties. This study describes a patient with anaphylaxis after the ingestion of dragon fruit. We present the case of a patient who experienced a systemic reaction requiring hospitalization 1 h after consuming dragon fruit. His medical history includes allergic rhinitis to Salsola kali pollen. The diagnostic worked-up included prick-by-prick testing with fruits, skin prick testing with aeroallergens, and measurement of specific IgE using ImmunoCAP and ISAC. These tests confirmed sensitization to dragon fruit, several pollens including S. kali, and peach allergens. A protein extract was prepared from dragon fruit pulp. In the protein profile, the most intense bands were observed at 9, 26, and 54 kDa. The patient's IgE recognized multiple bands ranging from 16 to >100 kDa. Immunoblot inhibition demonstrated cross-reactivity: S. kali extract almost completely inhibited IgE recognition of dragon fruit proteins, leaving only faint recognition of a 54-kDa band (identified as catalase), while peach peel extract completely inhibited IgE binding to the dragon fruit extract. In conclusion, sensitization to dragon fruit in this patient was probably due to cross-reactivity with S. kali and peach allergens. This case highlights the potential risks associated with the introduction of novel foods into the diet, particularly in patients previously sensitized to pollen or other plant-derived foods.
The strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne L.) is an underutilized Mediterranean fruit species with considerable potential as a source of nutritionally valuable and functionally important bioactive compounds. In the present study, 30 naturally growing genotypes collected from Defne district of Hatay Province, Türkiye, were comprehensively evaluated over two consecutive growing seasons (2024 and 2025) to determine the extent of variation in fruit pomological traits, color parameters, biochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and mineral content. Fruit width, fruit length, fruit weight, CIELAB color coordinates (L*, a*, and b*), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content, total antioxidant capacity, and 16 mineral elements were assessed. In addition to univariate comparisons, multivariate statistical approaches, including correlation analysis, principal component analysis, heat map analysis, and multiple regression analysis, were applied to reveal trait interrelationships and genotype differentiation. The results demonstrated significant genotype-dependent variation for all evaluated traits, indicating broad phenotypic diversity within the studied germplasm. Fruit weight ranged from 0.29 to 1.81 g, total phenolic content from 321.61 to 507.01 mg GAE 100 g⁻1 FW, total flavonoid content from 125.54 to 288.87 mg CAE 100 g⁻1 FW, total anthocyanin content from 7.22 to 20.07 mg C3G 100 g⁻1 FW, and antioxidant capacity from 31.54% to 64.09% inhibition. Potassium was the predominant mineral, varying between 2867.29 and 8134.66 mg kg⁻1 DW. Genotype 'AA-7' was distinguished by superior fruit size and weight, 'AA-19' by outstanding macro-mineral accumulation, 'AA-14' by the highest antioxidant capacity, 'AA-3' by elevated phenolic content, and 'AA-23' by the highest anthocyanin concentration. Multivariate analyses revealed strong coordination among fruit size traits, structured associations among color parameters, partial coupling among biochemical variables, and an integrated pattern of mineral accumulation. Multivariate analyses further revealed that several genotypes, particularly 'AA-7', 'AA-14', 'AA-19', and 'AA-23', occupied distinct positions in the multivariate space, reflecting unique combinations of pomological, biochemical, and mineral attributes. Overall, the findings highlight the substantial breeding, conservation, and functional food potential of naturally growing strawberry tree germplasm.
This study aimed to investigate pollen types on the fruit quality of 'Hongyang' kiwifruit, providing a scientific basis for rational pollinizer tree allocation. Using 'Hongyang' as the test material and commercial pollen as the control, pollen from 12 male plants of 2 species ( Actinidia chinesis var. Deliciosa and A. chinensis ) was used to pollinate in orchards. PCA was applied for comprehensive evaluation of the pollinated fruit. The results were as follows: (1) Male A. chinesis var. deliciosa plants had a later flowering period but more pollen than male A. chinensis plants did, and there were notable intraspecific differences in floral traits. Among the six tested male plants of A. chinensis ('a-1', 'a-2', 'a-3', 'a-5', 'a-6', 'a-7'), their flowering periods basically overlap with those of 'Hongyang', while the other materials were 5-23 days later than 'Hongyang'.(2) 'Hongyang' had a significant pollen xenia on the fruit set, quality, and seed characteristics, particularly showing large differences in single fruit weight, sugar-acid ratio, vitamin C content, flesh color, and seed number. Different pollen pollination treatments had different impacts on 'Hongyang' fruit quality. (3) According to principal component scores, floral organ characteristics, and flowering period evaluations, male A. chinensis plants 'a-6', 'a-2', and 'a-7' are suitable and compatible pollinizers for 'Hongyang', whereas the male A. chinensis var. deliciosa male plants 'a-10' and 'a-12' are recommended for poststorage artificial pollination. In conclusion, there are significant differences in floral traits among inter- and intraspecific male kiwifruit plants. Pollen donor choice notably affects the key quality indicators of 'Hongyang'.
Stone fruits such as peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots contribute significantly to global nutrition and agricultural economies. However, substantial losses occur at both pre- and post-harvest stages due to unfavorable weather conditions, market-driven cosmetic standards, and inefficiencies in harvesting, transport, and storage. Additionally, by-products from industrial processing such as pomace, peels, stones, and seeds are often discarded despite being rich in bioactive compounds such as dietary fibers, polyphenols, antioxidants, natural pigments (e.g., anthocyanins and carotenoids), and healthy fats. This review critically examines the scale, causes, and composition of stone fruit waste globally across regions and identifies valuable constituents in discarded materials. It evaluates current and emerging valorization strategies such as the production of dry fruits, powders, oils, and extracts for applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. By highlighting opportunities for waste reduction and resource recovery, this review supports the development of sustainable value chains and circular economy practices. It concludes that overcoming technological, economic, and regulatory barriers through coordinated efforts across research, industry, and policy is essential to realize the full potential of stone fruit waste valorization and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals. Identifies major sources and causes of stone fruit waste across global supply chains.Reviews the physicochemical composition of stone fruit waste.Evaluates current and emerging valorization technologies.Explores market trends and commercial products derived from stone fruits and their processing by-products.Outlines future research priorities.
Micronutrient malnutrition, commonly referred to as "hidden hunger, " remains a persistent global health challenge, particularly in regions with limited dietary diversity. Although agricultural intensification has substantially improved caloric availability, it has not ensured adequate micronutrient density in food systems, highlighting the urgent need for nutrition-sensitive crop improvement strategies. Biofortification has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective approach to enhance the micronutrient content of food crops through agronomic, genetic, and biotechnological interventions. While biofortification research has predominantly focused on staple cereals and legumes, horticultural fruit crops have received comparatively limited attention despite their widespread consumption, high consumer acceptance, and natural richness in bioactive compounds. This review advances beyond existing overviews by providing a critical and comparative evaluation of agronomic, conventional breeding, and biotechnological approaches for fruit crop biofortification, with particular emphasis on their effectiveness, scalability, limitations, and translational potential. Current advances aimed at enhancing iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, and provitamin A concentrations are comprehensively synthesized. Special attention is given to the physiological and molecular mechanisms regulating micronutrient uptake, transport, accumulation, and storage in fruit tissues. In addition, advanced biotechnological tools, including CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, are critically assessed in relation to biosafety, regulatory considerations, and practical applicability. Evidence from major fruit crops, including apple, banana, mango, pomegranate, strawberry, and papaya, demonstrates that integrated biofortification strategies can improve micronutrient density while maintaining fruit yield and quality. Importantly, this review addresses a major knowledge gap by linking crop-level nutrient enhancement with micronutrient bioavailability and human nutritional outcomes, emphasizing the influence of food matrix interactions and nutrient absorption efficiency. Key constraints, including genotype × environment interactions, postharvest nutrient instability, climate-driven variability, and limited clinical validation, are also discussed. Finally, a systems-level framework integrating plant science, human nutrition, postharvest biology, and policy perspectives is proposed to support the large-scale adoption of nutrition-sensitive fruit biofortification. Collectively, fruit crop biofortification represents a promising strategy for improving global micronutrient security and advancing sustainable food systems.
Anthocyanins serve as critical secondary metabolites in plants. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant regulation to prevent anthocyanin overaccumulation remain largely elusive. This study reveals that both transcript and protein levels of the anthocyanin repressor FveMYB1 in woodland strawberry progressively increase during fruit development, peaking at the ripening stage. Stable transformation confirmed that FveMYB1 suppressed anthocyanin biosynthesis. To investigate how FveMYB1 suppresses anthocyanin biosynthesis, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening of a strawberry fruit cDNA library using FveMYB1 as bait. FveMYB1 was found to interact with two types of regulators: the transcriptional co-repressor FveTPR2 and histone deacetylases FveHDA6, respectively. Both FveTPR2 and FveHDA6 exhibited the highest expression levels in ripening fruits, and these genes were found to repress anthocyanin biosynthesis during fruit maturation. Interestingly, three members (FveMYB1, FveTPR2 and FveHDA6) interact with each other to form a ternary complex to repress anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, TSA treatment and Chip-qPCR demonstrated that FveMYB1-FveTPR2-FveHDA6 complex mediate histone deacetylation at key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (FveF3H, FveCHS, and FveANS). This epigenetic modification represses the expression of these genes, ultimately reducing anthocyanin accumulation to prevent overproduction in strawberry fruits and this regulatory mechanism is conserved in various plants. These findings elucidate a novel regulatory pathway that fine-tunes anthocyanin biosynthesis during fruit ripening.
Actinidia arguta is an emerging fruit crop in northern China, characterized by its strong tolerance to low temperature (LT). Investigating the LT stress response of A. arguta is essential to elucidate the intricate resistance mechanisms in kiwifruit. For this purpose, A. arguta seedlings were subjected to 4 ◦C LT stress for 0, 12, 24 and 48 h. Physiological analyses revealed that LT stress induced a significant increase in the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, concurrent with the elevated levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and proline. Transcriptome profiling identified 2297 genes with consistent expression changes across all treatment groups, among which the plant hormone signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) pinpointed 15 hub genes positively correlated with LT resistance in A. arguta. In addition, the integrative analysis of transcriptome and metabolome revealed that the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway exhibited the most consistent changes, spanning from gene expression to metabolite accumulation. Specifically, LT stress induced changes in the levels of two important metabolites sucrose and UDP-glucose and the expressions of 32 genes encoding carbohydrate metabolic enzymes under LT stress. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms of LT resistance in kiwifruit, and provides gene resources for the molecular breeding of LT resistant kiwifruit varieties.
Between February 2024 and June 2025, surveys conducted in northwestern Morocco revealed citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis and Citrus × limon) showing atypical postharvest decay symptoms, characterized by dark, water-soaked lesions with zonation and coremia-like structures. These symptoms were detected at only two sites, with a low incidence of 1.6% in the orchard and 0.5% in market samples. Five fungal isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissues on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Morphological characterization identified all isolates as Penicillium ulaiense, based on colony and micromorphological features consistent with published descriptions. Two representative isolates (BH_B1 and BH_E2) were selected for molecular analyses. Sequencing of the ITS region and the β-tubulin (BenA) gene showed 99-100% identity with reference P. ulaiense sequences, and the concatenated alignment comprised 804 base pairs. Phylogenetic analyses placed the Moroccan isolates within a well-supported P. ulaiense clade, clearly distinct from closely related species such as P. italicum and P. expansum. Pathogenicity assays reproduced typical symptoms on C. sinensis fruits, with progressive lesion development and successful re-isolation of the pathogen, confirming its pathogenic role under experimental conditions. This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of Penicillium ulaiense associated with postharvest whisker mold symptoms on citrus fruits in Morocco. It provides new insights into postharvest citrus pathogens in Morocco and establishes a basis for future investigations on the occurrence and epidemiology of this species.
Senior osteoporosis (SOP) represents a significant health concern that impacts quality of life among the elderly population. Calcium supplementation is the most common treatment for those diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, the administration of inorganic calcium supplements is often associated with adverse effects, including constipation and nephrolithiasis. The fruit of Rosa roxburghii, commonly known as 'Ci Li' in Chinese, is both a medicine and a food. It aids in digestion, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and improves intestinal inflammation. The polysaccharides from R. roxburghii (RRFP) also exhibit activities such as enhancing immunity, managing diabetes, and regulating intestinal function. The current methods for RRFP extraction either have low extraction rates or are not conducive to scale-up applications; in addition, the effect of RRFP on improving SOP is unclear. RRFP with molecular weights ranging from 50 to 100 kDa was enriched by ultrafiltration, and was composed of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The functional groups of polysaccharides were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that RRFP exhibited a porous morphology. Notable increases in antioxidant capacity, dry femur weight, femur bone mineral density, and femur calcium levels were observed in RRFP group rats. Protein expression of keap1 decreased while HO-1 and Nrf2 increased after RRFP-Ca treatment. RRFP altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota in rats. RRFP could enhance calcium absorption to improve SOP by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and modulating the gut microbiota, especially by altering the abundance of Lachnospiraceae. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
Although several hundred continuous cell lines have been generated from Drosophila spp. fruit flies over the past half-century, nearly all are derived from a single species, Drosophila melanogaster, and none are derived from neotropical flies. To address this deficit, a simplified protocol was used to generate three primary cell cultures from larvae of Drosophila willistoni originating from Costa Rica. All three primary cultures developed into continuous cell lines, and all three cell lines, designated DWL/LULS68, DWL/LULS70 and DWL/LULS72, were found to be persistently infected with the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. Sublines free of Wolbachia were generated from all three cell lines by prolonged tetracycline treatment. Molecular analysis, karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed species origin of the cells as D. willistoni and identified the Wolbachia as the strain wWil. Wolbachia wWil was successfully transferred from D. willistoni cells to heterologous cell lines derived from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis and the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans, but not to cell lines derived from ticks or triatomine bugs. The new D. willistoni cell lines are expected to facilitate many aspects of research into this species and its bacterial symbionts.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M2, previously isolated from the Amazonian fruit Humiria balsamifera, has shown a promising probiotic profile. This study performed an integrated safety evaluation combining genome-informed analyses with a 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity assessment in a murine model. In silico genome screening revealed no detectable signatures associated with pathogenicity, virulence, or acquired antimicrobial resistance. Functional marker profiling and comparative analyses across reference strains further indicated that M2 harbors a conserved repertoire of genomic features associated with probiotic-relevant functions, including potential traits related to gastrointestinal survival, adhesion, oxidative stress response, and biofilm formation, with specific enrichment in substrate utilization pathways associated with niche adaptation. In vivo, repeated oral administration of L. plantarum M2 to Swiss mice did not result in mortality, adverse clinical signs, or treatment-related alterations in body weight trajectories in either sex, despite the expected variation over time (females: time effect p = 0.0018; males: time effect p < 0.0001). Mean daily food intake was higher in probiotic-treated animals in both sexes (females: mean difference = 3.54 g/day, p = 0.0016; males: mean difference = 2.84 g/day, p = 0.0008). A reduction in alanine aminotransferase levels was observed in females (49.40 ± 6.18U/L in controls vs. 42.33 ± 3.67 U/L in treated animals, p = 0.0428), without associated histopathological alterations in the liver. Taken together, these findings indicate that L. plantarum M2 does not elicit detectable adverse effects under the experimental conditions employed and provide a preclinical safety framework supporting its further investigation for oral applications.
Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), caused by Acidovorax citrulli, is a major constraint in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production worldwide. As a seed-borne disease, reducing the initial inoculum through seed treatment is critical for effective management. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PMB05 as a seed treatment to enhance resistance against BFB. Seed treatment and spray inoculation assays revealed that the PMB05 fermentation broth provide superior diseased resistance compared with its powder formulation. To optimize seed treatment performance, the addition of 5% maltodextrin improved bacterial adherence on seed surfaces without affecting germination. In our previous research, the co-treatment of sodium metasilicate and PMB05 enhanced plant immunity and resistance to soft rot in cabbage. In this study, we also incorporated this co-treatment to seed coating. This combination markedly strengthened plant immune responses and reduced BFB incidence, achieving a 70.2 % control efficacy. Overall, the co-treatment of PMB05 fermentation broth and sodium metasilicate in seed coating represents a promising, eco-friendly strategy for managing BFB in watermelon production.
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Monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii, Cucurbitaceae) is globally renowned for its triterpenoid glycoside mogroside V, a high-intensity, non-caloric natural sweetener. However, its domestication and mogroside biosynthesis remain largely unknown. Here, we report a haplotype-resolved telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gapless genome for monk fruit, consisting of 14 chromosomes with genome sizes of 316.21 Mb (Hap1) and 316.07 Mb (Hap2). Comparative genomic analyses of the haplotypes revealed that structural variations and transposable elements have significantly contributed to genomic variation and architecture in monk fruit. Population genomic analyses based on 173 re-sequenced genomes indicated that cultivated monk fruit was mainly domesticated in situ from local wild populations in northern Guangxi of China, and that it likely experienced a mild domestication bottleneck, while exhibiting low genetic diversity. Demographic inference further revealed that the low genetic diversity is largely attributed to demographic changes driven by historical climate shifts. Selective sweeps were identified across all chromosomes of cultivated monk fruit, among which are genes exhibiting diverse putative functions and involved in various biosynthetic processes and secondary metabolism. This pattern of selective sweeps demonstrates the joint role of artificial selection and demographic changes in shaping the genomic landscape of cultivated monk fruit. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analyses showed a pronounced temporally specific expression pattern among mogroside biosynthesis genes during fruit development and delineated additional candidate genes potentially involved in mogroside biosynthesis. This study not only provides insights into the domestication and mogroside biosynthesis of monk fruit but also lays a valuable genomic foundation for its molecular breeding and mogroside-targeted synthetic biology.
A framework beyond single-reference genomes is needed to understand transcription factor evolution. This study employed an integrated haplotype‑resolved genomes-transcriptome atlas-machine learning to characterize the transcription factors of autotetraploid green jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana). The first haplotype‑resolved comparison of transcription factor superfamilies from eight haplotype genomes (HapGenome) representing a specific wild and a specific cultivated green jujube accession, encompassing 42 superfamilies and 12,123 gene copies. Evolutionary analyses revealed high structural conservation with minimal copy number variation, gene presence/absence variations, and strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1). Dispersed duplication (47.24%), not whole-genome duplication (36.10%), was the most frequently observed duplication event in the expansion of transcription factor superfamily. A haplotype‑resolved transcriptome atlas demonstrated that tissue-specific expression divergence occurred at the superfamily level and between the core/dispensable genes. Integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data, support vector machine classification with leave‑one‑out cross‑validated distinguished three wild fruits from six cultivated fruits with the accuracy of 89% using orthologous gene groups (OGGs) expression profiles. The eXtreme gradient boosting was employed as an exploratory tool to prioritize OGGs related to metabolite changes. Finally, OGG-95, a Lesion Simulating Disease Zn finger transcription factor, was screened out, which was significantly upregulated in cultivated fruits, and its expression was significantly correlated with differential accumulation of nucleotides and organic acids that need further functional validation. This integrative study provided novel insights into the genomic architecture and regulatory evolution of transcription factors in a polyploid fruit crop, highlighting the power of multi-dimensional analyses for gene discovery. The genomes of wild plants experienced numerous changes when they transited into cultivated crops. We studied how a key group of regulatory genes, called transcription factors, changed between the genomes of wild and cultivated green jujube, a tetraploid fruit crop. By comparing the complete set of these genes between the two specific wild and cultivated accessions, we found they are highly conserved, meaning most genes stayed the same. Surprisingly, small‐scale gene duplications created more new gene variants than the large‐scale whole‐genome duplication event that shaped this species. We also mapped where and when these genes are active in different plant parts, revealing family‐specific patterns. Using machine learning models as an exploratory tool, we screened out one specific gene family that shows promise for future studies on fruit quality. This research shows how combining large‐scale genetic data with advanced computing can reveal the key regulators of desirable crop traits.
Optimizing hydroponic bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production requires tailored nutrient solutions, as cultivar needs and climate conditions vary. This study therefore evaluated three globally-used nutrient solutions on three popular cultivars ('Nirvin', 'Aranko', and 'Taranto') under Iran specific climate, in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system. The nutrient solutions tested were the standard Hoagland solution (control), the Netherlands nutrient solution, and the USDA-recommended solution. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted to assess growth, physiological traits, yield, and fruit quality parameters. Results showed that both cultivar type and nutrient solution significantly affected vegetative growth, reproductive traits, photosynthetic pigments, and fruit quality. 'Aranko' generally exhibited higher biomass accumulation (30.98% SDM) and leaf area (32.17%), especially when grown with the USDA solution, which also enhanced number of fruit (81.96%) and fruit mass (6.5%) compared to Hoagland solution. 'Nirvin' showed the highest leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and chlorophyll b content, particularly under the Hoagland solution. 'Taranto' demonstrated the highest photosynthetic efficiency across all nutrient solutions. The Netherlands and USDA solutions improved dry biomass and carotenoid content compared to the control. Photosynthetic parameters such as Fv/Fm and net photosynthesis were influenced by nutrient solution and cultivar interactions. Fruit quality traits, including firmness, vitamin C content, and color indices, were also enhanced by the USDA solution. Overall, the findings indicate that 'Aranko' showed the best results in yield, with superior biomass accumulation and fruit mass, particularly under the USDA solution.
Grafting is a common agronomic strategy to improve growth, stress tolerance, and fruit quality in tomato. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms by which rootstocks regulate tomato fruit nutritional and flavor quality remain largely unclear. In this study, the tomato cultivar HZ504 was used as the scion and grafted onto three rootstocks (JZ, TLBM, JB), with self-grafted HZ504 as the control. Agronomic trait analysis showed that JZ rootstock significantly increased fruit number per plant and total soluble solids content. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that JZ rootstock broadly altered the transcriptome and metabolome of scion fruits. Metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and amino acids, all closely linked to flavor and nutrition, were elevated. On the transcriptome side, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and the phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. At the pink ripening stage, JZ specifically upregulated key flavonoid pathway genes in a ripening-dependent manner, tightly correlating with increased flavonoid accumulation. Together, these results indicate that JZ rootstock enhances tomato yield and quality by reorganizing transcription and metabolic flux, particularly toward flavonoid biosynthesis. This work provides a practical basis for rootstock selection and sustainable production of high-quality tomatoes.
In protected strawberry cultivation, the application of a mixture of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) nitrogen typically yields better plant growth and development compared to treatments using either nitrogen form alone. To elucidate the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms, this study employed 'Benihoppe' strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) as plant material. Under a constant total nitrogen concentration (6 mmol/L), treatments with different ammonium-to-nitrate ratios (NH₄⁺:NO₃⁻) were established. Through the determination of physiological indices and endogenous hormone levels, combined with transcriptome analysis, we systematically investigated the regulatory role of nitrogen form ratios on strawberry growth. The 7:3 NH₄⁺:NO₃⁻ ratio treatment (CL₂) significantly promoted plant height and petiole growth, increased fruit yield, but had no significant effect on fruit size. During the green fruit stage, this treatment notably increased the levels of auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin. Transcriptome analysis revealed a significant enrichment in plant hormone signal transduction pathways, with related differentially expressed genes (AUX/IAA, SAUR, GH3, CRE1, and B-ARR) being markedly regulated. This study proposes that a 7:3 ammonium-to-nitrate ratio helps regulate strawberry growth and improve yield, with the underlying mechanism likely involving the coordinated regulation of plant nitrogen uptake and hormone signaling, thereby providing a theoretical basis for precise nitrogen fertilization management in protected strawberry cultivation.
Objective: To analyze the age-specific differences and temporal trends in triggers of pediatric anaphylaxis from 2015 to 2024, aiming to provide evidence for optimizing clinical diagnosis, treatment, and allergy management strategies. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. Patients who attended the Department of Allergy, Beijing Children's Hospital, from January 2015 to December 2024 were initially screened based on based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and clinical diagnoses. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis were included after secondary verification by allergy specialists. A total of 635 children were included. According to age at first onset, they were divided into infant/toddler group (0-2 years, n=227), preschool group (3-6 years, n=143), school-age group (7-12 years, n=211), and adolescent group (13-17 years, n=54). Basic demographic data, suspected clinical triggers, and comorbid allergic diseases were collected. Suspected triggers were determined by integrating clinical history with allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) results and skin prick test findings. The chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage trend test were employed for intergroup comparisons and trend analyses. Results: A total of 635 pediatric patients were enrolled, with the highest incidence of onset in the 0-2 years age group (227 cases, 35.7%). Males accounted for 64.6% (410/635) and females 35.4% (225/635). The most common comorbid allergic disease was allergic rhinitis/allergic conjunctivitis (303 cases, 47.7%), followed by bronchial asthma (145 cases, 22.8%). A total of 845 episodes of anaphylaxis were analyzed, with food being the predominant trigger (81.1%, 685/845), followed by food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis/exercise-induced anaphylaxis (11.6%, 98/845), idiopathic causes (3.8%, 32/845), and suspect drugs (2.5%, 21/845). The leading food triggers were cow's milk (11.2%, 95/845), wheat (9.6%, 81/845), and hen's egg (8.5%, 72/845); fruits/vegetables and nuts/seeds accounted for 20.9% (177/845) and 10.1% (85/845), respectively. Overall trigger analysis showed that the proportion of food-induced anaphylaxis decreased significantly with increasing age, from 95.8% in the 0-2 years group to 52.7% in the 13-17 years group (Z=-10.718, P<0.001). In contrast, the proportion of food-dependent exercise-induced/exercise-induced anaphylaxis increased significantly with age, from 0.4% (1/284) in the 0-2 years group to 35.1% (26/74) in the 13-17 years group (Z=10.881, P<0.001). Age-trend analysis for specific food triggers revealed that allergies to cow's milk, hen's egg, and wheat all showed a significant downward trend with age (Z=-9.518, -9.797, -9.233, respectively; all P<0.001), while allergies to fruits/vegetables increased significantly with age (Z=5.909, P<0.001). Buckwheat and nut/seed allergies were most prevalent in the 3-6 years age group, with no statistically significant age-related trend (P=0.518 and P=0.174, respectively). Comparison of trigger proportions between the periods 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 demonstrated a significant decrease in the overall proportion of food triggers, from 88.0% to 79.0% (χ2=8.209, P=0.004). The proportion of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis/exercise-induced anaphylaxis increased significantly (χ2=16.758, P<0.001), while the proportion of drug-induced anaphylaxis decreased significantly (χ2=9.827, P=0.002). No statistically significant changes were observed in the proportions of idiopathic and other triggers (both P>0.05). Among specific food triggers, the proportions of nuts/seeds (χ²=12.46, P<0.001) and fruits/vegetables (χ2=7.636, P=0.006) increased significantly, whereas the proportions of cow's milk (χ2=24.999, P<0.001), wheat (χ2=5.891, P=0.015), legumes (χ2=7.394, P=0.007), and seafood/fish (χ2=4.161, P=0.041) decreased significantly. Conclusion: Based on this single-center 10-year retrospective data, triggers of pediatric anaphylaxis from 2015 to 2024 show age-related differences and temporal trends. Clinically, stratified and individualized allergy management strategies should be implemented, taking into account age-specific characteristics and period evolution, to provide evidence for precise prevention and control of pediatric anaphylaxis. 目的： 探讨2015—2024年儿童严重过敏反应诱因的年龄差异性及变化趋势。 方法： 采用横断面研究，选择2015年1月至2024年12月于北京儿童医院过敏反应科就诊，根据《疾病和有关健康问题的国际统计分类》第十次修订版（ICD-10）编码及临床诊断初步筛选病例，经过敏反应专科医师二次审核确认符合严重过敏反应诊断标准的患儿，共纳入635例患儿，根据第1次起病年龄划分，其中婴幼儿（0~2岁）227例、学龄前组（3~6岁）143例、学龄组（7~12岁）211例、青春期组（13~17岁）54例。收集患儿基本信息、临床可疑诱因及合并过敏性疾病等资料；病史结合过敏原特异性IgE（specific IgE，sIgE）、皮肤点刺试验判定可疑诱因。采用χ2检验、Cochran-Armitage趋势检验进行组间比较及趋势分析。 结果： 在纳入的635例患儿中，起病年龄以0~2岁组最多（227例，35.7%），男性占64.6%（410/635），女性占 35.4%（225/635）。过敏共病中最常见者为过敏性鼻炎/过敏性结膜炎（303例，47.7%），其次为支气管哮喘（145例，22.8%）。共纳入845次严重过敏反应，诱因以食物为主，占81.1%（685/845），其次为食物联合运动/运动占11.6%（98/845），特发性严重过敏反应、疑似药物诱因分别占3.8%（32/845）和2.5%（21/845）。主要食物诱因依次为牛奶11.2%（95/845）、小麦9.6%（81/845）、鸡蛋8.5%（72/845）；水果/蔬菜20.9%（177/845），坚果/种子10.1%（85/845）。总体诱因分析显示，食物诱发严重过敏反应比例随年龄增长呈现显著下降趋势，由0~2岁组95.8%降至13~17岁组52.7%（Z=-10.718，P<0.001）；食物联合运动/运动诱发过敏比例随年龄显著上升趋势，从0~2岁组的0.4%（1/284）上升至13~17岁组的35.1%（26/74）（Z=10.881，P<0.001）；具体食物诱因年龄趋势分析显示，牛奶、鸡蛋、小麦过敏均随年龄增长呈显著下降趋势（Z=-9.518、-9.797、-9.233，均P<0.001）；水果/蔬菜过敏随年龄呈显著上升趋势（Z=5.909，P<0.001）。荞麦、坚果/种子过敏以3~6岁组多见，年龄变化趋势无统计学意义（P=0.518、P=0.174）。对 2015—2019年与 2020—2024年两个时段诱因占比进行比较，结果显示，总体食物诱因占比由88.0%降至79.0%，差异有统计学意义（χ2=8.209，P=0.004）。食物联合运动/运动诱因占比显著升高（χ2=16.758，P<0.001）；疑似药物诱因占比显著降低（χ2=9.827，P=0.002）；特发性诱因及其他诱因占比变化均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。具体食物诱因中，坚果/种子（χ2=12.46，P<0.001）和水果/蔬菜（χ2=7.636，P=0.006）占比显著升高；牛奶（χ2=24.999，P<0.001）、小麦（χ2=5.891，P=0.015）、豆类（χ2=7.394，P=0.007）及海鲜/鱼（χ2=4.161，P=0.041）占比显著降低。 结论： 2015—2024年北京儿童医院儿童严重过敏反应诱因呈现年龄差异及年度变化趋势。.