Genetic & Breeding·Germplasm Resources·Molecular Biology

• Identification of the Peach SAP Gene Family and Alleviative Response in Rootstocks Under Abiotic Stress
• REN Jiaxuan, ZHANG Fan, WANG Chenbing
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 635-652. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0634
• Abstract ( 78 ) HTML ( 46 ) PDF (6532KB) ( 46 ) 　　　

• The peach SAP genes were identified using bioinformatics methods to determine their structural characteristics and expression patterns following stress alleviation. Results showed that 11 PpSAP family members were identified in the peach genome，with molecular weights ranging from 16 268.42 Da（PpSAP3）to 31 983.27 Da（PpSAP8）. Only three genes PpSAP4，PpSAP8，and PpSAP9 contained introns. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that most members are localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PpSAP proteins can be classified into four groups：ⅠA，ⅠC，ⅡA，and ⅡB. Most PpSAP family members contain A20-AN1 domains，and proteins within the same group exhibit similar motif distributions. cis-Acting element analysis suggested that PpSAPs are primarily associated with light，hormone，and abiotic stress responses. Moreover，tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the PpSAP gene family. GO enrichment analysis identified 13 GO terms for PpSAPs，while a protein-protein interaction network indicated interactions between seven PpSAP members and four other proteins. miRNA interaction analysis identified 175 miRNAs targeting PpSAP proteins，among which the miR172 family showed specific interactions with multiple PpSAP members. qRT-PCR analysis of PpSAP expression in peach rootstocks（Baihua Shantao，Zhongtao Kangzhen 1，SH，GF677）and Prunus cerasifera rootstocks（Li 1，Li 3，Li 5，RA）after mitigation of abiotic stress revealed that under drought stress，PpSAP4 showed high expression in Li 3 and in GF677 treated with Spd or PEG，PpSAP6 was highly expressed in Li 1 treated with Spd，while PpSAP7 and PpSAP8 were significantly upregulated in Li 3 treated with PEG，and PpSAP9 was notably expressed in SH treated with Spd. Under low-temperature stress，PpSAP3 exhibited significant expression in Li 5 and RA treated with ALA，RA treated with Spd，and SH and RA treated with PEG；PpSAP4 reached its highest expression level（1 404.05）in GF677 treated with PEG；PpSAP8 showed high expression in Li 5 and RA after treatment with ALA or Spd. Under saline-alkali stress，PpSAP1 was highly expressed in Zhongtao Kangzhen 1 treated with ALA，PpSAP6 was significantly upregulated in Li 1 treated with ALA，while PpSAP9 showed notable expression in both SH treated with ALA and GF677 treated with PEG. These results indicate that the exogenous mitigators ALA，Spd，and PEG can specifically induce high expression of key PpSAP genes，and their regulatory effects vary significantly depending on the rootstock type and stress environment. In conclusion，PpSAP is hypothesized to be a key gene family involved in mitigating abiotic stress.

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• Effects of Saline-Alkali Treatment on Leaf Morphology，Physiology and Expression of Genes Related to Stress Signal in 16 Grapevine Cultivars
• ZHU Chunmei, CHEN Yao, LIU Zhiyu, ZHAO Baolong, SUN Junli
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 653-670. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0133
• Abstract ( 36 ) HTML ( 24 ) PDF (6794KB) ( 24 ) 　　　

• The changes in leaf morphology，physiology，and related gene expression were investigated in 16 grape cultivars（including characteristic local cultivars of Xinjiang）under combined saline-alkali stress（NaCl + Na₂SO₄ + NaHCO₃，with a total Na⁺ concentration of 300 mmol · kg^-1）. Under saline-alkali stress，all 16 cultivars exhibited varying degrees of leaf injury and a consistent reduction in photosynthetic capacity；increases in the levels of Na⁺，malondialdehyde（MDA），proline，soluble proteins，and soluble sugar；and enhanced activities of the antioxidant enzymes，such as superoxide dismutase（SOD），peroxidase（POD），and catalase（CAT）. Through integrated analyses，including correlation，principal component，membership function，and cluster analyses，the salt-alkali tolerance of the cultivars was classified：high saline-alkali tolerance（Hotan Red，Munage，Rizamat）；moderate saline-alkali tolerance （Xinyu，Manaizi，Victoria，Kashihare，Crimson Seedless，Zixiang Seedless，Miguang，Xiangfei，Shine Muscat，Kyoho，Flame Seedless）；and saline-alkali sensitive（Sweet Sapphire，Yongyou 1）. The expression levels of genes related to stress signaling were significantly up-regulated in the salt-alkali tolerant cultivars under saline-alkali stress.

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• Investigation of the Key Factors Influencing the Embryo Rescue Breeding Efficiency of Polyploid Grapes
• CHEN Xi, WEN Xue, ZHANG Yanan, WANG Yong, LI Yuling, SUN Feng, ZHAO Yanzhuo, NIU Zaozhu, XU Yan, LIU Guotian
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 671-682. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0118
• Abstract ( 31 ) HTML ( 10 ) PDF (2515KB) ( 10 ) 　　　

• The effects of different parental genotypes，varying concentrations of ZT（Zeatin）in embryo development media，and the conversion of different types of abnormal seedlings on the efficiency of triploid embryo rescue were investigated. Eleven hybrid combinations were selected. The results showed that during the ovule development stage，the addition of 0.5 mg · L^-1 ZT resulted in the highest embryo development rate of 58.89% and the highest seedling formation rate of 22.22% in the cross combination Ruby Seedless × Miguang，in terms of embryo germination，the proportion of abnormal seedlings was significantly higher than that of normal seedlings in nine cross combinations，with abnormal seedlings accounting for 40.04% to 80.04%. Among these，cotyledon albinism and polycotyledon abnormalities were the most prevalent，accounting for 25.29% and 24.13%，respectively. After conversion culture of different types of abnormal seedlings，the conversion efficiency was most significant for monocotyledon and polycotyledon abnormalities，at 52.79% and 50.13%，respectively，while tubular cotyledon abnormalities could not be converted into normal seedlings. Ultimately，489 hybrid plants were obtained from the 11 cross combinations，with Ruby Seedless，Huozhou Cuiyu，and Delight identified as suitable maternal materials，Miguang and Dali Meiguixiang as suitable paternal materials. By optimizing embryo rescue techniques and abnormal seedling conversion strategies，the efficiency of triploid grape embryo rescue and seedling formation rates can be effectively improved.

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• Identification and Expression Analysis of AeBAM Gene Family in Actinidia eriantha
• CHEN Yushan, GAO Huan, WU Junkang, WANG Limei, HUANG Chunhui, XU Xiaobiao, LIAO Guanglian
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 683-696. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0310
• Abstract ( 44 ) HTML ( 15 ) PDF (5894KB) ( 15 ) 　　　

• To elucidate the characteristics of the β-amylase（BAM）gene family in Actinidia eriantha，AeBAM family members were identified based on high-quality reference genome of A. eriantha‘Ganlü 1’（PRJNA839193），and their physicochemical properties and evolutionary relationships were analyzed. In addition，transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses were performed to determine the expression profiles of AeBAM genes in different tissues and at the late fruit development（starch degradation stage）. A total of seventeen AeBAM genes were identified in A. eriantha，encoding proteins ranging from 189 to 751 amino acids，with theoretical isoelectric points of 5.24-10.01 and molecular weights of 21 149.85-84 142.08 Da. Phylogenetic analysis across many species classified BAM into five subgroups，with subgroups I and V containing the majority members. Collinearity analysis revealed 10 pairs of duplicated gene pairs and 5 pairs of tandemly duplicated genes pairs within the family. All members showed K_a/K_s ratios less than 1，indicating they were purifying selection during evolution. Promoter analysis indicated that AeBAM genes contained numerous cis-acting elements related to light responsiveness，stress adaptation，and hormonal regulation. Transcriptome analysis showed that AeBAM genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns，among which AeBAM5，AeBAM13 and AeBAM16 were highly expressed in fruits，and their expression levels significant increased after bagging. qRT-PCR validation revealed that the expression levels of AeBAM5 and AeBAM13 increased significantly during the starch degradation stage and were negatively correlated with starch degradation，suggesting that they may be key members of the AeBAM gene family regulating fruit starch degradation.

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• Effects of Spermidine on PSⅡ Function and Expression of Key Genes of Chlorophyll Metabolism in Common Bean Seedlings Under Low Temperature Stress
• CAO Jinping, YANG Wenhuan, LIU Xiujuan, WANG Yuping
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 697-708. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0102
• Abstract ( 21 ) HTML ( 6 ) PDF (1452KB) ( 6 ) 　　　

• In this study，the effects of 1.0 mmol · L^-1 exogenous spermidine（Spd）and methylglyoxal diamidine hydrazone（MGBG）on the growth，chlorophyll content，photosystemⅡ（PSⅡ）function，chlorophyll degradation and synthase activity and related gene expression of common bean seedlings under low temperature stress were investigated at 12 ℃/8 ℃. The results indicated that compared with the control，low-temperature stress inhibited the growth of seedlings；chlorophyll content maximum photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ（F_v/F_m），photochemical quenching coefficient（q_P），electron transport rate（ETR）and actual photochemical efficiency（Φ_PSII）were all significantly reduced（P < 0.05）；while non-photochemical quenching coefficient（q_N）significantly increased（P < 0.05）. Under low-temperature stress，the chlorophyll fluorescence induction（OJIP）curve showed significant alterations：the fluorescence intensities at the J- and P-steps were reduced，while the heat dissipation per unit cross-section（DIo/CSm）and energy dissipation per reaction center（DIo/RC）were markedly elevated. Under low temperatures（T2），the application of Spd reversed the aforementioned trends，with significant increases in light energy absorption（ABS/CSm），conversion（TRo/CSm），and electron transport（ETo/CSm）. Spd-induced downregulation of key chlorophyll degradation genes PvCLH1（chlorophyllase 1）/PvCLH2 （chlorophyllase 2）and PvRCCR1（red chlorophyll metabolite reductase 1）resulted in decreased chlorophyllase（CLH）activity；Key chlorophyll synthesis genes PvPOR1（proto-deplastidic chlorophyll reductase 1）/PvPOR2（proto-deplastidic chlorophyll reductase 2）showed significantly increased relative expression（P < 0.05），with elevated chlorophyll acidase activity. The results indicate that exogenous Spd alleviates the suppression of photosynthesis in common bean seedlings under low-temperature stress by upregulating the expression of chlorophyll synthesis-related genes，increasing chlorophyll content，and enhancing the absorption and utilization of light energy by PSⅡ.

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• Analysis of Defense Pathways Affected by PlWRKY65 in Herbaceous Peony Leaves in Response to Alternaria tenuissima
• ZHU Yongfang, JIANG Yulei, GUO Xianfeng
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 709-722. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0312
• Abstract ( 22 ) HTML ( 7 ) PDF (3456KB) ( 7 ) 　　　

• Leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria tenuissima is one of the main leaf diseases in the field production of herbaceous peony. Previous study has shown that PlWRKY65 could enhance the resistance to A. tenuissima infection in peony. With Paeonia lactiflora‘Dafugui’，virus-induced gene silencing（VIGS）technology was used to silence PlWRKY65 and then peony leaves were inoculated with the pathogen A. tenuissima in this study. Next the infection phenotype and hypersensitive response（HR） were observed. The leaves at 0，12，48 and 96 h after inoculation were sampled for transcriptome sequencing analysis，with the PlWRKY65-non-silenced plants as control. The results exhibited that the disease symptoms in the PlWRKY65-silenced group appeared at 48 h，earlier than those in the control；meanwhile the evident HR symptom appeared at 12 h in the control，ahead of the PlWRKY65-silenced group. RNA-seq results showed that at 0，12，48 and 96 h after pathogen infection，a total of 3 487，2 792，2 712 and 2 388 differentially expressed genes（DEGs）were respectively produced between the PlWRKY65- silenced group and the control. These DEGs mainly reflected the differences in the expression level of the cell wall-related genes，plant hormone signal transduction and anthocyanin biosynthesis metabolism. Compared with the control，the content of lignin，pectin，cellulose and hemicellulose-the four main components of cell wall-in the PlWRKY65-silenced group decreased significantly after pathogen infection，whereas the content of anthocyanin displayed irregular pattern. In conclusion，PlWRKY65 could enhance the resistance to A. tenuissima via mediating cell wall metabolism.

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• Evaluation of Flower Color Traits in Cultivars of Ornamental Crabapple
• ZHOU Ruomiao, SHEN Yiting, ZHANG Wangxiang, SUN Tiantian, FAN Yuerong
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 723-734. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0254
• Abstract ( 44 ) HTML ( 11 ) PDF (3015KB) ( 11 ) 　　　

• This study investigated the dynamic distribution of flower color in 100 cultivars of ornamental crabapple（Malus spp.）across different developmental stages. Digital color analysis was conducted during the large bud stage and full blooming stage to explore flower color classification and reveal the variation patterns of color during flowering. The results indicated that flower color richness was highest at full bloom. Throughout the flowering stages，the color dynamics of ornamental crabapple generally shifted toward higher lightness（L^*），lower redness（a^*），lower yellowness（b^*），and lower chroma（C^*）and hue angle（h^°），indicating a progressive color fading during the flowering process. At full bloom，the 100 cultivars could be categorized into five major color groups：white（26%），pink-white（27%），pink（21%），red（10%），and purplish-red（16%）. Distinct phenotypic differences among these groups suggest that L^*，a^*，and b^* values can serve as effective criteria for flower color classification in ornamental crabapple. Furthermore，based on L^* and C^* values，these five color groups were divided into two broader clusters：ClusterⅠ（white，pink-white，and pink）and ClusterⅡ（purplish-red and red）. The ornamental evaluation criteria proposed in this study indicate that for white-flowered cultivars，higher L^* and lower C^* values correspond to better ornamental performance，whereas for other color groups，superior ornamental value is associated with both high L^* and high C^* values. Based on these criteria and using the golden-section method in a two-dimensional L^*-C^* distribution plot，19 cultivars with outstanding floral display and high ornamental value were identified.

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• Functional Study of RcMYB4 in Regulating Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Rehmannia chingii
• YANG Yahe, DING Ning, HAO Qiuwen, GAO Junge, ZHANG Pengyu, HU Jingyi, ZHANG Zhongyi, WANG Fengqing
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 735-748. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0309
• Abstract ( 22 ) HTML ( 12 ) PDF (5714KB) ( 12 ) 　　　

• Using Rehmannia chingii as the experimental material，a novel R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene was cloned from its corolla，with the resulting gene being systematically named RcMYB4. The open reading frame（ORF）of the gene spans 777 bp，encoding 258 amino acids residues. Quantitative real-time PCR（qRT-PCR）analysis demonstrated predominant expression of RcMYB4 in the corolla tube. Multiple sequence alignment of protein homologs revealed that RcMYB4 contain conserved domains of the S6 subfamily. Phylogenetic tree construction using the neighbor-joining method revealed that RcMYB4 groups with RcMYB1 from R. chingii and RgMYB42 from R. glutinosa，exhibiting the closest phylogenetic relationship. Transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana indicated that heterologous expression of RcMYB4 activated anthocyanin biosynthesis，with co-expression of RcMYB4 + RcANS significantly enhanced anthocyanin accumulation compared to single transformation of RcMYB4. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation in R. glutinosa revealed that transgenic lines overexpressing RcMYB4 exhibited significantly increased anthocyanin accumulation in both callus tissues and leaves of tissue-cultured seedlings compared to wild-type controls. In potted nutrient soil-grown transgenic R. glutinosa，both leaves and petioles exhibited significantly increased anthocyanin accumulation compared to wild-type controls. Notably，only the OE7 transgenic line showed enhanced anthocyanin content in tuberous roots，reaching 4.01 times that of the wild-type control. Expression analysis of anthocyanin biosynthetic structural genes in RcMYB4-overexpressing R. glutinosa lines revealed significant upregulation of RgANS，RgCHS，RgF3H，and RgDFR in leaves across three transgenic lines，with OE7 exhibiting the most pronounced increases. In tuberous roots，these four structural genes were exclusively upregulated in OE7. These results demonstrate that RcMYB4 is a positive regulatory transcription factor that activates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Rehmannia chingii.

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Cultivation·Physiology & Biochemistry

• Characteristics of Spring Shoot Phenotype and Mineral Nutrient Contents of Newhall Navel Orange in Different Production Areas
• LIU Wenhuan, MA Yanyan, ZHENG Yongqiang
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 749-762. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0929
• Abstract ( 21 ) HTML ( 3 ) PDF (1287KB) ( 3 ) 　　　

• Phenotypic traits（density，ratio，and biomass）and mineral nutrient status of citrus spring shoots directly determine nutrient allocation within the tree during critical flower and fruit development and the formation of the current year’s yield. To evaluate the feasibility of using quantitative phenotypic traits of spring shoots as indirect diagnostic indicators for nutrient status in orchard precision fertilization management，this study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in 12 producing regions across 6 citrus industry belts in China（e.g.，the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River，Northern Guangxi-Southwest Jiangxi-Southwest Hunan，and Xijiang River Basin）. Phenotypic traits[quantitative traits：density and ratio of reproductive shoots（RS，spring shoots with flowers）/vegetative shoots（VS，spring shoots without flowers）；biomass traits：biomass and allocation of leaves/stems/whole shoots]and mineral nutrients（N，P，K contents）were systematically measured. Due to fertilization interference during the sampling period in some producing regions，mineral nutrient data were finally obtained from 8 producing regions across 4 citrus industry belts. Regional differentiation patterns and coupling relationships between spring shoot phenotype and nutrients were analyzed through significance tests and correlation analysis. The results showed that：（1）Significant regional differences existed in spring shoot density：the RS density was the highest in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River（e.g.，Beibei，63 shoots · m^-2），the VS density was the highest in the Xijiang River Basin（e.g.，Fuchuan，71 shoots · m^-2），and the densities of both shoot types were the lowest in Western Hubei-Western Hunan（e.g.，Huaihua，3-10 shoots · m^-2）；（2）Single-shoot biomass showed a pattern of“south-high and north-low”，and all regions exhibited an allocation strategy of“VS leaf biomass > RS，RS stem biomass > VS”；（3）K content showed the largest fluctuation among nutrients （75% of RS and 62.5% of VS across producing regions deviated from the national mean），with excessive K in southern regions（e.g.，Xinning，Ganzhou，1.65%-1.91%）and low K in northern regions（e.g.，Danjiangkou，Beibei，1.00%-1.28%）；（4）The quantity ratio of RS to VS was extremely significantly positively correlated with their biomass ratio（r = 0.83，P < 0.01），and nutrients accumulated synergistically between RS and VS（r = 0.79，P < 0.01）. This study demonstrated that the spring shoot phenotype of Newhall navel orange forms a“northern reproductive-southern vegetative”differentiation pattern（driven by climate and soil），with K as the core regulatory element. Quantitative traits of spring shoots can indirectly assess biomass and nutrient status.

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• Evaluation of Resistance to Bacterial Canker Disease and Fungal Soft Rot and Fruit Quality of Jinfeng Kiwifruit Seed Offspring
• CHEN Yanyan, YUE Chenxi, TU Hui, SHI Jikang, TAO Junjie, PAN Hui, LI Wenyi, LI Li, HUANG Chunhui
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 763-774. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0277
• Abstract ( 19 ) HTML ( 2 ) PDF (1581KB) ( 2 ) 　　　

• This study utilized 40 fruiting‘Jinfeng’kiwifruit seedling accessions as test materials，the resistance to bacterial canker was evaluated by artificial inoculation of detached shoots with the pathogen，and the resistance to soft rot was evaluated by artificial inoculation of detached fruits with the pathogen. Simultaneously，nine indicators including fruit shape index，soluble solids content，dry matter content，vitamin C content，and sugar-acid content were measured to analyze and evaluate fruit quality. Based on the length of canker lesions on shoots and the diameter of soft rot lesions on fruits，the 40‘Jinfeng’kiwifruit seedling accessions were classified into 4 levels：resistant，tolerant，susceptible，and highly susceptible. Among them，11 accessions were resistant to canker，17 were tolerant，7 were susceptible，and 5 were highly susceptible. For soft rot，13 accessions were resistant，14 were tolerant，9 were susceptible，and 4 were highly susceptible. Five accessions exhibited resistance to both canker and soft rot. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between resistance to fruit soft rot and 3 key quality indicators：soluble solids content，dry matter content，and soluble sugar content. After establishing a comprehensive fruit quality evaluation model using principal component analysis and factor analysis，the fruit quality of the 40‘Jinfeng’seedling accessions was ranked. The top 5 accessions，in order，were 4-266，8-396，2-112，1-77，and 5-325. Combining the resistance performance to canker and soft rot of the top five ranked accessions，three accessions（4-266，2-112，1-77）were ultimately selected as highly disease-resistant and high-quality germplasm.

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• Screening of Potato Germplasms for Low Nitrogen Tolerance and Analysis of Nitrogen Efficiency
• XU Guochun, XU Yongqing, LI Huawei, JI Rongchang, LUO Wenbin, LIN Zhaomiao, QIU Sixin, TANG Hao
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 775-790. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0093
• Abstract ( 28 ) HTML ( 12 ) PDF (1745KB) ( 12 ) 　　　

• Screening for germplasm with tolerance to low nitrogen and high nitrogen efficiency （NE）is of great significance for breeding green and high-yielding new varieties of potatoes. In this study，a pot experiment with nutrient solution control was conducted to measure the leaf gas exchange parameters，relative chlorophyll content，aboveground dry matter accumulation，and yield-related traits of 180 potato germplasms under low nitrogen（0.1 mmol · L^-1 NH₄NO₃，LN）and normal nitrogen（10 mmol · L^-1 NH₄NO₃, NN）treatments. The study analyzed the variation，correlation，and low-nitrogen sensitivity of each trait，screened for low nitrogen tolerant and high NE germplasms，and conducted physiological mechanism analysis and field validation experiment. The results showed that，there was significant variation in photosynthesis and yield-related traits among the 180 potato germplasms. Under NN and LN treatments，the coefficient of variation for the 9 traits ranged from 11.76% to 73.04% and 13.48% to 112.13%，respectively. Moreover，the variation in traits under LN treatment was higher than under NN treatment. Most of the traits showed a clear correlation with each other，and to some extent，were influenced by nitrogen treatment. Low nitrogen significantly affected the leaf photosynthesis and yield-related traits of potatoes，with single plant yield（SPY）being the most suppressed by low nitrogen，but also showing the greatest variation of low nitrogen tolerance index（LNTI），with a coefficient of variation of 57.53%. By clustering the LNTI of SPY，10 low nitrogen tolerant germplasms were selected，of which CIP8，CIP52，E33，CIP10，CIP16，T1 and CIP66 had high NE both under LN and NN treatment （DNHE）；under field conditions of low nitrogen，DNHE germplasms also had higher yield. Analysis found that，low nitrogen tolerant germplasms had higher net photosynthesis rates，chlorophyll content，aboveground dry matter，and tuber number per plant than sensitive germplasms. The results of this study can offer valuable materials for further exploration of excellent genetic resources and the breeding of varieties with high-yield and high NE.

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• Effects of Exogenous γ-Aminobutyric Acid on Agronomic Traits and Physiological Characteristics of Uzbekistani Turnip
• ZHUANG Hongmei, YUNUSOV Salohiddinjon Adhamovich, KAISAER Rehemu, HAN Hongwei, LIU Huifang, ZHAO Jiafen, WANG Qiang, GAO Lihong, WANG Hao
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 791-801. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0084
• Abstract ( 18 ) HTML ( 2 ) PDF (2735KB) ( 2 ) 　　　

• To investigate the regulatory effects of exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid（GABA）on the growth and quality of turnip（Brassica rapa var. rapa L.），a pot experiment was conducted using two Uzbekistani turnip germplasm resources（purple-skinned and yellow-skinned）. Three concentrations of GABA（50，75，and 100 mmol · L^-1）were applied via root irrigation，with water serving as the control，to determine their effects on agronomic traits，physiological characteristics，and quality. The results showed that compared to the control，the 75 mmol · L^-1 GABA treatment had the most significant growth-promoting effect，increasing the fleshy root diameter，plant height，and leaf width of the purple-skinned turnip by 22.8%，60.17%，and 84.19%，respectively，and those of the yellow-skinned turnip by 19.26%，53.97%，and 51.59%，respectively. In terms of quality，the 75 mmol · L^-1 GABA treatment significantly increased the soluble protein，total phenol，and total soluble sugar contents in the purple-skinned turnip by 50.79%，36.42%，and 28.40%，respectively. The 100 mmol · L^-1 GABA treatment significantly increased the soluble solid，endogenous GABA，and glutamate contents in the purple-skinned turnip by 11.47%，154.84%，and 27.47%，respectively. For the yellow-skinned turnip，the 75 mmol · L^-1 GABA treatment significantly increased the total phenol and vitamin C contents by 75.19% and 3.72%，respectively，while the 100 mmol · L^-1 GABA treatment significantly increased the total soluble sugar，endogenous GABA，and glutamate contents by 20.00%，62.63%，and 24.13%，respectively. Exogenous GABA treatments significantly modulated the levels of endogenous hormones（IAA，ABA，and GA）and the activities of the antioxidant enzyme system（CAT，POD，and SOD）. In conclusion，exogenous GABA application can effectively improve the yield and quality of turnip by regulating the balance of endogenous hormones and enhancing antioxidant capacity，with 75 mmol · L^-1 being the recommended concentration. The findings provide a theoretical basis for quality improvement and high-yield cultivation of turnip.

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• Differences in Endophytic Microbial Communities and Bacterial Functional Predictions of Peppers with High/Low Soluble Solids Content
• YUAN Siyi, WANG Yuqi, ZHANG Mingxing, ZHOU Chi, TAO Yu, LI Xin, DAI Xiongze
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 802-816. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0184
• Abstract ( 14 ) HTML ( 3 ) PDF (3319KB) ( 3 ) 　　　

• The Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing was utilized to characterize the diversity，community structure，differential species and bacterial functional profiles of endophytic microorganisms in peppers with contrasting soluble solids content（SSC）across roots，stems，leaves and red fruits（physiological maturity）. The results showed that compared with low-SSC peppers，high-SSC peppers showed relatively lower richness of bacterial communities in roots，stems，and leaves. Whereas fungal richness showed an inverse pattern across all compartments. In low-SSC peppers，the highest bacterial richness was observed in the leaves，followed by the roots，stems，and fruits. In contrast，high-SSC peppers showed the highest fungal richness in the stems，followed by the roots，leaves，and fruits. In fruit tissues，Enterobacter was the dominant bacterial genus in high-SSC peppers，while Cladosporium was the dominant fungal genus. In low-SSC peppers，Chujaibacter was the dominant bacterial genus. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data，PICRUSt2 functional profiling indicated that stems and leaves hosted the most abundant and diverse predicted bacterial gene functions. Fruit-specific pathway analysis showed enrichment of secondary metabolite biosynthesis，antibiotic biosynthesis and carbon metabolism in low-SSC peppers，while ABC transporter systems were more prevalent in high-SSC peppers.

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• Effect of Sodium Nitroprusside on Postharvest Quality and Reactive Oxygen Metabolism of Hami Melon
• JIA Meihui, HUANG Shuai, ZHANG Manman, LIU Qian, WANG Xiaobing, ZHANG Qi, LEI Yaxin, WANG Jing
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 817-830. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0155
• Abstract ( 22 ) HTML ( 2 ) PDF (1836KB) ( 2 ) 　　　

• To investigate the effects of sodium nitroprusside（SNP），a nitric oxide（NO）donor，on the quality and reactive oxygen species（ROS）metabolism of Hami melon during low-temperature storage[（3 ± 1）℃]，‘Xizhoumi 25’Hami melons were used as test materials. Compared with the control，the fruits treated with 1.0 mmol · L^-1 SNP maintained higher contents of soluble sugars，soluble proteins，titratable acids，and ascorbic acid during storage（28-42 days）. This treatment effectively inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde（MDA）and the increase in cell membrane permeability，reduced the production rates of hydrogen peroxide（H₂O₂）and superoxide anion，and significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase（CAT）and superoxide dismutase（SOD）. Additionally，it remarkably promoted the expression of genes including CmSOD，CmCAT，CmAPX，and CmPOD，thereby decreasing the cold damage index of Hami melon fruits and alleviating the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation. These results indicate that 1.0 mmol · L^-1 SNP treatment can reduce cold damage and maintain fruit quality by regulating the balance of postharvest ROS metabolism in Hami melons.

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Plant Protection

• CaWRKY27 Mediates Pepper Immunity to Ralstonia solanacearum by Regulating CaPR1 and CaPR1L Expression
• SHE Jianju, TIAN Yashan, CHEN Feng, DANG Fengfeng
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 831-844. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0080
• Abstract ( 24 ) HTML ( 9 ) PDF (3873KB) ( 9 ) 　　　

• The WRKY transcription factors，which are specific to plants，play a crucial role in regulating salicylic acid（SA）-mediated immune response. CaWRKY27，a member of the CaWRKYⅡe subfamily，is implicated in modulating the resistance of pepper plants to bacterial wilt. To further elucidate the mechanism of action of CaWRKY27 gene in pepper’s resistance to bacterial wilt，five members of the CaWRKYⅡe subfamily were identified within the pepper genome. Phylogenetic analysis and multiple amino acid sequence alignment revealed that CaWRKY27 exhibits a high degree of homology with SlWRKY79 from tomato and AtWRKY65 from Arabidopsis. Real-time quantitative PCR（RT-qPCR）analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of the pathogenesis-related genes CaPR1 and CaPR1L were significantly reduced in pTRV2-CaWRKY27（CaWRKY27 silencing）plants compared to at both 24 and 48 hours post-inoculation with Ralstonia solanacearum in pepper. Furthermore，both dual-luciferase reporter（DLR）assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays（EMSA）revealed that CaWRKY27 can directly bind to the W-box in the promoters of the CaPR1 and CaPR1L genes，thereby activating their expression. These findings indicate that CaWRKY27 plays a crucial role in the resistance to bacterial wilt by directly regulating the expression of SA signaling pathway-related genes CaPR1 and CaPR1L in pepper.

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• Effects of Trichoderma harzianum Combined with Bacillus megaterium on Melon Fusarium Wilt and the Growth and Yield of Melon
• LIU Yanan, WEN Haibin, HAN Ying, DONG Jia, GUO Yanjie, MAO Xiaoxi, LI Qingmei, ZHAO Hongbo, LU Xiujun
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 845-856. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-1033
• Abstract ( 30 ) HTML ( 8 ) PDF (1861KB) ( 8 ) 　　　

• To explore the effects of Trichoderma harzianum（TH）in combination with Bacillus megaterium（BM）on the control of melon Fusarium wilt and yield. Pot and field experiments were established to explore the effects of TH + BM on Fusarium wilt incidence，melon plant growth and yield，and the dominant genera abundance in melon soils. Meanwhile，the number of Fusarium gene copies was analyzed through qPCR. The results showed that TH and BM were compatible. Compared with the control，the incidence rate and disease index of melon wilt treated with TH + BM were decreased by 75.00% and 85.19% in the pot experiment，respectively（P < 0.05）. The field experiment showed that the heights and stem diameters of melon plants were increased by 4.88% and 4.73% after planted 50 d respectively（P < 0.05）. The single fruit weight increased 6.33% within TH + BM treatment compared to the control. At fungal genus level，compared to the control，TH + BM treatment significantly decreased the relative abundances of F. and Mortierella（P < 0.05），while increased the relative abundance of Microascus and Beauveria（P < 0.05）. At bacterial genus level，compared to the control，TH + BM treatment increased the relative abundances of Bacillus，Pseudomonas，Oerskovia，and Hyphomicrobium（P < 0.05）. The correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of F. was significantly positively correlated with the F. wilt incidence of melon，and significantly negatively correlated with single fruit weight. When melon planted 90 d，the number of FOM copies within TH，BM，and TH + BM treatments were 5.63 × 10⁴，1.01 × 10⁵，4.82 × 10⁴ copies · g^-1，accounting for 16.09%，28.86%，and 13.77% of the control（3.50 × 10⁵ copies · g^-1），significant different from the control，respectively（P < 0.05）. In summary，T. harzianum in combination with B. megaterium improved the structure of microbial community in melon continuously cropping soils，reduce the incidence of melon Fusarium wilt，and increased melon yield.

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New technologies and methods

• Establishment of a TaqMan Real-Time Fluorescence Quantitative PCR Detection Method for Strawberry Root Rot Pathogen Dactylonectria spp.
• ZHANG Jiaqi, DONG Lihong, FU Yifan, WANG Peipei, GUO Qinggang, MA Ping
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 857-866. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0125
• Abstract ( 12 ) HTML ( 3 ) PDF (2226KB) ( 3 ) 　　　

• Dactylonectria spp. are among the most destructive soil-borne fungal pathogens causing strawberry root rot. To achieve rapid and accurate detection of this pathogen，this study developed a TaqMan-based real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR（qPCR）assay targeting the conserved n-ethylammeline chlorohydrolase gene sequence of Dactylonectria spp. Specific primers Da6-F/Da6-R and a TaqMan probe Da6-P were designed and validated. This method exhibits strong specificity and high sensitivity，could specifically distinguish Dactylonectria spp. from other common strawberry soil-borne fungal pathogens，as well as healthy strawberry tissues and root zone soils. The detection sensitivity were 10 copies · μL^-1 for plasmid DNA，0.5 pg · μL^-1 for genomic DNA，and 10³ spores · g^-1 in soil samples. Artificial soil inoculation experiments revealed disease onset（30% disease incidence）occurred at a threshold of 9.17 × 10³ copies · g^-1 in root zone soil. Comparative analysis of 29 naturally infected samples showed significant agreement between qPCR and conventional tissue plating methods（Cohen’s Kappa value = 0.592，P = 0.0002）.

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• Establishment of the Tissue Culture System of Sabina chinensis
• WANG Jiali, LIU Huixin, YUE Kangjie, KANG Hongwei, QIAO Ke, TIAN Xuping
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 867-880. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0038
• Abstract ( 23 ) HTML ( 7 ) PDF (1210KB) ( 7 ) 　　　

• Using stem segments of Sabina chinensis scale leaves and needle leaves as explants，the effects of different disinfection treatments，culture media，anti-browning agents，and plant hormone ratio on stem segment proliferation and rooting were investigated. The results showed that the optimal disinfection time of 0.1% HgCl₂ for scale leaves and needle leaves was 18 and 16 min，and the pollution rate was 8.52% and 2.51%，respectively. Adding 1.0 mg · L^-1 and 2.0 mg · L^-1 PVP to the medium was suitable for anti-browning of scale leaves and needle leaves，respectively. The optimal primary culture medium for scale leaves was DCR + 2.0 mg · L^-1 6-BA + 0.5 mg · L^-1 NAA + 1.0 mg · L^-1 PVP，with a bud induction rate of 83.27%，while for needle leaves was DCR + 2.0 mg · L^-1 6-BA + 0.1 mg · L^-1 NAA + 2.0 mg · L^-1 PVP，with a bud induction rate of 89.35%. The optimal proliferation medium for scale leaves was DCR + 3.0 mg · L^-1 6-BA + 0.5 mg · L^-1 Trans-ZT + 0.5 mg · L^-1 NAA + 1.0 mg · L^-1 PVP，with a proliferation rate of 88.93%，while for needle leaves，it was DCR + 3.0 mg · L^-1 6-BA + 0.1 mg · L^-1 Trans-ZT + 0.1 mg · L^-1 NAA + 2.0 mg · L^-1 PVP，with a proliferation rate of 93.42%. The optimal rooting medium for scale leaves was 1/2MS + 1.0 mg · L^-1 NAA + 1.0 mg · L^-1 IBA + 1.0 mg · L^-1 PVP，with a rooting rate of 73.29%，while for needle leaves，it was DCR + 2.0 mg · L^-1 IBA + 2.0 mg · L^-1 PVP，with a rooting rate of 71.64%. The survival rates of scale leaves and needle leaves plants in the substrate with a volume ratio of peat to vermiculite of 1︰1 was 76% and 60% respectively.

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Question and Discussion

• Exploration of Paeonia Naming Terminological Standardization and Cultivar Group Division
• YANG Yong, LIU Chunyang, LI Jiajue, WANG Liangsheng
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 881-891. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0181
• Abstract ( 20 ) HTML ( 10 ) PDF (1455KB) ( 10 ) 　　　

• Paeonia L.（Paeoniaceae），a genus of significant botanical resources in temperate zones worldwide，holds multifaceted economic values encompassing ornamental，medicinal，and oil uses. China maintains global leadership in both scientific research and industrial development of Paeonia. However，in some cases，irregularities in non-standardized nomenclature and ambiguous cultivar descriptions continue to impede effective scientific communication and cultural exchange. This study systematically examines prevalent issues in the naming conventions and classification of Paeonia cultivar groups. Through critical analysis and constructive recommendations，this study proposes some suggestions aiming to facilitate standardized practices for the cultivar introduction，international dissemination，and commercial utilization of the genus Paeonia.

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Review

• The Origin，Evolution，Research，and Industrial Development of Non- Heading Chinese Cabbage
• ZHANG Changwei, LI Entong, WANG Wenlong, HOU Xilin
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 892-918. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0549
• Abstract ( 29 ) HTML ( 12 ) PDF (2028KB) ( 12 ) 　　　

• The paper systematically outlines the innovation and application of non-heading Chinese cabbage germplasm resources，the molecular basis of key traits，breakthroughs in breeding techniques，and industrial development，while identifying existing challenges and shortcomings within the sector. It proposes a comprehensive strategy centered on germplasm innovation as the core driver，integrated with modern breeding technology upgrades，optimization of the seed industry system，and the integration of green pest control technologies across the entire industrial chain. This approach aims to promote the sustainable development of the non-heading Chinese cabbage industry.

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New Cultivars

• A New Cabbage Hybrid‘Zhonggan HD19’with High Taste Quality
• ZHANG Yangyong, LÜ Honghao, WANG Yong, JI Jialei, $\boxed{\hbox{FANG Zhiyuan}}$, YANG Limei, ZHUANG Mu, YAO Xuehui, ZHOU Hongwei, YAN Xiangping
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 919-920. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0845
• Abstract ( 19 ) HTML ( 10 ) PDF (511KB) ( 10 ) 　　　

• ‘Zhonggan HD19’is a new cabbage hybrid with high-taste quality，its parents are dominant genic male sterile line DGMS726-3 and self-compatible inbred line HWL525-1-1-4 with self-compatiblity index > 5. It is early-maturd，about 60 days from transplant to harvest when planted as the autumn cabbage in the open field in north China. The head shape is round and its color is green，with the head weight of around 1.4 kg and the yield of 74 250 kg · hm^-2. The inner leaf is crisp and tender，with high quality. The content of crude fiber was 0.6%，and the content of soluble sugar was 4.2%. It is tolerant to the low temperature，barrenness，salinity and alkalinity，and resistant to Fusarium wilt. It is suitable for autumn-winter cultivation in Hebei，Shandong，Shaanxi，Inner Mongolia，Henan，Gansu，Liaoning，Jilin，Shanxi，Fujian，Zhejiang，Jiangsu，Hubei，etc.

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• A New Eggplant Cultivar‘Eqie 9’
• HUANG Shuping, TAN Jie, CHEN Xia, ZHANG Hongyuan, WANG Benqi, WANG Junliang, CHEN Rong, ZHANG Min
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2026, 53(3): 921-922. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0963
• Abstract ( 21 ) HTML ( 12 ) PDF (544KB) ( 12 ) 　　　

• ‘Eqie 9’is a new early-maturing and purple-long eggplant F₁ hybrid，which was developed by crossing inbred line M2ST2-15 as female parent and 96-1 as male parent. The first flower sets on the 9th node.The plant has moderate growth potential. The commodity fruit is long stick shape with smooth and shining black-purple peel，purple calyx with a few thorns，white-green and good quality，170 g in average fruit weight，35-40 cm in length and 3.2-3.8 cm in diameter，good shipping quality. It has high yield，up to 61 525-68 490 kg · hm^-2 in one cultivating season. It has resistance to low temperature and weak light. It is suitable for in early spring protected cultivation and open spring field in the Yangtze River Valley and other areas with similar climate.

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