Reviews

• Research Progress on The Regulation and Application of Plant Hormone in Woody Plant Fruit Development and Quality Formation
• LIU Beiping, GAO Ming, ZHAO Yunxiao, WANG Yangdong, WANG Bin, FANG Hongfeng, LUO Mingyang, and CHEN Yicun
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 1939-1966. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0973
• Abstract ( 117 ) HTML ( 72 ) PDF (2843KB) ( 72 ) 　　　

• The regulation and application of plant hormones in woody plant fruit development，particularly their roles in shaping quality attributes such as internal composition，color，flavor，and texture were reviewed. This review aims to clarify the hormonal regulation of fruit development and quality formation in woody plants，thereby providing a theoretical foundation for optimizing fruit quality through exogenous hormone application.

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• Research Progresses on Sucrose Non-Fermenting-1-Related Protein Kinase 1 in Horticultural Plants
• KANG Jie, WU Yun, LI Zeqi, XU Yunchen, ZOU Jiwen, WU Jiahao, WU Jiahui, REN Ziming, LI Danqing, and XIA Yiping
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 1967-1986. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0823
• Abstract ( 46 ) HTML ( 17 ) PDF (2546KB) ( 17 ) 　　　

• Sucrose non-fermenting-1（SNF1）-related protein kinase 1（SnRK1）is a heterotrimeric protein kinase complex. As sugar receptor，SnRK1 can respond to glucose and other sugar signaling molecules involved in source-sink communication，to restore energy homeostasis and regulate plant growth during starvation，stress conditions and growth-promoting status. In this paper，the structure，activating factors，major biological functions，mechanism of action，and the signaling pathways and networks of SnRK1 in horticultural plants are thoroughly summarized. This suggests the crucial role of SnRK1 in the interconnected signal transduction networks，so as to provide reference for further study of SnRK1 involved in sugar metabolism and stress resistance in horticultural plants.

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• Recent Advances in JAs-Induced Improvement of Postharvest Chilling Resistance in Horticultural Crops
• TAN Xiaoyu, NIU Junpeng, WANG Quanzhi, ZHANG Li, ZHU Lijuan, WANG Guodong, ZHENG Heyun, YU Zhifang, DUAN Yuquan, JIANG Li, SUN Xiuxiu, YANG Ying, LUO Weiqi, LI Xuehui, GUAN Le, ZHAO Yanling, LI Guoxiao, YIN Congfei, GE Cheng, MA Min, JIA Luting, ZHANG Xu, ZHAO Yaoyao, GENG Xinli, WANG Libin, and ZHANG Shaoling
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 1987-2020. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0969
• Abstract ( 52 ) HTML ( 17 ) PDF (5854KB) ( 17 ) 　　　

• Low-temperature（0-15 ℃）storage would trigger a series of the complicated physio- biochemical reactions in horticulture crops，damage the integrity，fluidity，and functionality （semi-permeability）of cell membranes，thereby causing chilling injury. To mitigate chilling damage，the CBF-(in)dependent signal transduction pathways are initiated in plants；among them，the CE1-CBF-COR transcriptional cascade is of great importance in the CBF-dependent signal transduction pathway. In addition，some endogenous hormones such as jasmonic acid（JA），ethylene（ETH）and abscisic acid（ABA） also rapidly accumulate during plant response to low temperature. JA and its derivatives are collectively referred to as JAs，which are formed after oxidation，cyclization，reduction，β-oxidation，modification and activation of α-linolenic acid or hexadecatrienoic acid. Upon JAs synthesis followed by perception by COI1，the transcription factor MYC2 is released from the repressor protein JAZs，which was ubiquitinated for degradation，to activate the downstream signal transduction process，causing the induction of several physio-biochemical alternations（including increment of antioxidant biosynthesis，improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity，inhibition of lipid metabolism，enhancement of arginine metabolism，promotion of energy metabolism，and activation of other plant hormone signal transduction pathways）. The abovementioned responses would help to maintain the integrity，fluidity，and functionality（semi-permeability）of cell membrane，and thus improve the capacity of horticultural crops postharvest to resist low temperature stress. In recent years，studies have revealed that：（a）MYC2 regulates the transcription of downstream target genes by forming homodimers or heterodimers with MYC3 and MYC4；（b）BBX37 can activate the transcription of downstream CBFs genes independently or in synergy with ICE1；（c）MED16 enhances the stability of MED25，positively regulating the transcriptional output of JAs signaling，among other functions. This paper first elaborates on the characteristics of postharvest chilling injury in horticultural crops，reviews the roles of CBF-(in)dependent signal transduction pathways in plant responses to low-temperature stress，summarizes the biosynthesis，signaling pathways，and regulatory mechanisms of JAs，and introduces the applications and mechanisms of action of JAs in alleviating chilling injury in horticultural crops. Based on these，this paper systematically summarizes the association between the JAs signaling pathway and CBF-(in)dependent signal transduction pathways during low-temperature stress and proposes future research directions. Future research directions should focus on：（a）delving deeper into and validating the associations between JAs signaling pathways and CBF-(in)dependent signaling cascades；（b）elucidating the roles of post-transcriptional processing of genes and post-translational modifications of proteins in the synthesis or signaling transduction of JAs；（c）exploring the synergistic effects of JAs with other endogenous plant hormones in resistance to low temperature stress；and（d）dissecting the mechanisms of newly discovered components（MYC3/4，MED16，BBX37，etc.）in the low temperature response process.

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• Advances in the Research on Cold Resistance of Apple
• XU Gongxun, YAN Shuai, HE Meiqi, MA Huaiyu, LÜ Deguo, QIN Sijun, CHENG Cungang, ZHAO Deying
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2021-2045. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0139
• Abstract ( 56 ) HTML ( 40 ) PDF (2496KB) ( 40 ) 　　　

• In this paper，the research results of apple cold resistance in recent years were summarized，the effects of low temperature stress on the cold resistance of apple were reviewed，the identification methods of different cold resistance were compared，the main cold-resistant apple varieties and rootstocks both domestically and internationally were listed，and the physiological and molecular mechanisms of apple in response to low temperature stress were explored. Finally，the problems existing in the study of apple cold resistance and the main direction of future research were pointed out. To provide support for further analysis of the cold resistance mechanism of apples and the breeding of cold resistance cultivars.

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• Research Advances on Citrus Huanglongbing-induced Fruit Symptomatology，Quality Deterioration，and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms
• FANG Fang, CHEN Xiaohong, WANG Cheng, ZHENG Zheng, and DENG Xiaoling
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2046-2058. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0296
• Abstract ( 55 ) HTML ( 11 ) PDF (1280KB) ( 11 ) 　　　

• Citrus Huanglongbing（HLB），caused by the phloem-restricted bacterium‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’（CLas） and transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid（Diaphorina citri），leads to severe fruit developmental defects including asymmetrical shaping，abnormal coloration（“red nose”symptom），and drastic quality deterioration. CLas infection disrupts sugar-acid metabolism，volatile compound biosynthesis，and secondary metabolic pathways，resulting in accumulation of limonoids and characteristic flavor loss. Recent advances reveal that CLas-secreted effector proteins（e.g.，SDE1，SDE3）manipulate host immune proteases and autophagy pathways to coordinately regulate programmed cell death and ROS homeostasis，thereby driving fruit symptomatology. This review synthesizes the tripartite regulatory network linking fruit phenotype，quality traits，and molecular mechanisms under HLB pathogenesis，highlighting multi-omics approaches as pivotal tools for deciphering CLas virulence strategies，which may inform future resistant cultivar development and sustainable management practices.

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• Research Progress on the Pathogen Control of Citrus Huanglongbing
• XU Shugui, and ZHENG Zheng, DENG Xiaoling
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2059-2080. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0512
• Abstract ( 33 ) HTML ( 18 ) PDF (900KB) ( 18 ) 　　　

• This review systematically summarizes the research advances in citrus Huanglongbing（HLB）management from multiple perspectives，including thermotherapy，antibiotics，antimicrobial agents，plant defense inducers，resistant cultivar cultivation，and nutritional regulation. A comparison of the efficacy of different approaches may help integrate their respective advantages，offering insights for future HLB control research and supporting the development of integrated management systems.

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• Research Progress of Tomato Male Sterility and Its Breeding Application
• ZHOU Ming, HAN Chenxu, YUAN Guoliang, FAN Xiaoqing, AI Pengfei, and LI Changbao
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2081-2098. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0759
• Abstract ( 42 ) HTML ( 16 ) PDF (1394KB) ( 16 ) 　　　

• Tomato（Solanum lycopersicum）is one strictly self-pollinating crop，and its hybrid seed production requires artificial emasculation and pollination. With the increase in labor cost，male sterility based hybrid breeding system has become a promising technology. In recent years，with the advances in omics and molecular biotechnology，research on tomato male sterility has made rapid progress. This article reviewed the research progress on tomato male sterility and its breeding applications. The related studies on tomato male sterility mutants，male sterility genes，and male sterility regulation mechanisms were summarized. Moreover，the creation strategies and evaluation method of male sterile lines，male sterility propagation strategies，as well as elimination-free strategies were outlined. This article provided a reference for further research on tomato male sterility in the future.

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• Regulatory Genes for Tomato Flavor and Their Application in Quality Improvement
• LI Dandan, GE Pingfei, LI Fangman, YANG Yang, XU Haobo, XIONG Chunhui, and ZHANG Yuyang
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2099-2113. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0614
• Abstract ( 43 ) HTML ( 25 ) PDF (1285KB) ( 25 ) 　　　

• Tomato is rich in nutrients and has a unique flavor，and in recent years，the improvement of tomato flavor quality has gradually attracted the attention of breeders. Modern cultivated tomatoes exhibit the advantages of high resistance and yield，but their taste and flavor fails to meet consumers’ demand. Soluble sugar，organic acid and volatile compounds in tomato are important components affecting tomato flavor. The type，content and proportion of sugars determine the sweetness of tomatoes，and the content of organic acids such as citric acid and malic acid affects the acidity of the fruit. The composition and concentration of volatile compounds in the fruit contributes to the aroma of tomatoes. This paper reviews the metabolic composition，genetic loci and regulatory genes of tomato flavor，summarizes the approaches of tomato fruit flavor improvement，to provide reference for breeding high-quality and tasty tomato cultivars.

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• Advances in Volatile Flavor Compounds of Cultivated Tomato Fruit and Factors Influencing Its Flavor Quality
• GUAN Sihui, LIU Chenxu, ZHOU Guozhi, WAN Hongjian, RUAN Meiying, WANG Rongqing, YE Qingjing, LI Zhimiao, YAO Zhuping, and CHENG Yuan
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2114-2132. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0247
• Abstract ( 38 ) HTML ( 14 ) PDF (2705KB) ( 14 ) 　　　

• The tomato is a highly cultivated vegetable crop globally，with the aromatic flavor of its fruit playing a significant role in determining its quality. The aromatic profile of tomatoes consists predominantly of aldehydes，esters，ketones，alcohols，and heterocyclic compounds. Among these，cis-3-hexenal，hexaldehyde，β-ionone，1-pentene-3-one，β-damarone，2,3-methylbutyraldehyde，and trans-2-hexenal are significant volatile flavor compounds that collectively contribute to the distinctive aromatic flavor of tomatoes through their interactions. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent research on tomato volatiles，encompassing the chemical composition and biosynthesis pathways of tomato volatile flavors，methods for the enrichment and detection of volatile flavor compounds，and the various factors influencing flavor formation. Drawing on the current state of research，potential future directions for studying tomato volatile flavor compounds are also discussed. The objective is to establish a theoretical foundation and strategic guidance for the advancement of the high-quality aromatic tomato industry.

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• Research Advances of Volatiles in Capsicum Species
• LI Shi, LAN Jiayi, YANG Ting, FU Wen, ZHU Chenghong, YANG Sha, XU Hao, LIU Feng, XIONG Cheng, ZOU Xuexiao, and DAI Xiongze
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2133-2154. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0995
• Abstract ( 42 ) HTML ( 12 ) PDF (917KB) ( 12 ) 　　　

• This review summarizes the research progress on fruit volatiles in Capsicum species，their influencing factors，and the changes in volatile composition across five cultivated species. To date，a total of 153 volatiles have been identified in peppers，primarily including terpenes，esters，aldehydes，alcohols，and ketones，with pyrazines and sulfur-containing compounds being the predominant volatiles in fresh peppers. Among these，54 volatiles are shared by fresh peppers，dried peppers，and chili powder，mainly comprising aldehydes，terpenes，alcohols，ketones，and esters. The volatile contents in three cultivated species-C. annuum，C. frutescens，and C. Chinense-are more abundant than those in C. pubescens，especially in the content of esters. This suggests that the increase in aromatic compounds may be the result of domestication and cultivation. Future research will aim to further clarify the volatile contents that contribute to fruit quality，identify related genes，elucidate evolutionary pathways，explore germplasm resources，and cultivate new varieties with unique aroma.

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• Research Progress on the Tolerance of Pepper to Low Temperature and Weak Light
• MA Lingling, SHAMS Shamsullah, LI Rongxuan, NAEEM Beenish, ZHANG Zhenghai, CAO Yacong, YU Hailong, FENG Xigang, WU Huamao, and WANG Lihao
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2155-2165. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0112
• Abstract ( 40 ) HTML ( 10 ) PDF (770KB) ( 10 ) 　　　

• Low temperature and weak light stress are major challenges in the protected cultivation of winter pepper in China as they have significant impact on the yield and quality of pepper. This article presents a comprehensive review of the current research progress on chili pepper under low temperature，weak light，and low temperature combined with weak light stress within China and internationally. The physiological responses，including growth characteristics，physiological and biochemical characteristics，and photosynthetic characteristics，and molecular responses of pepper to these stresses were summarized. Additionally，The future research prospects for enhancing the tolerance of pepper to the dual stress of low temperature and weak light were provided.

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• Research Progress of Alleviating Continuous Cropping Obstacles in Facilities Vegetables Soil Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
• ZHAO Yupu, BAI Yihan, HOU Saisai, PU Zitian, NIE Lanchun, LI Qingyun, and WANG Xinxin
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2166-2186. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0301
• Abstract ( 40 ) HTML ( 9 ) PDF (1871KB) ( 9 ) 　　　

• The continuous cropping obstacles caused by many years of facility soil planting have seriously restricted the development of facility vegetable industry. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi（AMF）symbiosis with plants can help the roots absorb beneficial nutrients and decompose the autotoxic substances produced by continuous cropping of vegetable roots，improve the ability of vegetables to resist pathogens and absorb soil nutrients，improve the soil environment in the root zone，and promote the growth and development of crops. Based on the analysis of the causes and current situation of continuous cropping obstacles of facility vegetables soil，this review summarized the harms and factors of continuous cropping obstacles to facility vegetables and soil，and summarized the role and mechanism of AMF in alleviating continuous cropping obstacles of facility vegetables. In addition，the researchprospect of AMF restoration facility vegetable continuous cropping obstacles in soil environment and plant mechanisms such as overcoming autotoxicity，nutrient absorption and stress resistance was discussed.

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• Advances of Genetic and Regulation Mechanisms of Resistance to Fusarium Wilt in Cucurbits
• CHEN Jing, XUE Wanyu, ZHANG Xiaojiang, ZHANG Lingling, ZHANG Tingting, and CHEN Shuxia
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2187-2207. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0229
• Abstract ( 35 ) HTML ( 12 ) PDF (1850KB) ( 12 ) 　　　

• This acticle reviewed the infection mechanisms of Fusarium oxysporum in major Cucurbitaceae plants，phenotypic identification of resistance，genetic inheritance and molecular markers，as well as fine mapping and cloning of resistance-related genes. It also elucidated the molecular regulatory mechanisms about key regulation genes，root exudates，vascular，hormones and others which participated the resistance. Finally，prospects for future research on genetic mechanisms and molecular regulatory were discussed.

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• Progress in Functional Gene Research on Important Traits of Melons
• LI Xiao, YANG Qinrong, XIA Yuelin, WANG Chenhao, JIN Rongrong, CAO Hong, BO Yongming, ZHANG Mingfang, and LÜ Xiaolong
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2208-2232. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0936
• Abstract ( 38 ) HTML ( 10 ) PDF (959KB) ( 10 ) 　　　

• This article systematically reviews and summarizes research progress on the melon genome，including genes that control important agronomic traits such as plant development，disease resistance，yield，quality，and stress tolerance. It also covers the application of molecular breeding techniques in the functional analysis of key traits in melons. The goal is to provide a reference for the future application and development of molecular breeding technologies in melons.

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• Breeding of Chinese Cymbidium：History，Current Status and Future Prospects
• HE Ziyi, ZENG Ruizhen, XIE Li, WEI Qian, and ZHANG Zhisheng
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2233-2248. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0946
• Abstract ( 32 ) HTML ( 6 ) PDF (1981KB) ( 6 ) 　　　

• Chinese Cymbidium，a symbol of traditional Chinese culture，has a long cultivation history and promising market prospects. Before the 1980s，breeding of Chinese Cymbidium was primarily achieved through introduction and domestication and selection breeding. In recent years，significant progress has been made in areas such as sexual hybridization breeding，mutation breeding，polyploid breeding，cell engineering breeding and molecular breeding. As a result，dozens of new cultivars have been developed，characterized by large flowers，long florescence，high micropropagation efficiency and suitability for industrialization，popularization，and international development. This article reviews the history of Chinese Cymbidium breeding，summarizes key advancements，and explores future prospects，offering valuable insights for promoting the high-quality development of both breeding and its associated industry.

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• The Research Progress of Inflorescence Structure Regulation
• LI Meiyu, WANG Benqi, HUANG Shuping, CHEN Xia, TAN Jie, ZHANG Hongyuan, WANG Junliang, CHEN Rong, ZHANG Junhong, and ZHANG Min
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2249-2269. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0775
• Abstract ( 41 ) HTML ( 21 ) PDF (2618KB) ( 21 ) 　　　

• Meristem，flowering genes，hormones，and other factors influence plant type and inflorescence structure. This paper reviews the regulatory network mechanisms affecting the development of inflorescence structure in Arabidopsis thaliana，rice，and tomato. It is found that the genes specifically expressed in the boundary area are the basis for the normal development of inflorescence meristem（IM）and flower meristem（FM）. The development of IM and the determination of FM require the interaction of key regulatory factors such as TFL1，LFY，AP1，SOC1，AGL24，SVP and SEP4. WUS-CLV and WUS-AG feedback systems determine inflorescence structure and flower number by influencing the activity of stem cells. Hormones such as IAA，GA and CTK are the key links in these regulatory networks. In this paper，the formation mechanism of complex inflorescence characters of Solanaceae vegetables was also discussed，and future research is expected to provide a reference for the research on inflorescence morphogenesis and crop breeding.

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• Research Progress on the Regulation Mechanism of Linalool Synthesis and Its Ecological Functions
• FENG Lingjia, LIU Yujie, HE Lintong, WANG Xinchao, and YE Meng
• Acta Horticulturae Sinica. 2025, 52(8): 2270-2290. DOI:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2024-0845
• Abstract ( 46 ) HTML ( 19 ) PDF (3757KB) ( 19 ) 　　　

• Linalool is an important monoterpene secondary metabolite in plants，widely present in flowers，fruits，leaves，stems and roots. Its biosynthesis mainly occurs in plastids via the MEP pathway and is regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms，including transcriptional，epigenetic，and post-transcriptional controls. As a key component of plant aroma，linalool plays a significant role in the ecological interactions between plants，pollinators，herbivorous insects，and their natural enemies. In addition，linalool is involved in plant defense responses against pathogens and abiotic stresses. This review summarizes the pathways and regulatory mechanisms of linalool synthesis，providing a comprehensive overview of its ecological functions in attracting pollinators，resisting pests and diseases，and responding to abiotic stress. The review also explores the significance of linalool in plant adaptation to complex environments. Furthermore，it discusses the regulatory effects of linalool in field ecosystems，the functional specificity of individual enantiomers and their derivatives，and the synergistic mechanisms in response to multiple stresses，with the aim of providing theoretical support and technical guidance for the green agricultural applications of horticultural crops.

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