Multifaceted insights into the environmental adaptability of Arnebia guttata under drought stress.

Introduction: Global warming has led to increased environmental stresses on plants, notably drought. This affects plant distribution and species adaptability, with some medicinal plants showing enhanced drought tolerance and increased medicinal components. In this pioneering study, we delve into the intricate tapestry of Arnebia guttata, a medicinal plant renowned for its resilience in arid environments. By fusing a rich historical narrative with cutting-edge analytical methodologies, this research endeavors to demystify the plant's intricate response to drought stress, illuminating its profound implications for medicinal valorization. Methods: The methodology includes a comprehensive textual research and resource investigation of A. guttata, regionalization studies, field sample distribution analysis, transcriptome and metabolome profiling, rhizosphere soil microbiome analysis, and drought stress experiments. Advanced computational tools like ArcGIS, MaxEnt, and various bioinformatics software were utilized for data analysis and modeling. Results: The study identified significant genetic variations among A. guttata samples from different regions, correlating with environmental factors, particularly precipitation during the warmest quarter (BIO18). Metabolomic analysis revealed marked differences in metabolite profiles, including shikonin content, which is crucial for the plant's medicinal properties. Soil microbial community analysis showed variations that could impact plant metabolism and stress response. Drought stress experiments demonstrated A. guttata's resilience and its ability to modulate metabolic pathways to enhance drought tolerance. Discussion: The findings underscore the complex interplay between genetic makeup, environmental factors, and microbial communities in shaping A. guttata's adaptability and medicinal value. The study provides insights into how drought stress influences the synthesis of active compounds and suggests that moderate stress could enhance the plant's medicinal properties. Predictive modeling indicates future suitable growth areas for A. guttata, aiding in resource management and conservation efforts. The research contributes to the sustainable development of medicinal resources and offers strategies for improving the cultivation of A. guttata.

The factors affecting the development of medicinal plants from a value chain perspective.

MAIN CONCLUSION: From a value chain perspective, this paper examines the important factors from the selection of planting areas to storage, which restrict the development of medicinal plants. The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical basis for the sustainable development of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants have significant economic and medicinal value. Due to the gradual depletion of wild medicinal plant resources, cultivators of medicinal plants must resort to artificial cultivation to cope. However, there are still many problems in the production process of medicinal plants, resulting in decreases in both yield and quality, thus hindering sustainable development. To date, research on the value chain of medicinal plants is still limited. Therefore, this paper analyzes the factors affecting the development of medicinal plants from the perspective of the value chain, including the selection of growing areas to the storage process of medicinal plants, and summarizes the challenges faced in the production process of medicinal plants. The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical basis for the sustainable development of medicinal plants.

Melatonin and Indole-3-Acetic Acid Synergistically Regulate Plant Growth and Stress Resistance.

Plant growth and development exhibit plasticity, and plants can adapt to environmental changes and stress. Various phytohormones interact synergistically or antagonistically to regulate these responses. Melatonin and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are widespread across plant kingdom. Melatonin, an important member of the neuroendocrine immune regulatory network, can confer autoimmunity and protect against viral invasion. Melatonin functions as a plant growth regulator and biostimulant, with an important role in enhancing plant stress tolerance. IAA has a highly complex stress response mechanism, which participates in a series of stress induced physiological changes. This article reviews studies on the signaling pathways of melatonin and IAA, focusing on specific regulatory mechanisms. We discuss how these hormones coordinate plant growth and development and stress responses. Furthermore, the interactions between melatonin and IAA and their upstream and downstream transcriptional regulation are discussed from the perspective of modulating plant development and stress adaptation. The reviewed studies suggest that, at low concentrations, melatonin promotes IAA synthesis, whereas at high levels it reduces IAA levels. Similarly to IAA, melatonin promotes plant growth and development. IAA suppresses the melatonin induced inhibition of germination. IAA signaling plays an important role in plant growth and development, whereas melatonin signaling plays an important role in stress responses.