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Drought is a major environmental stress severely restricting plant growth, development, and productivity in arid regions. In this research, seven interspecific peach × almond hybrids (‘GF677’, ‘GN15’, ‘GN2’, ‘TT’, ‘35.1’, ‘34.2’, and ‘50.10’) were evaluated for their drought stress tolerance to identify promising rootstocks. Drought stress treatments were applied at 40%, 60%, and 100% field capacity (FC). Following a two-month stress period, morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, along with the concentrations of 10 elements in leaves and roots, were measured. Under severe drought stress, all rootstocks exhibited reductions in plant height, trunk diameter, new branch growth, root and shoot fresh and dry weights, and relative water content, with an increase in the number of necrotic and fallen leaves. Drought stress significantly impaired PSII efficiency. At 40% FC, rootstocks ‘TT’ (0.749) and ‘GF677’ (0.740) exhibited the highest QYmax, while rootstocks ‘50.10’ (0.650) and ‘34.2’ (0.688) had the lowest. Under 40% field capacity (FC) stress, protein content and the activities of APX and CAT decreased, while proline, antioxidant capacity, electrolyte leakage, and aldehyde levels increased. Under drought stress, ‘TT’ displayed higher leaf concentrations of N (2.08%), P (0.17%), Ca (1.45%), Mg (0.56%), Fe (184.71 mg kg −1 ), Cu (5.07 mg kg −1 ), and Zn (18.77 mg kg −1 ). In contrast, rootstock ‘50.10’ exhibited the highest concentrations of Cl (4.83%), P (0.24%), and Zn (18.85 mg kg −1 ) and the lowest concentrations of N, K, Ca, and Fe. Finally, this research introduces ‘TT’ rootstock as a promising drought-tolerant rootstock.

This study investigated postharvest dopamine treatment efficiency in ameliorating chilling injury of banana fruits during storage at 7 ºC for 21 days. Our results showed that dopamine treatment at 150 µM promoted phenols and flavonoids biosynthesis acquired by higher phenylalanine ammonia-lyase ( PAL ) expression and activity concurrent with lower polyphenol oxidase ( PPO ) expression and activity leading to higher DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS radicals scavenging activity. In addition, dopamine treatment at 150 µM promoted endogenous proline biosynthesis by activating pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase ( P5CS ) and ornithine δ-aminotransferase ( OAT ) expression and activity concurrent with suppressing proline dehydrogenase ( ProDH ) expression and activity. Furthermore, higher endogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthesis in banana fruits by 150 µM dopamine treatment was accompanied by higher glutamate decarboxylase ( GAD ) and GABA transaminase ( GABA-T ) expression and activity. Therefore, our results suggest that dopamine treatment at 150 µM might be employed for banana fruits chilling injury amelioration by enhancing phenylpropanoid pathway activity and boosting endogenous proline and GABA biosynthesis.

Late-spring frost is increasingly damaging walnut orchards worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for late-leafing cultivars adapted to climate instability. Despite extensive genomic resources in Juglans regia , additional robust markers for leafing date are still needed to enhance breeding efficiency. Here, we combine high-density genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) with multi-model genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to dissect the genetic architecture of leafing date in a uniquely diverse panel of 85 Iranian walnut genotypes and commercial cultivars evaluated over three consecutive years. Leafing date was defined as the stage when 50% of terminal buds reached budburst, quantified as the cumulative number of days since March 1st. Population structure analysis revealed three major genetic clusters corresponding to geographic origin, reflecting the deep evolutionary history of the Iranian walnut. Using 68 K high-quality Single-nucleotide polymorphisms )SNPs(, GWAS consistently identified significant loci on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13. Notably, the most robust associations were consistently detected across the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons, as well as in the multi-year average data, using MLMM, Blink, and FarmCPU models. Based on these stable associations, a SNaPshot marker panel was developed and validated in an independent set of 24 Iranian and Turkish genotypes. Among these, a single marker—JRgwLDch4pos20189439 on chromosome 4—exhibited strong and repeatable discrimination between early- and late-leafing phenotypes across populations. This locus represents a key experimentally validated leafing-date marker for Iranian walnut germplasm and provides a powerful tool for marker-assisted selection (MAS). Our findings reveal the multi-allelic nature of leafing date and demonstrate that markers may vary among geographically distinct germplasm pools. The validated chr4-associated marker offers a promising genomic resource that may support efforts to accelerate breeding of climate-resilient walnut cultivars in Iran and potentially other regions with related genetic backgrounds. Highlights First genome-wide dissection of leafing date in Iranian walnut, one of the world’s most genetically diverse Juglans regia germplasm reservoirs. Multi-model GBS-GWAS using 68 K SNPs reveals stable genomic regions on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13 associated with walnut phenology. A major, highly reproducible locus on chromosome 4 identified and validated across independent Iranian and Turkish populations. Development and cross-population validation of a SNaPshot marker (JRgwLDch4pos20189439) that reliably differentiates early- vs. late-leafing genotypes. Provides the first ready-to-use MAS tool for late-leafing and frost-resilient walnut breeding, supporting climate-adaptation strategies in temperate tree crops.

Evaluating genetic diversity in walnut (Juglans regia L.) populations is a rapid approach used by walnut breeding programs to distinguish superior genotypes. The present study was conducted on the walnut population of Hamedan Province, one of the richest and most genetically diverse regions in Iran, during 2018–2019. After the initial screening, 47 genotypes were selected for further evaluation of pomological and phenological traits based on International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) descriptors. Nut and kernel weights among the selected genotypes ranged from 7.15 to 21.05 g and 3.0 to 10.8 g, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) categorized the genotypes into three distinct groups. Whereas the cluster analysis (CA) revealed the similarities and dissimilarities among the genotypes by identifying four major clusters. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between nut weight (NWT), nut size, and kernel weight (KW), while a negative correlation (p < 0.01) between shell thickness (STH) and packing tissue thickness (PTT) with kernel percentage (KP) was observed. Lastly, 10 of 47 genotypes (TAL8, TAL9, TAL10, TAL14, TAL19, TAL22, TB2, TB4, TB6, and RDGH5) were considered superior. Superior genotypes were late-leafing (25–40 days after the standard) and displayed a lateral bearing (LB) habit with heavy nuts (12.52–16.82 g) and kernels (6.53–8.15 g), thin shells (1.06–1.25 mm), and lightly colored kernels.

Grapes and their derivatives are valuable products owing to their rich phenolic composition, which includes anthocyanins, flavonoids, and acetylbenes (i.e., resveratrol). The levels of these compounds and associated antioxidant capabilities differ amongst grape cultivars and are influenced by diverse production conditions. In this study, 27 grape varieties present in Hamedan Province, Iran, were investigated to determine their anthocyanin, flavonoid, and trans-resveratrol contents. The findings revealed that out of all cultivars ‘Shaste Arose’ (2.6 mg/g FW), ‘Colon‑b Keshmeshe Ghermez’ (2 mg/g FW), ‘Colon‑c Keshmeshe Ghermez’ (1.9 mg/g FW), and ‘Rishbaba’ (1.88 mg/g FW) exhibited the highest flavonoid level. Furthermore, other cultivars such as ‘Shahani’ (0.213 mg/g FW), ‘Colon‑a Keshmeshe Ghermez’ (0.2 mg/g FW), and ‘DOVine’ (0.182 mg/g FW) showed the highest contents of anthocyanin. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms obtained from the study revealed that the highest concentration of trans-resveratrol in grape skins was detected during the unripeness stage. Moreover, the maximum amount of trans-resveratrol at the sour stage was observed in ‘Colon‑d Keshmeshe Ghermez’ (4.97 mg Kg−1 FW), ‘Shahani’ (4.26 mg Kg−1 FW), and ‘Yaghote’ (2.30 mg Kg−1 FW). Additionally, the accumulated amount of trans-resveratrol in the leaf was less than that of berries. The highest content of trans-resveratrol in the leaves was observed in ‘Khalili’ (0.67 mg Kg−1 FW) and ‘Keshmeshe Ghermez’ (0.56 mg Kg−1 FW). Moreover, some cultivars, such as ‘Cardinal’ and ‘Shahani’, exhibited lower levels of trans-resveratrol in their seeds as compared to their skin and leaves. Finally, resveratrol content was negligible or even zero in all parts of some cultivars such as ‘Perlette’ and ‘Sahebi’.

Medicinal plants are nearly unlimited source of phytochemicals. Centella asiatica L. is a tropical medicinal plant with a long history of therapeutic uses, dermal disorders, venous insufficiency micro-angiopathy, and anticancer. The present study highlights (i) in vivo evaluation of asiatic acid (as an anticancer compound) content in different plant parts of C. asiatica and (ii) in vitro elicitation of asiatic acid employing organic elicitors. Based on the HPLC analysis, the highest amount of asiatic acid (190.2 μg·g-1 fresh wt.) was found in root part in in vivo condition. Quantitative analyses were done to enhance of asiatic acid content by some organic elicitors. Results showed the highest quantity of asiatic acid content (258.3 μg·g-1 fw.) among all of the organic elicitors was found at 200 mg·L-1 yeast extract in leaf callus cultures. All these observations suggest that exogenous application of organic elicitors could have induced a subset of secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes, which may modulate expression of genes and accumulation of compounds induced by elicitors.

The utilization of grape stems, a by‐product of the grape processing industry, as a source of valuable bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, has gained attention in recent years. This study aimed to investigate different eco‐friendly extraction methods for obtaining polyphenols from grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Bidaneh Sefid) stems, focusing on green solvents and innovative techniques. Four extraction methods were tested, involving the use of water and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as green solvents, along with maceration, microwave, ultrasound, and reduced‐pressure techniques. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI‐MS/MS) was used to characterize and quantify the bioactive compounds in the extracts. A total of 29 polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes, were detected. Among the four extraction methods tested, methods 1 (water + microwave + ultrasound + atmospheric pressure) and 2 (water + microwave + ultrasound + reduced pressure) were found to be the most effective. Our study demonstrated that using water and PEG as green solvents, combined with techniques like microwave, ultrasound, and reduced pressure, effectively extracted both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds from the grape stems. These findings suggest that further exploration of these methods could lead to the development of value‐added products from grape stems, emphasizing the significance of green extraction techniques for the recovery of polyphenols from winemaking by‐products. This study aimed to investigate the use of new mixed methods, including maceration, microwave, ultrasound, and reduced‐pressure techniques, as well as water and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as green solvent for the extraction of polyphenols from grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Bidaneh Sefid) stems. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI‐MS/MS) was employed for the characterization and quantification of bioactive compounds. Among the four extraction methods tested, methods 1 (water + microwave + ultrasound + atmospheric pressure) and 2 (water + microwave + ultrasound + reduced pressure) emerged as the most effective, considering factors, such as cost, time, and the use of water and PEG as green solvents.

Grapes are important sources of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid, which are recognized for their significant biological benefits. This study aimed to explore the potential of using a nano zinc oxide coating to preserve the freshness and quality of grapes, as well as the properties of grape molasses. Nano zinc oxide was applied at three different concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1% w/v) through a three-stage spraying process during the flowering, unripe, and ripening stages, 20 days before harvest. Grape samples were then stored at 4 °C for 35 days. Throughout the storage period, various parameters were measured, including pH, titratable acidity, weight loss, Brix°, total phenolic content, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid levels, antioxidant activity, color indexes (L*, a*, b*), and microbial counts. Also, the properties of molasses were evaluated. Over time, there was an increase in pH (3.58–3.75 to 4.19–4.62), weight loss (0 to 7.12–10.2%), Brix° (22.44–22.69 to 25.95–28.62), color index b* (20.44–22.18 to 23.01–25.77), total viable count of bacteria (3.24–3.34 to 3.52–3.83 Log CFU/g), and total mold and yeast count (3.06–3.35 to 3.48–3.74 Log CFU/g), while titratable acidity (0.78–0.82 to 0.58–0.67%), phenolic content (1.56–1.88 to 1.29–1.43 mg/g), anthocyanin (0.04–0.05 to 0.03–0.04 mg/g) and ascorbic acid levels (10.03–12.53 to 6.66 to 9.10 mg of vitamin C/100 mL), antioxidant activity (30.06–35.6 to 26.23–29.13%), and color indexes L* (42.91–43.74 to 37.50–39.18) and a* (− 2.10 to − 3.30 to − 3.80 to − 5.36) decreased, along with a decline in sensory scores. By increasing the concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles from 0 to 1% w/v, total sugar (66.85 to 67.56%) and Brix° (76.93 to 77.5) increased while conductivity (1.80 to 1.53 mS/cm) and specific gravity (1.55 to 1.38 g/cm 3 ) decreased. The findings indicate that using a 0.5% w/v nano zinc oxide coating is effective in enhancing the freshness and maintaining the quality of grapes during storage.

Grape molasses (GM), produced from grapes, is a traditional Iranian food and is widely consumed in Iran. However, GM adulteration is among the most widespread illegitimate procedures involving contamination of food with foreign materials, such as adding sugar–water solution, date syrup, sugar beet syrup, and grape sauce. This study used stable carbon 13C/12C isotope ratio analysis method to detect adulteration of GM samples with glucose syrups (GS), fructose syrups (FS), and beet sugar syrups (BS) at the ratio of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% (by weight). Physicochemical properties of GM including °Brix, conductivity, specific gravity, pH, moisture content, ash content, hydroxymethyl furfural, sugar content, and rheological properties of samples were investigated. The δ13C isotope ratio of the GM was determined as −26.61%, that of the GS as −13.23%, that of the FS as −13.42%, and that of the BS as −16.58%. The δ13C isotope ratio increased by the addition of adulterant syrups to GM. The addition of each adulterant syrup had a different effect on the physicochemical parameters; however, the °Brix and specific gravity had a positive correlation with the δ13C isotope ratio results. The magnitudes of G' and G\" increase with an increase in frequency representing the viscoelastic behavior of samples. The obtained results of this study suggest the use of δ13C isotope ratio method as a fast and accurate method to investigate the adulteration of grape molasses. Grape molasses (GM), produced from grapes, is a traditional Iranian food and is widely consumed in Iran. However, GM adulteration is among the most widespread illegitimate procedures involving contamination of food with foreign materials, such as adding sugar–water solution, date syrup, sugar beet syrup, and grape sauce. In this paper, the performance of stable carbon 13C/12C isotope ratio analysis method as a fast technique to investigate adulteration in grape molasses was investigated. Grape molasses was adulterated with fructose, glucose, and sugar beet syrups and then adulteration was measured. This method had a positive (R2 > .95) correlation with °Brix and specific gravity. The obtained results can be useful as a reliable method to find adulteration in grape molasses.

Grape molasses (GM), produced from grapes, is a traditional Iranian food and is widely consumed in Iran. However, GM adulteration is among the most widespread illegitimate procedures involving contamination of food with foreign materials, such as adding sugar–water solution, date syrup, sugar beet syrup, and grape sauce. This study used stable carbon 13 C/ 12 C isotope ratio analysis method to detect adulteration of GM samples with glucose syrups (GS), fructose syrups (FS), and beet sugar syrups (BS) at the ratio of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% (by weight). Physicochemical properties of GM including °Brix, conductivity, specific gravity, pH, moisture content, ash content, hydroxymethyl furfural, sugar content, and rheological properties of samples were investigated. The δ 13 C isotope ratio of the GM was determined as −26.61%, that of the GS as −13.23%, that of the FS as −13.42%, and that of the BS as −16.58%. The δ 13 C isotope ratio increased by the addition of adulterant syrups to GM. The addition of each adulterant syrup had a different effect on the physicochemical parameters; however, the °Brix and specific gravity had a positive correlation with the δ 13 C isotope ratio results. The magnitudes of G' and G\" increase with an increase in frequency representing the viscoelastic behavior of samples. The obtained results of this study suggest the use of δ 13 C isotope ratio method as a fast and accurate method to investigate the adulteration of grape molasses.