Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background Genetic diversity is a prerequisite for breeding programs, and one of the main goals here is to obtain quality products. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity in some hybrid individuals of honeyberry ( Lonicera caerulea L.) based on fruit characteristics, leaf morphology, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, biochemical, and nutritional content. In this context, superior quality individuals have been identified based on the 42 variables examined in our study. These hybrid individuals can be economically incorporated into production after the registration stages, and their sustainability for use in breeding programs can also be ensured. Results The fruit weight ranged from 0.71 (‘H11’) to 1.66 g (‘H6’). The ascorbic acid varied between 17.13 (‘H7’) and 20.64 mg AAE/100 g (‘H15’). The antioxidant activity changed between 12.59 (‘Store’) and 15.03 µmol Trolox g –1 (‘Aurea’). The total anthocyanins were found to be highest in ‘Borrel Beast’ (163.79 mg cyn-3-gluc 100 g –1 ), followed by ‘H8’ (163.20 mg cyn-3-gluc 100 g –1 ). The highest nutrient levels in the fruits were found in the ‘H10’ individual, with calcium (2445.77 mg kg –1 ), potassium (2274.36 mg kg –1 ), phosphorus (2123.27 mg kg –1 ), magnesium (1263.95 mg kg –1 ), and sulfur (859.62 mg kg –1 ), respectively. The highest nutrient levels in the leaves were found in the ‘H14’ individual for calcium (19,493.21 mg kg –1 ), ‘H5’ for magnesium (5643.52 mg kg –1 ), ‘H8’ for sulfur (2312.11 mg kg –1 ), ‘H6’ for phosphorus (2007.51 mg kg –1 ), and ‘H6’ for potassium (1099.32 mg kg –1 ). In general, the nutrients in the fruit exhibited significant correlations among themselves at different levels (*, **, ***). Within the scope of principal component analysis, the first 8 principal components explained 80.69% of the total variance. According to the cluster and population analyses, it was determined that there was a high variation in subgroup B2. Additionally, although honeyberry is a relatively new fruit in Türkiye, efforts have begun to develop new cultivars through hybrid breeding. Conclusions When 42 variables were evaluated together to determine genetic diversity, hybrid individuals ‘H14’, ‘H5’, ‘H8’, and ‘H1’ were identified as superior individuals, respectively.

• Lonicera japonica is a widespread member of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family utilized in traditional medical practices. This twining vine honeysuckle also is a much-sought ornamental, in part due to its dynamic flower coloration, which changes from white to gold during development. • The molecular mechanism underlying dynamic flower coloration in L. japonica was elucidated by integrating whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic analysis and biochemical assays. • Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of L. japonica, comprising nine pseudochromosomes with a total size of 843.2 Mb. We also provide evidence for a whole-genome duplication event in the lineage leading to L. japonica, which occurred after its divergence from Dipsacales and Asterales. Moreover, gene expression analysis not only revealed correlated expression of the relevant biosynthetic genes with carotenoid accumulation, but also suggested a role for carotenoid degradation in L. japonica’s dynamic flower coloration. The variation of flower color is consistent with not only the observed carotenoid accumulation pattern, but also with the release of volatile apocarotenoids that presumably serve as pollinator attractants. • Beyond novel insights into the evolution and dynamics of flower coloration, the high-quality L. japonica genome sequence also provides a foundation for molecular breeding to improve desired characteristics.

Background In Lonicera macranthoides ( L. macranthoides ), the role of carotenoids in the flower color transition remains unclear. In this study, at the four flower developmental stages of green flower bud (GB), white flower bud (WB), white flower (WF) and golden flower (GF) in L.macranthoides , combined transcriptomic and carotenoid metabolomic analyses was performed to clarify the changes of carotenoid content and the expressions of genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis. Results A total of sixteen carotenoids, including 5 carotenes and 11 xanthophylls, were detected and quantified from the all samples. The content of 16 carotenoids was found to decrease first and reach the lowest level at WF, then dramatically increase at GF. At GB, the carotenoid content was the highest and the top three carotenoids in content were lutein, zeaxanthin and violaxanthin. At WB and WF, the carotenoid contents were relatively low, and the buds or flowers appeared white. At GF, β-carotene and violaxanthin were obviously dominant, accounting for 64.95% of the content of 14 detectable carotenoids, and they might be the major contributors to yellow color at GF. The expressions of differentially expressed genes indicated that with the development of flowers, the biosynthesis of carotenoids shifted from α-carotene branch to β-carotene branch. Conclusion The findings are beneficial to genetic improvement of varieties in L.macranthoides by increasing the carotenoids content in flowers.

L. caerulea var . altaica occurs within diverse ecosystems of the Altai region and is highly valued for its frost tolerance and beneficial bioactive compounds. This study developed an efficient protocol for micropropagation and ex vitro acclimatization of valuable honeysuckle species. Species identification was performed using a dual DNA barcode approach with the combined rbcL and matK markers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that specimen ABG_LA_kz grouped with the epitype, verifying its taxonomic identity. Shoot multiplication was conducted on QL medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BAP, 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ GA₃, and 0.01 mg·L⁻¹ IBA. After 35 days, this treatment yielded an average of 6.53 shoots per explant, with shoot height of 2.96 cm and 37 leaves per explant. For in vitro rooting, ½ QL medium comprising 1.5 mg l − 1 IBA proved to be most effective, with an average 4.52 roots formed per explant and rooting percentage of 83.3% within the same culture period. An ex vitro acclimatization protocol using a peat: perlite (3:1) resulted in an average of 12.16 roots per plantlet, with an 100% survival. Thirty five days after acclimatization, 303 seedlings were transplanted to the nurseries of the RSE on REM “Altai Botanical Garden” and RSE on REM “Mangyshlak Experimental Botanical Garden”.

Melatonin (Mt) functions as a growth regulator and multifunctional signaling molecule in plants, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting growth and orchestrating protective responses to various abiotic stresses. However, the mechanism whereby exogenous Mt protects Lonicera japonica Thunb. ( L. japonica ) against salt stress has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate how exogenous Mt alleviates sodium chloride (NaCl) stress in L. japonica seedlings. Salt-sensitive L. japonica seedlings were treated with an aqueous solution containing 150 mM of NaCl and aqueous solutions containing various concentrations of Mt. The results revealed that treatment of NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings with a 60 µM aqueous solution of Mt significantly enhanced vegetative plant growth by scavenging reactive oxygen species and thus reducing oxidative stress. The latter was evidenced by decreases in electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Moreover, Mt treatment led to increases in the NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings’ total chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, and flavonoid content, demonstrating that Mt treatment improved the seedlings’ tolerance of NaCl stress. This was also indicated by the NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings exhibiting marked increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and in photosynthetic functions. Furthermore, Mt treatment of NaCl-stressed L. japonica seedlings increased their expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1) , phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 2 (PAL2) , calcium-dependent protein kinase (CPK) , cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) , flavanol synthase (FLS) , and chalcone synthase (CHS) . In conclusion, our results demonstrate that treatment of L. japonica seedlings with a 60 µM aqueous solution of Mt significantly ameliorated the detrimental effects of NaCl stress in the seedlings. Therefore, such treatment has substantial potential for use in safeguarding medicinal plant crops against severe salinity.

The MYB family plays a vital role in regulating plant stress resistance. However, the MYB protein in blue honeysuckle remains largely unexplored. In this study, the LcMYB90 gene from blue honeysuckle ‘Lanjingling’ was stably transformed into tobacco and transiently transformed into blue honeysuckle to characterize its function. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the LcMYB90 protein is localized in the nucleus. Transgenic plants overexpressing LcMYB90 exhibited enhanced growth performance and higher survival rates under drought and salt stress conditions. These plants also showed increased levels of proline and chlorophyll, along with elevated activities of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Conversely, malondialdehyde content and relative conductivity were lower, indicating that LcMYB90 enhances tolerance to drought and salt stress. Under salt treatment, genes induced by osmotic stress, such as NHX1 (Na+/H+ antiporters 1) and SOS1 (salt overly sensitive 1), as well as antioxidant defense system genes like SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT1 (catalase 1), were more highly induced in overexpression lines compared to the wild type, supporting the hypothesis that LcMYB90 promotes salt tolerance by enhancing osmotic stress resistance and antioxidant capacity. Simultaneously, the transcription levels of genes involved in the abscisic acid pathway, including NCED1/2 (9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1/2, PYL4/8 (pyrabactin resistance-Like 4/8), and CBL1 (Calcineurin B-like protein 1), were increased under drought stress conditions in the overexpression lines. These results suggest that LcMYB90 maintains cellular homeostasis by promoting the expression of stress-related genes and regulating osmotic and oxidative substances, thereby improving tolerance to drought and salt stress.

Lonicera japonica and L. macranthoides are popular medicinal plants used for treating various diseases. Recently, new chromosome level genomes of Lonicera have provided a huge resource for understanding gene function. Although LjaFGD was created for analyzing L. japonica gene functions, it is now outdated due to updated genomes and more transcriptome data. Utilizing new chromosome-level genomic and transcriptomic data, we developed co-expression networks of L. japonica and L. macranthoides . Gene annotations were performed by comparing sequences with NR, TAIR, Swissprot, and trEMBL databases. GO and KEGG annotations were predicted using InterProScan and GhostKOALA software, while gene families were identified with iTAK, HMMER, and InParanoid. To fully leverage the utilization value of public resources and data, we developed LoniComp ( www.gzybioinformatics.cn/LoniComp ) as a newer and information-rich alternative, a platform for gene function comparison and analysis by integrating genomic, transcriptomic data and processed functional annotations. It features tools like BLAST, Extract Sequence, Enrichment, Heatmap, DEG, and JBrowse2. We demonstrated its use with examples like LjFT and LjMYB12 . It offers superior genomic data, transcriptomic resources , and analysis tools compared to LjaFGD, aiding researchers in gene function studies and comparison.

The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Lonicera japonica, a common ornamental and medicinal plant in North America and East Asia, was sequenced and analyzed. The length of the L. japonica cp genome is 155,078 bp, contains a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb), of 23,774 bp each, as well as large (LSC, 88,858 bp) and small (SSC, 18,672 bp) single-copy regions. A total of 129 genes were identified in the cp genome, 16 of which were duplicated within the IR regions. Relative to other plant cp genomes, the L. japonica cp genome had a unique rearrangement between trnI-CAU and trnN-GUU. In L. japonica cpDNA, rps19, rpl2, and rpl23 move to the LSC region, from the IR region. The ycf1 pesudogene in the IR region is lost, and only one copy locates in the SSC region. Comparative cp DNA sequence analyses of L. japonica with other cp genomes reveal that the gene order, and the gene and intron contents, are slightly different. The introns in ycf2 and rps18 genes are found for the first time. Four genes (clpP, petB, petD, and rpl16) lost introns. However, its genome structure, GC content, and codon usage were similar to those of typical angiosperm cp genomes. All preferred synonymous codons were found to use codons ending with A/T. The AT-rich sequences were less abundant in the coding regions than in the non-coding ones. A phylogenetic analysis based on 71 protein-coding genes supported the idea that L. japonica is a sister of the Araliaceae species. This study identified unique characteristics of the L. japonica cp genome that contribute to our understanding of the cpDNA evolution. It offers valuable information for the phylogenetic and specific barcoding of this medicinal plant.

The study introduces a novel, rapid and precise method for identifying Lonicera japonica (JYH), an important medicinal herb, utilizing Proofman-LMTIA (Proofman probe-ladder melting temperature isothermal amplification) technology. Based on the 5.8 S-ITS2 rDNA sequence, specific primers and Proofman probes were designed to distinguish JYH from similar species, addressing the frequent market adulteration. The method’s optimal reaction conditions were established at 67 °C, ensuring high specificity. Sensitivity test demonstrated this method could detect as little as 10 pg/µL of JYH genomic DNA, with a detection limit of 1% (v/v) in adulteration experiments. The Proofman-LMTIA method successfully authenticated all eight market slice samples of JYH, six drugs and one solid beverage, achieving a 100% positive detection rate. This technique represents a significant advancement in medicinal material quality control, ensuring the JYH authenticity. These findings underscore the potential of the Proofman-LMTIA as a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly tool for real-time quality assessment in the herbal medicine industry.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs), particularly H1N1, H5N1 and H7N9, pose a substantial threat to public health worldwide. Here, we report that MIR2911, a honeysuckle (HS)-encoded atypical microRNA, directly targets IAVs with a broad spectrum. MIR2911 is highly stable in HS decoction, and continuous drinking or gavage feeding of HS decoction leads to a significant elevation of the MIR2911 level in mouse peripheral blood and lung. Bioinformatics prediction and a luciferase reporter assay showed that MIR2911 could target various IAVs, including H1N1, H5N1 and H7N9. Synthetic MIR2911 significantly inhibited H1N1-encoded PB2 and NS1 protein expression, but did not affect mutants in which the MIR2911-binding nucleotide sequences were altered. Synthetic MIR2911, extracted RNA from HS decoction and HS decoction all significantly inhibited H1N1 viral replication and rescued viral infection-induced mouse weight loss, but did not affect infection with a mutant virus in which the MIR2911-binding nucleotide sequences of PB2 and NS1 were altered. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of HS decoction on viral replication was abolished by an anti-MIR2911 antagomir, indicating that the physiological concentration of MIR2911 in HS decoction could directly and sufficiently suppress H1N1 viral replication. MIR2911 also inhibited H5N1 and H7N9 viral replication in vitro and in vivo . Strikingly, administration of MIR2911 or HS decoction dramatically reduced mouse mortality caused by H5N1 infection. Our results demonstrate that MIR2911 is the first active component identified in Traditional Chinese Medicine to directly target various IAVs and may represent a novel type of natural product that effectively suppresses viral infection.