Plasticity in photosynthesis and specific leaf weight (SLW) are traits that allow shade-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes to alleviate yield loss under shade. This was achieved by a reduction in SLW with increased intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i). Leaf nitrogen did not influence photosynthesis rate under shade, but an accumulation of biomass was associated with yield. Limiting SLW with increased C_i is the principal strategy to alleviate loss in photosynthesis and yield under low light intensity.

Durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) seeds treated with sonication or hydropriming germinated faster, had a higher germination rate index, lower mean time to germination, higher seedling emergence and shoot length in the cold test, enhanced GABA shunt pathway, and GAD mRNA transcription level compared to untreated seeds. This in turn significantly improved the germination performance to maintain the C:N metabolic balance in wheat seeds during seed germination, especially under cold stress.

Noccaea caerulescens (J. Presl & C. Presl) F. K. Mey. is a heavy metal hyperaccumulator exhibiting extreme tolerance to various heavy metal stresses. A Ca²⁺-binding protein in N. caerulescens has been cloned and functional identified. Our data provides a clue to reveal the adaptation strategy of plants to metalliferous soils.

This is the first report on the trans-generational effects of carbohydrate-coated nCeO₂ on any plant seeds. We showed that maternal effects of the different nCeO₂ treatments persist to at least the second generation in seeds and that enhanced germination in all tested generations of Sinapis alba L. (white mustard) seeds recommends nCeO₂ for seed priming. The investigation of trans-generational effects should be included in any risk assessment addressing the release of nCeO₂ (uncoated or coated) to the environment.

The traditional Chinese herbal medicine Dendrobium officinale Kimura et. Migo is a typical low nitrogen-tolerant plant, and its mechanism in response to low nitrogen stress has not previously been reported. This study reports the physiological and transcriptomic changes of D. officinale under low nitrogen stress, and reveals the low nitrogen tolerance mechanism of D. officinale. This work is of great significance for improving the yield and medicinal value of D. officinale.

Low temperature (LT) is an important abiotic stress that seriously affects the production and development of maize (Zea mays L). In this study, two waxy maize hybrids were selected and planted in two experimental environments to determine the dynamic changes in leaf photosynthesis, antioxidant system, hormones, and grain yield under post-silking LT stress. This study can be used as a reference for waxy maize to develop adaptation strategies under future climate conditions.