Genome-wide identification, stress- and hormone-responsive expression characteristics, and regulatory pattern analysis of Scutellaria baicalensis SbSPLs.

SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKEs (SPLs) encode plant-specific transcription factors that regulate plant growth and development, stress response, and metabolite accumulation. However, there is limited information on Scutellaria baicalensis SPLs. In this study, 14 SbSPLs were identified and divided into 8 groups based on phylogenetic relationships. SbSPLs in the same group had similar structures. Abscisic acid-responsive (ABRE) and MYB binding site (MBS) cis-acting elements were found in the promoters of 8 and 6 SbSPLs. Segmental duplications and transposable duplications were the main causes of SbSPL expansion. Expression analysis based on transcriptional profiling showed that SbSPL1, SbSPL10, and SbSPL13 were highly expressed in roots, stems, and flowers, respectively. Expression analysis based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) showed that most SbSPLs responded to low temperature, drought, abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA), among which the expression levels of SbSPL7/9/10/12 were significantly upregulated in response to abiotic stress. These results indicate that SbSPLs are involved in the growth, development and stress response of S. baicalensis. In addition, 8 Sba-miR156/157 s were identified, and SbSPL1-5 was a potential target of Sba-miR156/157 s. The results of target gene prediction and coexpression analysis together indicated that SbSPLs may be involved in the regulation of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe), lignin and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. In summary, the identification and characterization of the SbSPL gene family lays the foundation for functional research and provides a reference for improved breeding of S. baicalensis stress resistance and quality traits.

Aletrisguangxiensis (Nartheciaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China.

Aletrisguangxiensis Y. Nong & Y. F. Huang (Nartheciaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is most similar to A.scopulorum, but it can be easily distinguished by its sparsely glandular, 5-18 cm long scape, glandular inflorescence axis, distinctly pedicellate flowers, sparsely glandular, 5-10 mm long pedicel, bract borne at base of pedicel, glabrous perianth divided to the base, strongly recurved or revolute perianth lobes and turbinate, obovoid to oblong-obovoid capsule. An identification key for 24 species and 1 hybrid of Aletris is also provided.

Walsuraguangxiensis (Meliaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China.

Walsuraguangxiensis (Meliaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is here described and illustrated. The new species is easily distinguishable from the other two Chinese members of the genus by its petals being pale yellow, filaments being connate into tubes above the middle, the berry being oval and glabrous. An identification key of Walsura for 17 species is also provided.

Lysimachiacavicola (Primulaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China.

Lysimachiacavicola (Subgen. Idiophyton, Primulaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is here described and illustrated based on morphological data. Although it shares similarities with L.microcarpa, L.fooningensis, and L.capillipes, there are distinguishing characteristics that set it apart. These include erect stems either solitary or in clusters of 1 to 2, herbaceous, terete, and densely glandular hairy. The leaves are either ovate or elliptical lanceolate, with inconspicuously reticulate veins. The petiole measures 2-4 mm in length covered with minute glandular hairy. The corolla is deeply parted, measuring 6-8 mm in length, with narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblong lobes that are 1-2 mm wide. The capsule is globose, measuring 2-3 × 2-3 mm, and possesses a chalky, brittle texture, which splits into 5-valved segments. The calyx of the plant appears yellowish-white during fruiting. This newly discovered species is endemic to limestone areas in Fengshan County, Guangxi, China.