A newly recorded drought-tolerant terrestrial cyanobacterium, Oculatella ucrainica Oxana Vinogradova & Tatiana Mikhailyuk, originally isolated from soil crusts and coastal areas in 2017, is reported in China for the first time. In this study, two filamentous cyanobacteria were isolated from moist soil at Taiyuan Normal University, Shanxi Province, and damp walls in Huaxi Park, Guizhou Province. These strains displayed morphological similarities to O. ucrainica, both featuring orange spots on the apical cells of their trichomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated high similarity (above 99%) between the two isolates and O. ucrainica, with both strains clustering on a single branch with high bootstrap support. Furthermore, the secondary structure of these cyanobacteria closely resembled that of O. ucrainica, further corroborating their identification as members of this species. This study represents the first report of O. ucrainica in China.

Flooding stress constitutes a major abiotic challenge in agricultural production. Flooding stress, including waterlogging and submergence, inhibits plant growth and development through hypoxia, ion toxicity, and energy deficits. As such, plants have evolved various adaptive responses and mechanisms to counter flooding stress under diverse ecological conditions. This review discusses the detrimental effects of flooding stress on plants, as well as the morphological diversity and molecular mechanisms associated with plant adaptation to flooding stress. The genetic strategies for improving plant resistance to flooding stress are also discussed. This review aims to provide guidance for future research into the mechanisms of plant resistance to flooding stress and flooding stress-resistant crop breeding.

Hordeum murinum subsp. leporinum (Link) Arcang., an invasive plant newly recorded in China, is described. A key for identifying the three subspecies of Hordeum murinum, including subsp. murinum, along with ink drawings and color photographs, is provided. Field surveys revealed that the plant spreads through vehicles, humans, and animals. The potential risk of its large-scale expansion warrants increased attention in China.