Background & Aim: Ecological uniqueness is a key component of β diversity, primarily quantifying the relative contribution of each sampling site to the total variation in community composition. This concept is of great significance for biodiversity conservation and restoration. Over the past decade, ecological uniqueness has received substantial attention from ecologists and conservation biologists, leading to significant advancements in its quantifications, spatiotemporal patterns, driving mechanisms, ecological functions, and applications in biodiversity conservation. We first summarized the main methods for calculating ecological uniqueness, we then conducted a systematic review of literatures on taxonomic ecological uniqueness from 2013 to 2023. Furthermore, we elaborated on its spatiotemporal patterns and underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we explored the potential impact of ecological uniqueness on ecosystem functioning and its implications for biodiversity conservation.

Review Results: Ecological uniqueness can primarily be calculated using community composition datasets or dissimilarity matrices. Studies on ecological uniqueness are predominantly concentrated in Europe, America, and Asia, focusing mainly on animal and plant groups. Moreover, the literature reviews several key findings: (1) Ecological uniqueness exhibits clear latitudinal or elevational gradients, though these patterns differences among different biological groups and study regions. (2) Multiple abiotic and biotic factors, such as climate, soil, and community characteristics, significantly shape the ecological uniqueness of different biological groups by influencing species range size, community richness and species compositions. (3) Ecological uniqueness can promote or decrease ecosystem functioning, depending on combinations of species or the proportions of specific groups present. (4) Regions with higher ecological uniqueness often harbor a higher proportion of rare or endangered species, contributing significantly to regional biodiversity. These regions are typically considered as key areas for biodiversity conservation.

Perspectives: This review also discusses the directions of future research on ecological uniqueness, with particular emphasis on: (1) Conducting in-depth researches on multidimensional (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) ecological uniqueness; (2) Focusing on the patterns and driving mechanisms of ecological uniqueness across different spatiotemporal scales; (3) Applying new technologies and methods for future assessment of ecological uniqueness.

Aims The spatial distribution patterns of plant populations result from the combined effects of multiple ecological processes, such as dispersal limitation and environmental filtering. The plants distributed in alpine treeline ecotones are highly sensitive to climate change due to their unique habitats. Therefore, studying the spatial distribution patterns of these plants and their correlations is critical for understanding and predicting the dynamics and trends of forest communities in alpine treelines.

Methods This study is based on the inventory data collected from a 20 hm²dynamics plot of a subalpine cold-temperate coniferous forest in Shangri-La, Yunnan, China. The dominant tree species identified were Abies georgei, Lonicera tangutica, Dipelta yunnanensis, Rhododendron rubiginosum, and Sorbus rehderiana. The spatial point pattern method was used to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of each dominant species, the intraspecific association of A. georgei at different developmental stages, the interspecific association between A. georgei and the other dominant species, and the interspecific association among the other dominant species. Additionally, the Torus-translation method was applied to test the associations between these plants and topographic factors.

Important findings (1) Sapling and juvenile trees of A. georgei demonstrated aggregated distributions, primarily driven by dispersal limitation and habitat heterogeneity. In contrast, adult trees exhibited a predominantly random distribution, suggesting that density-dependent competition may be the primary factor influencing the distribution of individuals in large-diameter classes. The dominant species in both the subtree layer and shrub layer also demonstrated aggregated distribution. However, the posterior partial advantage of the environmental heterogeneity transformed into a random distribution, indicating that environmental filtering might be responsible for driving the spatial distribution pattern of these tree species. (2) Positive associations were observed between sapling and juvenile trees of A. georgei indicating that small-diameter individuals tend to congregate due to an enhanced capacity to cope with external environmental stresses. Conversely, saplings and juvenile trees were negatively correlated with adult trees. This was mainly due to the infestation of specific pathogens and phytophagous insects caused by density constraints and asymmetric competition of large individuals against smaller ones. (3) There were positive and negative correlations between the saplings and the dominant species in the subtree layer and the shrub layer, respectively. The juvenile trees and other dominant species revealed predominantly negative correlation, while the adult trees showed predominantly positive correlation. The majority of the dominant species in the tree layer and shrub layer exhibited positive correlation, indicating a complex dynamic balance within the dominant species in the subalpine cold-temperate coniferous forest. The long-term coexistence of each dominant species in the plot is achieved through their unique survival strategies and resource utilization, and ultimately leading to the formation of a relatively stable successional climax community dominated by A. georgei. (4) Slope was found to be significantly negatively correlated with sapling and juvenile trees of A. georgei, and significantly positively related to R. rubiginosum and D. yunnanensis. This suggests that the slope ecological niche differentiation occurred between A. georgei and other dominant species. Additionally, convexity was found to exert a significant effect on the distribution of dominant species due to adverse conditions such as prolonged snowpack in winter. In conclusion, the habitat filtering driven by topography is the main driver that maintains community assembly in subalpine cold-temperate coniferous forests.

Aims: Invasive alien plants, particularly herbaceous species, posed a threat to the native community structure and ecosystem functions of nature reserves. This study aims to investigate the influence of invasive alien herbs on the phylogenetic structure of plant communities across 13 national nature reserves in Guangxi.

Methods: A total of 1,046 plots were surveyed for herbaceous plants in 13 national nature reserves. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using species data and nucleotide sequences, including the rbcL, matK, and ITS obtained from GenBank. The structural composition of herb communities was assessed using standardized effect sizes of mean phylogenetic distance and mean nearest-taxon distance (SES.MPD and SES.MNTD). R software was used to visualize the phylogenetic changes in herb communities following the naturalization of invasive alien herbs.

Results (1) Forty-seven species of invasive alien herb plants (from 38 genera and 15 families) were recorded in 13 national nature reserves. Thirty-two (68.1%) of these species were classified as serious and malignant invasive species, predominantly comprising annual Asteraceae herbs originating from the Americas. Each national nature reserve were affected by invasive alien herbs, with the highest number of species found in Damingshan National Nature Reserve (24 species) and the lowest number found in Yuanbaoshan National Nature Reserve (5 species). (2) In eight (61.5%) national nature reserves, the introduction of invasive alien herbs consistently led to reduced phylogenetic diversity at two phylogenetic levels, regardless of whether these communities were initially clustered or overdispersed. This reduction indicated increased phylogenetic clustering among herb communities.

Conclusion: Compared to communities composed solely of native species, the inclusion of invasive alien species leads to a more clustered phylogenetic structure. We examined the impacts of alien invasion on biodiversity from a phylogenetic perspective, provides a theoretical foundation for future prevention and management of invasive alien plants in nature reserves.

Maize (Zea mays) is the main crop in China, and drought is a primary abiotic stress during its growth, resulting in direct reduction in grain yield and quality, thereby posing a threat to food security within the global climate context. At present, global climate change leads to extreme weather events, which aggravates the adverse effects on yield. Therefore, it is imperative to identify drought-resistant germplasm resources, elucidate the molecular mechanisms of drought stress response, and breed drought-resistant varieties. Here, we review recent advances in the genetic dissection of drought resistance in maize using methods such as genome-wide association study, quantitative trait locus gene cloning and multi-omics analysis. Additionally, we introduce potential strategies for genetic improvement of drought resistance by leveraging the identified genetic resources while discussing future perspectives within this research area.

Aims: The study aims to investigate the fish composition and diversity patterns in the source region of the Yangtze River, one of the most critical water conservation zones worldwide.

Methods: Field surveys were conducted in the headwaters of the Yangtze River, including the Tuotuo, Chumaer, Dam Qu, Tongtian, and Dadu rivers in Qinghai Province from 2021 to 2022. Data on the presence and abundance of fish, as well as environmental factors, were collected during the surveys.

Results: A total of 26 species (and subspecies) were recorded in the field surveys, belonging to 12 genera, 3 families, and 2 orders. Analysis of the index of relative importance (IRI) revealed that Schizopygopsis malacanthus and Herzensteinia microcephalus were the dominant species. Seven species are newly recorded, including four native species and three non-native species. Alpha diversity indices showed higher species diversity in the Tongtian and Dadu rivers compared to other tributaries, while the Yalong River exhibited a more uneven species distribution. Similarity coefficient analysis and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) indicated significant differences in species composition among tributaries, highlighting the influence of geographic isolation and ecological adaptation on fish diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed notable differences in fish community structures across different river systems, with water temperature and altitude identified as key determinant factors. Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that the fish distribution patterns were random, with a slight tendency towards clustering. The Getis-Ord Gi* analysis identified two hotspots in the Dadu and the Tongtian rivers.

Conclusion: This study provides updated information on the fish composition in headwaters of the Yangtze River and enhances our understanding of spatial variations in fish diversity in the region. These findings lay the foundation for scientific management and conservation of native fish in the source region of the Yangtze River.

Aims Grasslands provide many kinds of ecological services, including carbon sequestration, sand fixation, and biodiversity maintenance. However, some grasslands are experiencing degradation. To provide scientific theoretical support for grassland restoration, it is necessary to understand the limiting factors for vegetation restoration in degraded grasslands. In this study, we explored nutrient limiting factors for vegetation restoration under different degradation stages in typical steppe of Nei Mongol.

Methods Plant and soil samples were collected during August in 2021-2022, from 13 sampling sites (four plant communities under different degradation stages within each site: non-degradation, light degradation, moderate degradation, and heavy degradation) in typical steppe. We examined the effects of degradations on above-ground biomass, coverage, and density of plant communities. Soil organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents were measured. Multiple statistical analyses, including least squares regression analysis, redundancy analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, were used to clarify the nutrient limiting factors for vegetation restoration in degraded grasslands.

Important findings Plant community above-ground biomass, coverage, and density, as well as the contents of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus significantly decreased with the intensification of degradation. Under the whole degradation sequence and adjacent degradation succession stages, soil nitrogen content was the most influential factor on plant community properties, while soil phosphorus content marginally affected the overall degradation sequence. These results indicate that soil nitrogen availability is the most important nutrient factor limiting vegetation restoration. Consequently, nitrogen fertilization should be concerned in the future restoration works.

Aims: The foundation of biodiversity study is the accurate description of existing species and a clear enumeration of their numbers. A comprehensive checklist is the basic data for understanding and conserving biodiversity within a specific region. To thoroughly understand the current status of bryophyte diversity in Hebei Province, it is important to revise the list of bryophytes in the province.
Method: Based on our team’s research findings over the years and recent publications, this study compiles an updated checklist of bryophytes in Hebei Province. We analyzed the species composition, floristic characteristics, dynamic changes, and threatened status of bryophytes.
Results: The updated checklist documents 544 species across 190 genera and 76 families, including 468 mosses in 152 genera and 51 families, 75 liverworts in 37 genera and 24 families, and 1 hornwort. Among them, 8 families and 12 genera are dominant. The bryophyte flora of Hebei Province is predominantly characterized by northern temperate elements, with the proportion of temperate components outnumbering tropical ones. The checklist includes 33 species endemic to China, 4 Endangered species, and 5 Vulnerable species. Compared to the previous checklist, there are 10 newly recorded families, 34 newly recorded genera, and 162 newly recorded species, while 9 species have been removed and 86 names revised. The main newly reported groups include the families Mniaceae and Pottiaceae, and the genera Brachythecium and Bryum, etc.
Conclusions: The diversity of bryophytes in Hebei is relatively rich, though the investigation reveals regional imbalances. Future efforts should focus on strengthening bryophyte surveys in weak areas (e.g., Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Handan), and timely updates to the checklist are necessary. In addition, under the background of global climate change, we should pay more attention to the dynamic changes in bryophyte populations to provide a scientific basis for the study and conservation of bryophyte diversity in Hebei Province.

Single-cell transcriptomics has improved the spatiotemporal resolution from multi-cell to single-cell levels, and notable progress in this technique has facilitated the identification of new rare cell types, exploration of intercellular heterogeneity, and mapping of cell developmental trajectories. Single-cell transcriptomics is currently being widely used in various research fields such as plant growth and development, stress response, and environmental adaptability, which helps to more thoroughly and precisely uncover the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying plant life processes. However, there are numerous challenges associated with the study and analysis of different plant species. In this review, we compare and evaluate various single-cell transcription techniques and processes, summarize plant single-cell studies in recent years, and explore new single-cell analysis tools to support researchers studying plant biology with high precision and dynamics. In addition, we propose future directions in using single-cell transcriptomics technologies to address some of the key challenges in plant research and breeding. Furthermore, some important methods for addressing plant research and breeding with single-cell transcriptomics are discussed, along with their difficulties and potential applications.

The author has been engaged in taxonomic research for 60 years, from Flora of China to world monographs, and has been recognized both at home and abroad. During this process, the author has realized that a complete and reasonable research method is of vital importance. Taxonomy is a highly comprehensive discipline, involving almost all branches of biology, among which morphology, palynology, cytology, genetics, molecular biology and statistics are indispensable. Taking the research on the genus Paeonia (Paeoniaceae) and the genus Codonopsis (Campanulaceae) and their related groups as examples, the author has applied all the above-mentioned disciplines, emphasizing that field investigation and statistical analysis are indispensable research methods. Only through field investigation can necessary experimental materials be obtained and between the population polymorphism and interspecific differences be distinguished; only through statistical analysis can intraspecific variations and genetic isolation be differentiated. The rise of molecular systematics has brought taxonomy into a brand-new era, and taxonomists must recognize and learn it. My team has applied it in the above two studies and achieved unexpected results. My feeling is that high-level research must be based on complete scientific methods.

Aims Exploring the characteristics of carbon source-sink has significant implications for guiding local governments in achieving its “dual carbon” goal. This study comprehensively assessed the dynamics of carbon emissions, terrestrial carbon sinks, the contribution of terrestrial carbon sinks in offsetting carbon emissions, and the impacts of clean energy production on the carbon emissions in Yunnan Province from 1981 to 2020, and further investigated the terrestrial carbon balance in the next four decades projected by coupled model intercomparison project phase 5 (CMIP5) earth system models under two climate scenarios.

Methods Two independent methods were used to estimate historical ecosystem carbon sinks in Yunnan Province. One was based on field observation data combined with empirical models, and the other was based on four terrestrial ecosystem models. The projections of future carbon balance in Yunnan Province were derived from five earth system models of CMIP5 under two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Carbon emissions were estimated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, and China’s Provincial Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory.

Important findings The results show that the terrestrial carbon sink in Yunnan Province varied between 12.41 and 31.22 Tg C·a^-1 over the past 40 years, with an average sink of 19.41 Tg C·a^-1. The highest ratio (247%) of ecosystem carbon sinks to carbon emissions (sink emission ratio) in Yunnan Province occurred during the period from 1981 to 1985, while the ratio has declined since then and reached its lowest value during the period of 2006-2010 followed by a slight increase after that. The ratio was 54% during the period of 2016-2020. The rise of the sink emission ratio in the past decade can be mainly attributed to the promotion of clean energy production, the increase in forest area, and the decrease in energy intensity. Large-scale deployment of clean energy in Yunnan Province has in general satisfied the energy needs of economic development, reducing the reliance of its economy on CO₂ emissions. Model projections indicated that under future climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), the net ecosystem productivity (NEP) in Yunnan Province during the 2020s and the 2030s may be lower than that during 2016-2020, while carbon sink may increase in the 2040s to 2050s. This study suggests that in the future, Yunnan Province should further develop clean energy programs, increase energy efficiency, and enhance ecosystem carbon sink to support both the achievement of carbon neutrality and regional high-quality development.

Aims Differences in herbivory among plant species can greatly affect the functioning of forest ecosystems. However, little is known about the main drivers causing interspecific differences in herbivore damage among tree species. The growth-defence trade-off hypothesis posits that the intrinsic growth rate of plant species governs resource allocation between defense and growth, thereby shaping interspecific variation in herbivory. However, the validity of this hypothesis is extensively debated, especially in highly species-rich subtropical forests.

Methods We quantified leaf herbivore damage in 27 native tree species in a tree species diversity experiment conducted in subtropical China. We measured 12 leaf traits associated with insect palatability and relative growth rates of 27 tree species. Using a combination of phylogenetic multivariate analyses, we assessed trade-offs between leaf traits and the relative effect of these traits on leaf herbivore damage.

Important findings We found 1) neither phylogenetic principal component analysis nor hierarchical cluster analysis supported the idea that species displayed one-dimensional trade-off; 2) Conventional strategies, such as content of condensed tannins, are not strongly involved as a defence against herbivores; 3) No significant trade-off between plant intrinsic growth rate and chemical defence traits for the 27 studied tree species. Our results do not support arguments for growth-defense trade-off hypothesis. Rather, plants exhibit a range of combinations of leaf traits. We suggest this lack of a one-dimensional trade-off may be adaptive, resulting from selective pressure to adopt a different combination of defences to coexisting species.

Aims: Urbanization, the rapid expansion of urban areas and the transformation of natural landscapes into manmade environments, has significantly altered the habitat of many organisms. This process has not only reshaped landscapes but also impacted ecological balance. Soil fauna are integral components of the food chain and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and overall ecosystem health. Investigating the impact of urban landscape patterns on the genetic diversity and population structure of soil fauna can lead to new knowledge that can be used to protect the biodiversity within urban ecosystems.

Methods: A total of 133 samples of Thereuopoda clunifera from seven populations in Nanjing, China were collected for this study. The mitochondrial Cytbgene and six microsatellite loci were used as molecular markers to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of T. clunifera. To investigate the impact of urban landscape patterns on soil fauna genetic diversity and genetic structure, correlation analysis was used to understand the association between genetic diversity and habitat or urbanization levels. We then evaluated potential corridors that could enable gene flow between local T. cluniferapopulations by calculating the Euclidean distance, least-cost path, and effective resistance between these populations. Finally, we explored the effect of geographical and resistance distance on genetic differentiation among local populations using the Mantel test for each local population based on their genetic distance.

Results: We identified six haplotypes and 14 mutation sites, from the Cytb dataset. Nucleotide diversity indices were below 0.005 for all populations, signifying low genetic diversity. The microsatellite markers revealed an average number of alleles ranging from 4.167 to 5.167 and observed heterozygosity from 0.470 to 0.603, indicating high microsatellite diversity across populations. No correlation was found between habitat area, degree of urbanization near the habitat, and population genetic diversity. The fixation index between populations ranged from 0.020 to 0.106, with gene flow ranging from 2.108 to 12.266, suggesting low levels of genetic differentiation and frequent gene exchange between populations. Cluster analysis based on individual classifications was performed on the seven populations. The results indicated that the highest value of Delta K was observed when K = 2, indicating that all individuals could be divided into two genetic groups. Among the seven populations, Tang Mountain and Fang Mountain (TS and FS) exhibited similar genetic structures, which were significantly different from the other five populations. The level of genetic differentiation between populations was significantly positively correlated with the predicted physical barriers between them, suggesting that the genetic structure of T. clunifera populations may be influenced by urbanization. Effective connectivity between patches facilitates gene flow among populations, with dispersed urban green spaces acting as corridors that offer opportunities for gene flow.

Conclusion: The overall genetic diversity of mitochondrial genes in the population of T. clunifera is relatively low, but the microsatellite diversity across all populations is high. Urbanization and habitat area are not correlated with the level of population genetic diversity in T. clunifera. There is moderate genetic differentiation among T. clunifera populations within the city of Nanjing, indicating a certain level of gene flow between them. Compared to geographical distance, diffusion resistance better reflects the diffusion patterns of T. clunifera within the city. Insights from this work establish a foundational framework for the preservation of urban biodiversity and the strategic design of ecological spaces, such as preserving green spaces to encourage gene flow between soil fauna populations.

Aims: Ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees are the dominant tree species in temperate forests and play a vital role in driving ecosystem functions, particularly soil nitrogen turnover. The proportion of EcM tree species within a community is believed to influence the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem function; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of tree species richness, the proportion of EcM tree species, and various biotic and abiotic factors on nitrogen turnover and availability in soil collected from different habitats and depths within a warm-temperate forest ecosystem.
Methods: Soil samples were collected over time from a 20-ha plot in the warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest of Dongling Mountain. Each sample was analyzed to determine the net nitrogen mineralization rate (R_m), nitrification rate (R_n), and concentration of inorganic nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^‒-N). Soil nitrogen mineralization and nitrification are crucial ecological processes that indicate soil nitrogen availability. We also assessed the presence of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which are key drivers of soil nitrogren processes.
Result: The proportion of EcM tree species had a stronger, and habitat-dependent effect on soil nitrogen turnover and availability compared to tree species richness. Specifically, R_m, R_n, NH₄⁺-N, and NO₃^‒-N significantly decreased with increasing proportions of EcM tree species in low altitude areas with gentle slopes and mid altitude steep slopes. Additionally, while NH₄⁺-N significantly decreased, R_n increased with greater tree species richness in low altitude areas with gentle slopes. Soil inorganic nitrogen was limited by the proportion of EcM tree species in subsoil and deep soil layers than in topsoil, with both NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^‒-N significantly decreasing as the proportion of EcM tree species increased. Further, R_m, R_n, NH₄⁺-N, and NO₃^‒-N showed stong correaltions with the proportion of EcM tree species, tree species richness, soil moisture, and the presence of AOA and AOB. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that soil moisture, AOA, and AOB were major contributers to variations in R_m, R_n, NH₄⁺-N, and NO₃^‒-N.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the proportion of EcM tree species, rather than overall tree species richness, plays a more critical role in influencing soil nitorgen turnover and availability in the warm-temperate forest ecosystem. This effect is primarily associated with soil moisture, and AOA and AOB. Our findings are significant for developing a theoretical framework that explores the relationships between tree species richness, the proportion of EcM tree species, and ecosystem functions. Moreover, our findings strengthen our capacity for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in warm-temperate forest ecosystems.

Backgrounds & Motivations: The financial gap in addressing biodiversity loss is considerable, highlighting the need for the involvement of enterprises and financial institutions in biodiversity protection to provide necessary funding for biodiversity risk management. However, the information regarding to biodiversity in reports from Chinese listed enterprises remains limited, often lacking substance and credibility. It is imperative for enterprises to establish a biodiversity information disclosure mechanism that signals low biodiversity risk to financial and capital markets, thereby enhancing their financing capabilities and levels.

Methods: This study calculates the biodiversity information disclosure index for Chinese enterprises based on an analysis of 11,867 enterprise social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports from 1,714 listed enterprises between 2006 and 2022, utilizing internet crawling technology for data collection. Employing quantitative analysis methods, the research examines the current status and primary issues related to biodiversity disclosure, ultimately constructing an econometric model to explore the financing effects of biodiversity information disclosure from the perspectives of financing constraints, costs, and outcomes.

Results: The findings indicate a continuous increase in both the number and proportion of enterprises disclosing biodiversity information in China, demonstrating a stable growth trend with modest annual increases. However, challenges persist, including low disclosure quality, heightened industry polarization, and significant heterogeneity among enterprise types. Furthermore, biodiversity information disclosure exhibits significant effects on financing. Specifically, each increasing unit in enterprise biodiversity information disclosure can effectively reduce enterprise financing constraints by 2.02% to 5.07%, lower the cost of enterprise debt financing by 2.51% to 2.78%, lower the cost of enterprise equity financing by 1.55% to 1.83%, and facilitate adjustments to the enterprise financing structure, thereby decreasing (increasing) the proportion of debt (equity) in financing by 2.19%.

Policy Implications & Contributions: In light of these findings, policy recommendations are proposed in the study, including the implementation of financing incentive mechanisms, the establishment of standardized disclosure protocols, the monetization of biodiversity value, and an emphasis on disclosure trends among non-key industries. These recommendations are designed to enhance enterprise engagement in biodiversity protection and to mobilize enterprise resources towards the promotion of biodiversity-friendly practices within industry development.

Strigolactone (SL) is a novel plant hormone that regulates important growth and developmental processes such as plant branching. In rice, the SL receptor D14 perceives SL signals, binds with the F-box protein D3, and recruits the transcriptional repressor D53, inducing the ubiquitination and degradation of D53, thereby triggering signal transduction and inhibiting tillering. A recent study discovered that nitrogen limitation induces SL biosynthesis in rice to activate the receptor D14, triggering SL signal transduction. Concurrently, nitrogen limitation also induces phosphorylation of the N-terminal disordered region (NTD) of D14, reducing the ubiquitination and degradation of receptor D14, thereby further enhancing SL perception. Through these two synergistic mechanisms, nitrogen limitation stimulates SL signal transduction, strongly inhibiting tillering and enabling rice to adapt to low nitrogen stress conditions. The study also found that the D14-D3 interaction induced by SL promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of D14, thereby mediating the termination of SL signal perception. These significant findings elucidate the mechanisms of activation and termination of SL perception in rice, revealing the crucial regulatory role of SL signals in controlling rice tillering under low nitrogen stress. This would provide key insights into plant adaptation to nutrient scarcity and guide the precise improvement of crop architecture and molecular breeding of rice for reduced fertilizer use and increased yield.