Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum × morifolium) are highly valued for their ornamental and economic benefits. However, the commonly used growing medium for chrysanthemums, peat, is not renewable, and peatlands are facing depletion. Therefore, it is important to find sustainable alternatives to peat. This study aims to evaluate the potential of rice husks and leaf mold mixed with peat and perlite in different ratios (10–20–30–40–80% v/v/v/v) as substitute materials for peat in chrysanthemum production. The study examines the physical and chemical properties of the different growing media ratios, as well as their effects on plant growth, development, and physiological indicators. The results of the experiment demonstrate that the different ratios of the cultivation substrate significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium, as well as the growth and physiological indicators of chrysanthemums. A 20–30% proportion of rice husks and leaf mold promotes the growth and photosynthetic activity of chrysanthemum cuttings, resulting in increased plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate. The mixed substrates (10–40%) maintain suitable pH levels, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). However, an 80% ratio of rice husks negatively affects plant survival and growth due to elevated EC and potassium levels. In conclusion, a peat medium containing 20% rice husks and leaf mold provides a more favorable cultivation substrate for producing high-quality chrysanthemums while promoting sustainable horticultural practices.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination presents a grave threat to the growth and development of plants. One of its fundamental toxicological mechanisms is the disruption of cellular redox homeostasis. To clarify the physiological and molecular mechanisms through which Cerasus humilis responds to Cd stress, this study utilized physiological and biochemical analyses, transcriptomics, and transgenic functional validation methods. The results demonstrate that Cd stress leads to a substantial buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intensifies membrane lipid peroxidation in C. humilis leaves. This is evidenced by significant elevations in superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Transcriptome analysis pinpointed a crucial response factor, ChERF017. Heterologous overexpression of this gene in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced the tolerance to Cd stress, which was manifested as follows: under the stress of 100 µmol/L CdCl₂, the transgenic line displayed less severe chlorophyll degradation, the levels of ROS accumulation were notably reduced, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased, and the content of glutathione and phytochelatins (PCs) increased. This promoted the transport of free Cd into vacuoles, thereby alleviating their cytotoxic effects on cells. This study verifies that ChERF017 plays a vital role in plant tolerance to Cd by regulating the antioxidant enzyme system and influencing the distribution of Cd within the cell. This finding offers essential theoretical bases and genetic resources for the genetic improvement of Cd resistance in C. humilis.