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Summary: Mimicry is the phenomenon in which one species (the mimic) closely resembles another (the model), enhancing its own fitness by deceiving a third party into interacting with it as if it were the model. In plants, mimicry is used primarily to gain fitness by withholding rewards from mutualists or deterring herbivores cost‐effectively. While extensive work has been documented on putative defence mimicry, limited investigation has been conducted in the field of chemical mimicry.In this study, we used field experiments, chemical analyses, behavioural assays, and electrophysiology, to test the hypothesis that the birthwort Aristolochia delavayi employs chemical mimicry by releasing leaf scent that closely resembles stink bug defensive compounds and repels vertebrate herbivores.We show that A. delavayi leaf scent is chemically and functionally similar to the generalized defensive volatiles of stink bugs and that the scent effectively deters vertebrate herbivores, likely through the activation of TRPA1 channels via (E)‐2‐alkenal compounds.This study provides an unequivocal example of chemical mimicry in plants, revealing intricate dynamics between plants and vertebrate herbivores. Our study underscores the potency of chemical volatiles in countering vertebrate herbivory, urging further research to uncover their potentially underestimated importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently constructing structures with high thermal stability is a key objective in the development of energetic compounds. However, the existing synthesis processes for heat‐resistant energetic materials are frequently hampered by their complexity and low yields. This study presents a significant breakthrough in addressing these challenges. It successfully synthesizes 4‐amino‐5‐(3‐amino‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐yl)‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐one (APTO) using a streamlined two‐step process, achieving an impressive high yield of 87.5 %. The structure was determined through X‐ray single crystal diffraction analysis, revealing a nearly planar intramolecular structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis, weak interaction analysis, and aromaticity analysis were conducted, illustrating a substantial presence of hydrogen bonds and π ‐ π stacking interactions within and between molecules. These interactions contribute significantly to exceptional thermal stability of ATPO. Furthermore, the thermal stability of ATPO was confirmed through DSC analysis, exhibiting a decomposition temperature as high as 365.2°C. This temperature surpasses that of the heat‐resistant explosive HNS (325°C), further validating its excellent thermal stability. The construction of this conjugated structure offers valuable guidance for the future structural design of heat‐resistant energetic materials. It opens up possibilities for the development of novel compounds with improved thermal stability based on similar conjugated architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of N‐doped carbon supported FeCo bimetallic catalysts with plentiful FeCo alloy‐FeO interfaces, which are derived from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) ZIF‐67, are designed for the one‐pot direct conversion of methyl levulinate to 1,4‐pentanediol. The FeCo alloy‐FeO interfaces are precisely controlled via tuning the reduction temperatures and Fe/Co ratios. The optimal catalyst gives a high 1,4‐pentanediol yield of 90.5 % along with complete conversion of methyl levulinate. These catalysts are carefully characterized by multiple techniques, such as HRTEM, XRD, XPS, NH3−TPD, and Py−IR. It is found that Co presents in electron deficiency caused by the electron transference from Co to Fe in FeCo alloy, which in turn enhances the heterolysis of H2. In addition, plentiful Lewis acid sites derived from interfacial FeO species favour the re‐adsorption and the ring‐opening reaction of γ‐valerolactone. With the synergy between FeCo alloy and Lewis acid, the FeCo alloy‐FeO interfaces exhibit excellent catalytic activity for selective hydrogenation of methyl levulinate to 1,4‐pentanediol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoalexins play a crucial role in plant immunity. However, the mechanism of how phytoalexin is primed by beneficial microorganisms against broad‐spectrum pathogens remains elusive. This study showed that Bacillus cereus AR156 could trigger ISR against broad‐spectrum disease. RNA‐sequencing and camalexin content assays showed that AR156‐triggered ISR can prime the accumulation of camalexin synthesis and secretion‐related genes. Moreover, it was found that AR156‐triggered ISR elevates camalexin accumulation by increasing the expression of camalexin synthesis genes upon pathogen infection. We observed that the priming of camalexin accumulation by AR156 was abolished in cyp71a13 and pad3 mutants. Further investigations reveal that in the wrky33 mutant, the ability of AR156 to prime camalexin accumulation is abolished, and the mediated ISR against the three pathogens is significantly compromised. Furthermore, PEN3 and PDR12, acting as camalexin transporters, participate in AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens differently. In addition, salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist pathogens in different forms depending on the pathogen. In summary, B. cereus AR156 triggers ISR against Botrytis cinerea, Pst DC3000 and Phytophthora capsici by priming camalexin synthesis. Our study provides deeper insights into the significant role of camalexin for AR156‐induced ISR against broad‐spectrum pathogens. Summary statement: Beneficial rhizobacterium AR156 triggered ISR by enhancing camalexin accumulation in Arabidopsis, with WRKY33 acting as a positive regulator. PEN3 and PDR12 are involved in AR156‐induced ISR. Salicylic acid and JA/ET signalling pathways participate in AR156‐primed camalexin synthesis to resist various pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]