Horticulturae

19 pages, 26828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Elevated CO₂ and Enhanced Light Intensity on Growth Dynamics, Stomatal Phenomics, Leaf Anatomy, and Photosynthetic Performance in Tomato Seedlings

by Tonghua Pan, Wenya Zhang, Wentao Du, Bingyan Fu, Xiaoting Zhou, Kai Cao, Encai Bao, Yunlong Wang and Gaoqiang Lv

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070760 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Elevated [CO₂] enhances light interception and carboxylation efficiency in plants. The combined effects of [CO₂] and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on stomatal morphology, leaf anatomy, and photosynthetic capacity in tomato seedlings remain unclear. This study subjected tomato seedlings [...] Read more.

Elevated [CO₂] enhances light interception and carboxylation efficiency in plants. The combined effects of [CO₂] and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on stomatal morphology, leaf anatomy, and photosynthetic capacity in tomato seedlings remain unclear. This study subjected tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cv. Jingpeng No.1) to two [CO₂] (ambient [a[CO₂], 400 µmol·mol⁻¹] and enriched [e[CO₂], 800 µmol·mol⁻¹]) and three PPFD levels (L; low[Ll: 200 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹], moderate[Lm: 300 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹], and high[Lh: 400 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹]) to assess their interactive impacts. Results showed that e[CO₂] and increased PPFD synergistically improved relative growth rate and net assimilation rate while reducing specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Notably, e[CO₂] decreased stomatal aperture (−13.81%) and density (−27.76%), whereas elevated PPFD promoted stomatal morphological adjustments. Additionally, Leaf thickness increased by 72.98% under e[CO₂], with Lm and Lh enhancing this by 10.79% and 41.50% compared to Ll. Furthermore, photosynthetic performance under e[CO₂] was further evidenced by improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (excluding non-photochemical quenching). While both e[CO₂] and increased PPFD Photosynthetic performance under e[CO₂] was further evidenced by improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (excluding non-photochemical quenching). Moreover, e[CO₂]-Lh treatment maximized total dry mass and seedling health index. Correlation analysis indicated that synergistic optimization of stomatal traits and leaf structure under a combination of e[CO₂] and increased PPFD enhanced light harvesting and CO₂ diffusion, thereby promoting carbon assimilation. These findings highlight e[CO₂]-Lh as an optimal strategy for tomato seedling growth, providing empirical guidance for precision CO₂ fertilization and light management in controlled cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Horticulture Production Equipment and Technology)

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16 pages, 1551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Detection of Current Internal Disorders and Prediction of Future Appearance in Mango Fruit Using Portable Vis-NIR Spectroscopy

by Jasciane da Silva Alves, Bruna Parente de Carvalho Pires, Luana Ferreira dos Santos, Tiffany da Silva Ribeiro, Kerry Brian Walsh, Ederson Akio Kido and Sergio Tonetto de Freitas

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070759 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

A method based on Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning-based modeling for non-destructive detection of the internal disorders of black flesh, spongy tissue, jelly seed, and soft nose in mango fruit was developed using the vis-NIR spectra of intact mango fruit of three cultivars [...] Read more.

A method based on Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning-based modeling for non-destructive detection of the internal disorders of black flesh, spongy tissue, jelly seed, and soft nose in mango fruit was developed using the vis-NIR spectra of intact mango fruit of three cultivars sourced from three orchards in each of the two seasons, with spectra collected both at harvest and after storage. After spectra were acquired of the stored fruit, the fruit cheeks were cut longitudinally to allow visual assessment of the incidence of the internal disorders. Five models were evaluated: two tree-based algorithms (J48 and random forest), one neural network (multilayer perceptron, MLP), and two SVM training algorithms (sequential minimal optimization, SMO, and LibSVM). The models were evaluated using a tenfold cross-validation approach. Non-destructive discrimination of health from all disordered and healthy fruit from fruit with specific disorders was achieved with an accuracy ranging from 72.3 to 97.0% when using spectra collected at harvest and 63.7 to 96.2% when using spectra collected after ripening. No one machine learning algorithm out-performed other methods—for spectra collected at harvest, the highest discrimination accuracy was achieved with RF and MLP for black flesh, J48 for spongy tissue, and LibSVM for soft nose and jelly seed. For spectra collected of stored fruit, the highest discrimination accuracy was achieved with SMO for jelly seed and RF for soft nose. A recommendation is made for the consideration of ensemble models in future. The ability to predict the development of the disorder using spectra of at-harvest fruit offers the potential to guide postharvest practices and reduce incidence of internal disorders in mangoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)

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15 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Yield and Quality Response of Indeterminate Tomatoes to Combined Growing Methods and Rootstock Cultivars

by Mampe E. Ndlovu, Puffy Soundy, Jacob J. De Klerk and Martin M. Maboko

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070758 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Limited comparative research exists on evaluating the performance of tomato rootstocks under different growing methods, resulting in growers facing challenges when deciding which rootstock and growing method to use for improved yield. The effect of growing methods (scion of a single stem or [...] Read more.

Limited comparative research exists on evaluating the performance of tomato rootstocks under different growing methods, resulting in growers facing challenges when deciding which rootstock and growing method to use for improved yield. The effect of growing methods (scion of a single stem or double stems and non-grafted plant as the control) and rootstock cultivars (Goldbac, SVTX6258, and Booster) on the yield and quality of tomatoes grown in a plastic tunnel and a shade net structure was investigated. The splice grafting method was followed. In a plastic tunnel experiment, grafting and rootstock cultivar did not significantly affect the total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) of the tomato juice, as well as percentage weight loss, yield, and fruit firmness. However, the Booster rootstock with a scion of 2 stems had high fruit Mg, K, P, and Fe contents, while the Goldbac rootstock with a scion of 1 stem and 2 stems had high fruit Ca and Fe contents compared to other treatments. The Goldbac and Booster rootstocks grafted to a scion of 2 stems had a high marketable yield. In a shade net experiment, the Booster rootstock with a scion of 2 stems had a high early harvest and total yield of tomatoes, followed by the Goldbac rootstock with a scion of 2 stems. Higher incidences of fruit cracking were noticed on the Booster rootstock grafted with a scion of a single stem. Generally, grafted plants on Booster and Goldbac had improved Mg, K, and P contents, unlike SVTX6258 with a scion of 1 stem. The Booster rootstock with a scion of 2 stems had significantly higher Mg, K, and P contents, while the sodium (Na) fruit content was high on the SVTX6258 rootstock with a scion of 1 stem. Grafting did not significantly affect fruit physiological disorders, weight loss, and TSS, or pH and EC of tomato juice. Grafting with a scion of two stems at the seedling stage significantly improved the tomato fruit mineral content and the total and marketable yield in a plastic tunnel and a shade net structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)

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5 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticulture: Insights from Recent Research and Practical Applications

by Simona Fabroni, Luana Bontempo and Francesco Montemurro

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070757 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

For more than two decades, organic management has been associated with beneficial effects on human and soil health, while being environmentally sustainable due to the removal of/reduction in pesticides used as plant protection agents and chemical fertilizers [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)

3 pages, 135 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Fruit Tree Species

by Stefano La Malfa and Stefania Bennici

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070756 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Fruit tree species contribute to human nutrition and health security by providing important beneficial compounds (e [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Fruit Tree Species)

17 pages, 6194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Physiological and Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Toxicity Mechanism of p-Coumaric Acid on Morchella importuna

by Qi Yin, Wenchang Zhang, Yingli Cai, Xiaofei Shi, Fuqiang Yu, Jianzhuang Guo, Xinhua He, Peixin He and Wei Liu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070755 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

p-coumaric acid (p-CA) is one of the main allelochemicals of cultivable Morchella mushrooms. However, its toxicity mechanism has not been elucidated. Therefore, we used physiological and comparative transcriptomic analyses to reveal its toxicity mechanism. The results suggest that the mycelial [...] Read more.

p-coumaric acid (p-CA) is one of the main allelochemicals of cultivable Morchella mushrooms. However, its toxicity mechanism has not been elucidated. Therefore, we used physiological and comparative transcriptomic analyses to reveal its toxicity mechanism. The results suggest that the mycelial growth and sclerotial production of M. importuna were promoted under treatment with a low dosage of p-CA (10 μg/mL). The treatment induced moderate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, with an upregulation of genes associated with antioxidant regulation, energy supply and damage repair. In contrast, oxidative stress induced under treatment with a high dosage of p-CA (50 μg/mL) led to strain ageing. The contents of ROS were significantly increased, along with decreased peroxidase and catalase activity. Moreover, the genes associated with H₂O₂ synthesis were upregulated, while those responsible for H₂O₂ decomposition, non-enzymatic antioxidant components and damage repair were downregulated. Meanwhile, the carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways, and the signal transduction and cell division pathways, were impaired. Taken together, moderate stress induced under a low concentration of p-CA promotes the mycelial growth and sclerotial metamorphosis of M. importuna. This study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in the cultivation of morel mushrooms, which is of great importance for the practical aspects of mushroom cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morchella: Innovative Mushrooms from Forests to Farms, Then to Our Tables)

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22 pages, 1691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Grape Seed Germination and Seedling Development Through Varietal Responses to Sodium Nitroprusside and Gibberellic Acid Applications

by Özcan Kesen, Adem Yagci, Harlene Hatterman-Valenti and Ozkan Kaya

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070754 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Germination ability and seedling development of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds show significant differences depending on cultivar characteristics and germination conditions, and this situation is known to create significant difficulties in grape breeding programs and vegetative propagation. In this study, we explored [...] Read more.

Germination ability and seedling development of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds show significant differences depending on cultivar characteristics and germination conditions, and this situation is known to create significant difficulties in grape breeding programs and vegetative propagation. In this study, we explored the effects of different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 500–3000 ppm) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) on seed germination and seedling growth in several grape cultivars. Our findings show that cultivar, treatment type, and their interaction had significant effects on both germination and growth. The 5 BB rootstock stood out with consistently high germination rates, reaching up to 95% with 1500 ppm SNP. Overall, SNP treatments outperformed both the control and GA₃ applications, although the most effective concentration differed by cultivar. The most beneficial SNP doses ranged between 1000 and 3000 ppm, with 1500 ppm yielding the highest improvement, up to a 21.6% increase compared to the control. Notably, the ‘Çeliksu’ cultivar responded strongly to SNP, while ‘Rizpem’ showed weak germination, regardless of treatment. Seedling growth, as measured by plant height and node number, was also influenced by both treatment and cultivar, with 5 BB again showing the most robust development. Multivariate analyses revealed strong correlations across germination dates and growth traits. Higher SNP concentrations (1500–3000 ppm) consistently promoted better germination and seedling vigor than GA₃ and untreated controls. These results highlight the importance of considering cultivar-specific responses and suggest that well-calibrated SNP applications could be a valuable tool for improving seed-based propagation in grape breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Horticulturae: Sustainable Practices in Table Grape Production)

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28 pages, 3054 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Antibacterial Agents in Horticulture: Risks to Non-Target Organisms and Sustainable Alternatives

by Mirza Abid Mehmood, Muhammad Mazhar Iqbal, Muhammad Ashfaq, Nighat Raza, Jianguang Wang, Abdul Hafeez, Samah Bashir Kayani and Qurban Ali

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070753 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The global population is rising at an alarming rate and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, necessitating a substantial increase in food production. However, the overuse of chemical pesticides, including antibacterial agents and synthetic fertilizers, poses a major threat to sustainable [...] Read more.

The global population is rising at an alarming rate and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, necessitating a substantial increase in food production. However, the overuse of chemical pesticides, including antibacterial agents and synthetic fertilizers, poses a major threat to sustainable agriculture. This review examines the ecological and health impacts of antibacterial agents (e.g., streptomycin, oxytetracycline, etc.) in horticultural crops, focusing on their effects on non-target organisms such as beneficial microbes involved in plant growth promotion and resistance development. Certain agents (e.g., triclosan, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones) leach into water systems, degrading water quality, while others leave toxic residues in crops, leading to human health risks like dysbiosis and antibiotic resistance. To mitigate these hazards, sustainable alternatives such as integrated plant disease management (IPDM) and biotechnological solutions are essential. Advances in genetic engineering including resistance-conferring genes like EFR1/EFR2 (Arabidopsis), Bs2 (pepper), and Pto (tomato) help combat pathogens such as Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas campestris. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise genome editing to enhance inherent disease resistance in crops. Emerging strategies like biological control, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), and nanotechnology further reduce dependency on chemical antibacterial agents. This review highlights the urgent need for sustainable disease management to safeguard ecosystem and human health while ensuring food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Stress Tolerance of Horticultural Crops)

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15 pages, 2834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of New Passive Heating Systems for Low-Cost Greenhouses in a Mild-Winter Area

by Santiago Bonachela, María Cruz Sánchez-Guerrero, Juan Carlos López, Evangelina Medrano and Joaquín Hernández

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070752 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The main objective of this work was to evaluate new variants of passive heating systems used for horticultural crop cycles of crops planted in the cold period in low-cost greenhouses on the Mediterranean Spanish coast (a mild-winter area). The double low cover (DLC) [...] Read more.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate new variants of passive heating systems used for horticultural crop cycles of crops planted in the cold period in low-cost greenhouses on the Mediterranean Spanish coast (a mild-winter area). The double low cover (DLC) is variant of the conventional fixed plastic screen that reduces the air volume and increases the airtightness around crops. Three identical DLCs were installed inside a typical greenhouse, and the microclimate measured in the three DLCs was similar. The DLCs reduced the solar radiation transmissivity coefficient by around 0.05 but increased the mean daily substrate and air temperatures (up to 1.6 and 3.6 °C, respectively). They also modified the air humidity, although this can be modulated by opening the vertical sheets located on the greenhouse aisles (DLC vents). The black plastic mulch forming an air chamber around the substrate bags (BMC), a new mulch variant used in substrate-grown crops, increased the substrate temperature with respect to the conventional black mulch covering the entire ground surface. The combination of BMC plus DLC increased the mean daily substrate temperature by up to 2.9 °C, especially at night. Low tunnels covered with transparent film and with a spun-bonded fabric sheet were also compared, and both materials were efficient heating systems regarding substrate and air temperatures. Low tunnels combined with the DLC substantially increased air humidity, but this can be partially offset by opening the DLC vents. The combination of low tunnels and DLC does not seem recommendable for greenhouse crops planted in winter, since both systems reduce solar radiation transmissivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Protected Culture)

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20 pages, 2519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water Improves the Postharvest Quality of Litchi Fruit by Regulating the Phenylpropane Pathway

by Xuanjing Jiang, Xiangzhi Lin, Yuzhao Lin, Yazhen Chen, Yihui Chen and Hongbin Chen

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070751 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The market value of litchi fruit is declining quickly due to its susceptibility to disease and rapid pericarp browning. Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) treatment is recognized as a safe disinfection technology that not only preserves the quality of postharvest produce, but also [...] Read more.

The market value of litchi fruit is declining quickly due to its susceptibility to disease and rapid pericarp browning. Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) treatment is recognized as a safe disinfection technology that not only preserves the quality of postharvest produce, but also enhances disease resistance. This study assessed the efficacy of SAEW in preserving litchi fruit and boosting its resistance to disease. Litchi fruit underwent treatment with SAEW at various available chlorine concentrations (ACC) (10, 25, 50, and 75 mg/L) and subsequently stored at 25 °C for a duration of six days. The results revealed that SAEW with an ACC of 25 mg/L markedly improved the postharvest quality of litchi fruits, reduced disease incidence, and enhanced the appearance of the pericarp and nutrient levels in the arils. Additionally, this treatment enhanced the levels of disease resistance-related compounds, including lignin, flavonoids, and total phenolics, in the pericarp of litchis during the later storage stages (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the final three days of storage, there were also noticeable increases (p < 0.01) in the activities of pericarp disease resistance enzymes (DREs), such as phenylalanine ammonialyase, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate CoA ligase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase. Based on these results, it was concluded that SAEW triggered DRE activities and increased the accumulation of disease resistance-related compounds by regulating the phenylpropane pathway to suppress disease development, and elevated the storage quality of harvested litchi fruit. Consequently, SAEW has proven to be an effective and safe method for enhancing the storability of litchi fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sustainable Practices in Horticultural Crops Postharvest Treatment and Processing)

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17 pages, 7289 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Agronomic Performance and Fruit Quality of Fresh Fig Varieties Trained in Espaliers Under a High Planting Density

by Antonio Jesús Galán, María Guadalupe Domínguez, Manuel Pérez-López, Ana Isabel Galván, Fernando Pérez-Gragera and Margarita López-Corrales

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070750 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Traditional rainfed fig orchards intended for fresh consumption tend to have low yields and cultural practices difficulties due to wide plant spacing and large canopies. This study investigates whether the espalier training system, commonly employed in other fruit species, can be applied to [...] Read more.

Traditional rainfed fig orchards intended for fresh consumption tend to have low yields and cultural practices difficulties due to wide plant spacing and large canopies. This study investigates whether the espalier training system, commonly employed in other fruit species, can be applied to fig cultivation to improve productivity and fruit quality under high-density irrigated plantations. For the first time, four fig varieties (‘San Antonio’, ‘Dalmatie’, ‘Albacor’, and ‘De Rey’) were evaluated in a high-density system (625 trees/ha) using espalier training over four consecutive years (2018–2021) in southwestern Spain. Among the varieties, ‘Dalmatie’ demonstrated the highest suitability to the system, combining low vegetative vigour with superior yield performance, reaching a cumulative yield of 103.15 kg/tree and yield efficiency of 1.94 kg/cm². ‘San Antonio’ was the earliest to ripen and exhibited the longest harvest duration (81 days), enabling early and extended market availability. In terms of fruit quality, ‘Albacor’ stood out for its high total soluble solids content (24.97 °Brix), while ‘De Rey’ exhibited the best sugar–acid balance, with a maturity index of 384.58. The present work demonstrates that intensive fig cultivation on espalier structures offers an innovative alternative to traditional systems, thereby enhancing orchard efficiency, management, and fruit quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Subtropical Fruits: Sustainable Management, Propagation Techniques and Seedling Production)

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15 pages, 7056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Packaging Constraints on Vibration Damage of ‘Huangguan’ Pear During Simulated Transport

by Lijun Wang, Zechen Xie, Yumeng Wu, Jinguo Gao and Haiyan Song

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070749 - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Fruit is typically transported in stacked packaging units, where external packaging constraints play a critical role in influencing mechanical damage during transit. This study primarily investigated the effects of external packaging constraints on vibration-induced damage and response vibration in ‘Huangguan’ pears (Pyrus [...] Read more.

Fruit is typically transported in stacked packaging units, where external packaging constraints play a critical role in influencing mechanical damage during transit. This study primarily investigated the effects of external packaging constraints on vibration-induced damage and response vibration in ‘Huangguan’ pears (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd. ‘Huangguan’). Three external packaging constraint types—free constraint, elastic constraint, and fixed constraint—were applied to a two-layer stacked packaging system to limit vertical movement. The pears inside the containers were divided by a corrugated paperboard. Vibration excitation was simulated using the ASTM D4169 spectrum at three vibration levels. Damage indicators, including damage area, flesh firmness, respiratory rate, weight loss, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and tissue microstructure, were analyzed after vibration experiments. The results demonstrated that external packaging constraint type significantly affects the mechanical damage of ‘Huangguan’ pears, with damage severity being closely related to constraint strength. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the most severe damage occurred under free constraint, while the least damage was observed under fixed constraint. Stacking position also influenced damage, as pears on the top layer exhibited more severe damage compared to those on the bottom layer. The response vibration results aligned with the observed damage patterns. SEM analysis further revealed that vibration disrupted the tissue microstructure and damaged stone cells, which decreased in number and even disappeared at higher vibration levels. This study provides valuable insights for improving postharvest transport packaging designs and minimizing fruit loss during logistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Treatments and Storage Technologies Applied to Ensure the Quality and Shelf-Life of Fruits and Vegetables)

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16 pages, 5881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical Characterization of Ornithine Decarboxylases from Solanaceae Plants Producing Tropane Alkaloids

by Lingjiang Zeng, Tengfei Zhao, Mengxue Wang, Yifan Sun, Chengcun Liu, Xiaozhong Lan, Peng Song and Zhihua Liao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070748 - 30 Jun 2025

Abstract

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines and plant alkaloids, including medicinal tropane alkaloids (TAs). Due to its key role, ODC has been utilized as an effective molecular tool in metabolic engineering. However, to date, only a limited [...] Read more.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines and plant alkaloids, including medicinal tropane alkaloids (TAs). Due to its key role, ODC has been utilized as an effective molecular tool in metabolic engineering. However, to date, only a limited number of plant ODCs have been characterized. Among the reported ODCs, Erythroxylum coca ODC (EcODC) exclusively has ODC activity, while Nicotiana glutinosa ODC (NgODC) exhibits dual ODC and lysine decarboxylase (LDC) activities. The potential LDC activity of ODCs from TA-producing plants remains unknown. Here, we characterized AlODC and DsODC from Anisodus luridus and Datura stramonium, along with two previously reported ODCs from Atropa belladonna (AbODC) and Hyoscyamus niger (HnODC), in Escherichia coli to investigate their enzyme kinetics and substrate specificity. Enzymatic assays revealed that both AlODC and DsODC catalyzed the conversion of ornithine to putrescine, confirming their ODC activity, with AlODC exhibiting a higher catalytic efficiency, comparable to established ODCs. Furthermore, all four ODCs also displayed LDC activity, albeit at significantly lower efficiency (<1% of ODC activity). This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the enzyme kinetics of ODCs from TA-producing plants, identifying promising candidate genes for metabolic engineering for the biomanufacturing of putrescine-derived alkaloids. Moreover, this is the first report of LDC activity in ODCs from Solanaceae TA-producing plants, shedding light on the evolutionary relationship between ODC and LDC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Secondary Metabolism and Its Applications in Horticulture)

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14 pages, 4638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of a Novel Albino Tea Cultivar (Camellia sinensis ‘Geumda’)

by Yun-Suk Kwon, Su Jin Kim, Ha Rim Hong, Byung-Hyuk Kim, Eun Young Song, Chun Hwan Kim, Liang Chen and Doo-Gyung Moon

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070747 - 30 Jun 2025

Abstract

Tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is an economically important evergreen crop cultivated worldwide. While most tea plants have green leaves, albino cultivars with yellow or white young leaves have attracted growing interest due to their elevated levels of L-theanine, a [...] Read more.

Tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is an economically important evergreen crop cultivated worldwide. While most tea plants have green leaves, albino cultivars with yellow or white young leaves have attracted growing interest due to their elevated levels of L-theanine, a key compound that enhances the umami flavor and overall quality of green tea. In this study, we characterized the morphological and biochemical traits of a novel albino tea cultivar, ‘Geumda’, developed in Korea. ‘Geumda’ exhibited yellow young shoots during the first flush and smaller leaves compared to the green-leaf standard cultivar, ‘Sangmok’. Although the catechin content of ‘Geumda’ was lower than that of ‘Sangmok’, it exhibited significantly higher levels of total amino acids, L-theanine, and arginine by 2.1-, 2.0-, and 9.8-fold, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and gene expression analysis revealed that the elevated amino acid content in ‘Geumda’ was associated with impaired chloroplast development, leading to reduced chlorophyll content and diminished photosynthetic capacity. These findings suggest that ‘Geumda’, with its high concentrations of theanine and arginine and its impaired chloroplast development, represents a valuable genetic resource for the production of functional green teas enriched in umami flavor and beneficial health properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tea Tree: Cultivation, Breeding and Their Processing Innovation)

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14 pages, 2434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Trichoderma harzianum on the Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Three Turfgrass Species Grown on Eco-Concrete

by Xiaohu Chen, Xiaoyan Zeng, Yongjun Fei and Die Hu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070746 - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on the growth, physiological responses, and soil nutrient uptake of three turfgrass species cultivated on eco-concrete—Axonopus compressus (Sw.) Beauv., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., and Zoysia sinica Hance. A 2 × 2 factorial design [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on the growth, physiological responses, and soil nutrient uptake of three turfgrass species cultivated on eco-concrete—Axonopus compressus (Sw.) Beauv., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., and Zoysia sinica Hance. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to evaluate plant growth, physiological responses, and soil metrics under cement stress, incorporating T. harzianum inoculation (inoculated vs. control) and substrate composition (eco-concrete vs. pastoral soil). Our results indicate that inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum significantly enhanced the growth potential of the three turfgrass species compared to uninoculated controls. Furthermore, under cement stress conditions in vegetated concrete, inoculation with T. harzianum significantly alleviated the inhibition of growth and development. More specifically, in the vegetated concrete habitat, inoculated plants exhibited significantly increased root length and surface area. This enhancement promoted the uptake of available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) from the soil. Concurrently, inoculated plants showed higher leaf epidermal cell density, stomatal width, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT, and APX). Additionally, significant reductions were observed in root activity, relative conductivity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents. In conclusion, T. harzianum inoculation promotes the growth of the three turfgrass species under cement stress, likely by enhancing root development, increasing osmoregulatory substance accumulation, and elevating antioxidant enzyme activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)

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15 pages, 3332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses of Olive Cultivars Under Water Deficit

by Lorenzo León, Willem Goossens, Helena Clauw, Olivier Leroux and Kathy Steppe

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070745 - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

Olive trees are generally considered a species well-adapted to drought, but the impact of water shortage is of critical importance on olive production. For this reason, developing tolerant cultivars could be an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of drought in the future. [...] Read more.

Olive trees are generally considered a species well-adapted to drought, but the impact of water shortage is of critical importance on olive production. For this reason, developing tolerant cultivars could be an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of drought in the future. Characterizing drought stress tolerance in olive is a complex task due to the numerous traits involved in this response. In this study, plant growth, pressure–volume curves, gas-exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence traits, and stomata characteristics were monitored in nine cultivars to assess the effects of mild and severe drought stress conditions induced by withholding water for 7 and 21 days, respectively, and were compared to a well-watered control treatment. The plant materials evaluated included traditional cultivars, as well as new developed cultivars suited for high-density hedgerow olive orchards or resistant to verticillium wilt. Significant differences between cultivars were observed for most evaluated traits, with more pronounced differences under severe drought conditions. A multivariate analysis of the complete dataset recorded throughout the evaluation period allowed for the identification of promising cultivars under stress conditions (‘Sikitita’, ‘Sikitita-2’, and ‘Martina’) as well as highly discriminative traits that could serve as key selection parameters in future breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies of Producing Horticultural Crops Under Climate Change)

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21 pages, 4488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

OMB-YOLO-tiny: A Lightweight Detection Model for Damaged Pleurotus ostreatus Based on Enhanced YOLOv8n

by Lei Shi, Zhuo Bai, Xiangmeng Yin, Zhanchen Wei, Haohai You, Shilin Liu, Fude Wang, Xuexi Qi, Helong Yu, Chunguang Bi and Ruiqing Ji

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070744 - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

Pleurotus ostreatus, classified under the phylum Basidiomycota, order Agaricales, and family Pleurotaceae, is a prevalent gray edible fungus. Its physical damage not only compromises quality and appearance but also significantly diminishes market value. This study proposed an enhanced method for detecting Pleurotus [...] Read more.

Pleurotus ostreatus, classified under the phylum Basidiomycota, order Agaricales, and family Pleurotaceae, is a prevalent gray edible fungus. Its physical damage not only compromises quality and appearance but also significantly diminishes market value. This study proposed an enhanced method for detecting Pleurotus ostreatus damage based on an improved YOLOv8n model, aiming to advance the accessibility of damage recognition technology, enhance automation in Pleurotus cultivation, and reduce labor dependency. This approach holds critical implications for agricultural modernization and serves as a pivotal step in advancing China’s agricultural modernization, while providing valuable references for subsequent research. Utilizing a self-collected, self-organized, and self-constructed dataset, we modified the feature extraction module of the original YOLOv8n by integrating a lightweight GhostHGNetv2 backbone network. During the feature fusion stage, the original YOLOv8 components were replaced with a lightweight SlimNeck network, and an Attentional Scale Sequence Fusion (ASF) mechanism was incorporated into the feature fusion architecture, resulting in the proposed OMB-YOLO model. This model achieves a remarkable balance between parameter efficiency and detection accuracy, attaining a parameter of 2.24 M and a mAP@0.5 of 90.11% on the test set. To further optimize model lightweighting, the DepGraph method was applied for pruning the OMB-YOLO model, yielding the OMB-YOLO-tiny variant. Experimental evaluations on the damaged Pleurotus dataset demonstrate that the OMB-YOLO-tiny model outperforms mainstream models in both accuracy and inference speed while reducing parameters by nearly half. With a parameter of 1.72 M and mAP@0.5 of 90.14%, the OMB-YOLO-tiny model emerges as an optimal solution for detecting Pleurotus ostreatus damage. These results validate its efficacy and practical applicability in agricultural quality control systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Artificial Intelligence in Digital Horticulture: Practices and Innovations)

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14 pages, 3143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of a Gamma Radiation (⁶⁰Co) Induced Mutant Population of Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia velutina F.A.C. Weber) Plants In Vitro Using ISSR Molecular Markers

by Eréndira Rubio-Ochoa, Eulogio De la Cruz-Torres, Rosa Elena Pérez-Sánchez, Héctor Eduardo Martínez-Flores, Liberato Portillo, Pedro Antonio García-Saucedo and Juan Florencio Gómez-Leyva

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070743 - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

The nopal cactus, a plant from the Cactaceae family, holds significant economic and nutritional value for Mexico. This study aimed to enhance the genetic diversity and morphological traits of Opuntia velutina, a species cultivated as a vegetable nopal. A total of 1050 in [...] Read more.

The nopal cactus, a plant from the Cactaceae family, holds significant economic and nutritional value for Mexico. This study aimed to enhance the genetic diversity and morphological traits of Opuntia velutina, a species cultivated as a vegetable nopal. A total of 1050 in vitro O. velutina explants were exposed to 15 different doses of gamma radiation from ⁶⁰Co gamma, ranging from 5 to 125 Gy. The lethal dose was above 50 Gy, with an LD₅₀ of 22.8 Gy for stimulating in vitro shoot growth. Shoots derived from doses between 5 and 50 Gy were subjected to in vitro shoot proliferation across four consecutive generations to stabilize morphological traits. Cluster analysis categorized the 178 irradiated shoots into 13 distinct morphological groups (CG1–CG13). Twenty-seven shoots exhibiting significant morphological improvements, such as a 50–100% increase in cladode length, up to a six-fold increase in shoot number, and up to a seven-fold increase in root number, were selected for molecular analysis of genetic diversity. Six primers were used with the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers to examine genetic uniformity, yielding 54.5% polymorphic bands, indicating a high level of genetic variation. Both a UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE-based Bayesian analysis confirmed the genetic divergence among the selected mutant lines. Overall, gamma irradiation effectively enhanced both phenotypic and genotypic diversity in O. velutina. This study corroborates that in vitro mutagenesis through gamma radiation is a viable strategy for generating novel genotypes with breeding potential within the Opuntia genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))

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10 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

How Irrigation Level and Soil Type Affect Nutritional Quality and Yield of Greenhouse Tomato Grown Under Mild Environmental Conditions

by Eleni Papoui, Anna Gkotzamani, Konstantinos Nikoloudis, Filippos Bantis and Athanasios Koukounaras

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070742 - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

Cherry tomato is a highly demanding crop regarding temperature and water requirements. Considering that the climate crisis has already affected soil quality, water quality and quantity, and temperatures throughout the year, some cultivation practices may need to adapt to the new reality. This [...] Read more.

Cherry tomato is a highly demanding crop regarding temperature and water requirements. Considering that the climate crisis has already affected soil quality, water quality and quantity, and temperatures throughout the year, some cultivation practices may need to adapt to the new reality. This research aims to investigate whether soil type in a greenhouse (Zones 1 and 2), deficient irrigation (50% of the optimal irrigation according to the producer), or their interaction can affect the fruit production per plant and quality of cherry tomatoes. Evaluated parameters included total and monthly fruit production per plant, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, and lycopene content. Results indicate that fruit production per plant was not significantly affected by any treatment or their interaction. Cherry tomato fruit quality was not dramatically affected by either soil type or irrigation level. To conclude, irrigation levels can be reduced by 50% without compromising tomato fruit quality and production per plant. These results can be a potential to adaptation to the climate crisis and water scarcity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Irrigation and Water Management Strategies for Horticultural Systems)

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