Horticulturae

19 pages, 4737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acid Electrolyzed Water Priming Induces Phenylpropane Metabolism and Antioxidant Enzyme System to Promote Seed Germination of Celery

by Yi Zhu, Yufan Sun, Haolong Li, Yubin Lan, Danfeng Huang and Shuo Zhao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121543 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Seed germination of celery (Apium graveolens L.) is notoriously slow and asynchronous, which severely constrains uniform seedling establishment and crop yield. Seed priming is an effective technique to improve germination, and acidic electrolyzed water, characterized by low pH and high oxidation–reduction potential, [...] Read more.

Seed germination of celery (Apium graveolens L.) is notoriously slow and asynchronous, which severely constrains uniform seedling establishment and crop yield. Seed priming is an effective technique to improve germination, and acidic electrolyzed water, characterized by low pH and high oxidation–reduction potential, has emerged as a novel priming agent. However, the effect of acid electrolyzed water priming (EWP) on celery seed germination and the underlying mechanisms still need to be explored. The present study aimed to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which EWP promotes celery seed germination, with a focus on the roles of the phenylpropane metabolism and the antioxidant enzyme system. Celery seeds were treated with EWP, hydro-priming (HYD), and untreated (CK). It was found that the EWP treatment significantly enhanced germination characteristics compared to both CK and HYD. Transcriptome analysis revealed that EWP triggered more extensive transcriptional reprogramming than HYD, and EWP specifically enriched “Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” and “Flavonoid biosynthesis” pathways, downregulating upstream genes (PAL, 4CL) while upregulating downstream genes (CCR, CHI, F3H) in the phenylpropane pathway. Physiologically, EWP significantly increased CHI activity and the contents of total phenols and flavonoids at all sampling time points, and enhanced the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX. Consequently, the DPPH and FRAP free radical scavenging capacities were significantly strengthened in EWP-treated seeds. In conclusion, it is believed that EWP activation promotes celery seed germination by coordinating the phenylpropane pathway and antioxidant enzyme system, ensuring effective radical scavenging activities and cell protection. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the application of EWP and highlight the potential as a novel priming technology for celery and other horticultural crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seed Biology in Horticulture: From Dormancy to Germination)

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27 pages, 2386 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Preserving Agricultural Diversity: Comprehensive Characterisation of the Local Reineta de Fontanelas Apple Cultivar

by Elsa M. Gonçalves, Mafalda Silva, Manuela Lageiro, Luísa Cristina Roseiro, Andreia Soares, Cristina Ramos and Márcia Mendes

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121542 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

The conservation and characterisation of traditional apple cultivars are essential for safeguarding agrobiodiversity and supporting regional economies. Reineta de Fontanelas, a long-established cultivar from the Saloia region of Sintra, Portugal, remains insufficiently described despite its cultural relevance. This study provides the first [...] Read more.

The conservation and characterisation of traditional apple cultivars are essential for safeguarding agrobiodiversity and supporting regional economies. Reineta de Fontanelas, a long-established cultivar from the Saloia region of Sintra, Portugal, remains insufficiently described despite its cultural relevance. This study provides the first integrated characterisation of Reineta de Fontanelas apples collected from six local producers, evaluating biometric traits, physicochemical and nutritional composition, free sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, colour, texture, and sensory attributes. The multi-site sampling design enabled the assessment of intra-cultivar qualitative variability across different local environments and traditional low-input practices, which constituted the primary objective. A commercial Reineta sample was included solely as a contextual retail benchmark, acknowledging that differences in origin, orchard management, and storage conditions do not allow for strict cultivar-level comparisons. Reineta de Fontanelas apples consistently exhibited high soluble solids (SS), lower titratable acidity (TA), and enriched levels of key phenolic compounds, together with stronger antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation indicated a sweeter and more aromatic profile for the local apples. Multivariate analysis revealed a coherent compositional fingerprint and identified the main sources of intra-cultivar variability. Overall, the findings show that Reineta de Fontanelas maintains distinctive nutritional, bioactive, and sensory attributes across local environments, supporting ongoing efforts for its conservation and valorization. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2225 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Effects on Early Life Stages of Leptocereus (Cactaceae) Species from Cuban Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests

by Duniel Barrios, Jorge A. Sánchez, Luis R. González-Torres, Joel Flores and Ricardo Álvarez-Espino

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121541 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Rising temperatures are among the most predictable outcomes of climate change, and cacti are particularly vulnerable at the germination stage. We tested seeds of ten Cuban Leptocereus species from coastal and inland habitats under five temperature regimes to evaluate germination responses, thermal buffering [...] Read more.

Rising temperatures are among the most predictable outcomes of climate change, and cacti are particularly vulnerable at the germination stage. We tested seeds of ten Cuban Leptocereus species from coastal and inland habitats under five temperature regimes to evaluate germination responses, thermal buffering capacity for optimal germination, photoblastic behavior, recovery after heat stress, and seedling vigor. Germination declined sharply with increasing temperature, revealing minimal thermal buffering capacity for optimal germination. All species exhibited positively photoblastic seeds, while recovery and the degree of physiological dormancy varied among taxa. Except for one taxon, most displayed partial dormancy that could stagger germination over time. Seedling vigor was not affected by high temperatures in the same way in all species. Overall, our findings suggest that climate warming will further constrain the germination niche of Leptocereus, underscoring the importance of conservation measures such as ex situ propagation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Ecophysiology, Biochemistry, and Stress Adaptation of Succulent Plants)

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15 pages, 2702 KB

Open AccessArticle

Proteome Insights into the Watercore Disorder on Pineapple Discovered Resistant Germplasm-Specific Accumulation of Cell Wall-Modifying and Defense Proteins

by Dan Wang, Yanli Yao, Qian Yang, Cunzhi Peng, Lili Chang, Qingsong Wu, Xiaoqin Mo, Bingqiang Xu and Zheng Tong

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121540 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Watercore disease, a physiological disorder in pineapple (Ananas comosus), manifests during late fruit development. Affected fruits develop water-soaked flesh and reduced storability. (1) Background: To explore underlying molecular mechanisms, comparative proteomic profiling was conducted in this study. (2) Methods: Data-independent acquisition [...] Read more.

Watercore disease, a physiological disorder in pineapple (Ananas comosus), manifests during late fruit development. Affected fruits develop water-soaked flesh and reduced storability. (1) Background: To explore underlying molecular mechanisms, comparative proteomic profiling was conducted in this study. (2) Methods: Data-independent acquisition (DIA) strategy was employed for comparative analysis between the resistant germplasm “35-1” and the susceptible germplasm “29-3”, as well as between the healthy and diseased “Paris”. (3) Results: Resistant (“35-1”) versus susceptible (“29-3”) germplasm analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and unique proteins (SEPs) enriched in cell walls, secretory vesicles, and apoplast, functioning in cell wall loosening, hormone response, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and farnesyl diphosphate biosynthesis. Healthy versus diseased “Paris” pulp analysis showed DEPs/SEPs enrichment in ribosomal small subunit biogenesis. These proteins form a central regulatory network potentially orchestrating tRNA synthesis, tubulin biosynthesis, and other carbohydrate metabolism. Partial protein overlap occurred in germplasm- and disease-derived differences. Resistant germplasm (“35-1”) and healthy “Paris” accumulated stress-responsive/resistant proteins and cell wall-modifying enzymes (e.g., phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, raffinose synthase, expansins, and mannan hydrolase). Susceptible germplasm (“29-3”) and diseased “Paris” exhibited prominent stress-responsive protein accumulation, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase, and hypoxia-induced protein. (4) Conclusions: This comparative proteomics study identifies pineapple watercore resistance/susceptibility-associated proteins, providing a molecular basis for resistant germplasm development and disorder control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM))

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24 pages, 6491 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Enhanced Network Based on Improved YOLOv7 for Apple Robot Picking

by Jie Wu, Huawei Yang, Shucheng Wang, Ning Li, Xiaojie Shi, Xuzhen Lu, Zhimin Lun, Shaowei Wang, Supakorn Wongsuk and Peng Qi

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121539 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

In the conventional agricultural production process, the harvesting of mature fruits is frequently dependent on the observation and labor of workers, a process that is often time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study proposes an enhanced YOLOv7 detection and recognition model that incorporates a cross-spatial-channel [...] Read more.

In the conventional agricultural production process, the harvesting of mature fruits is frequently dependent on the observation and labor of workers, a process that is often time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study proposes an enhanced YOLOv7 detection and recognition model that incorporates a cross-spatial-channel 3D attention mechanism, a prediction head, and a weighted bidirectional feature pyramid neck optimization. The motivation for this study is to address the issues of uneven target distribution, mutual occlusion of fruits, and uneven light distribution that are prevalent in harvesting operations within orchards. The experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed model achieves an mAP@0.5–0.95 of 89.3%, representing an enhancement of 8.9% in comparison to the initial network. This method has resolved the issue of detecting and positioning the harvesting manipulator in complex orchard scenarios, thereby providing technical support for unmanned agricultural operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Processing of Horticultural Crops)

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17 pages, 2276 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mining Minor Cold Resistance Genes in V. vinifera Based on Transcriptomics

by Junli Liu, Yihan Li, Zhilei Wang, Hua Li and Hua Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121538 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Cold resistance is an important characteristic of sustainable development in the grape industry. The intraspecific recurrent selection in the Vitis vinifera (V. vinifera) method uses high-quality varieties as breeding materials and the substitution and accumulation of minor resistance genes, breeding high-quality [...] Read more.

Cold resistance is an important characteristic of sustainable development in the grape industry. The intraspecific recurrent selection in the Vitis vinifera (V. vinifera) method uses high-quality varieties as breeding materials and the substitution and accumulation of minor resistance genes, breeding high-quality grapes with cold resistance. This study was conducted to identify and genetically analyse the cold resistance of a V. vinifera hybrid population (Ecolly × Dunkelfelder), screen for highly resistant and sensitive plant samples, and use high-throughput sequencing to perform transcriptome sequencing and related differential gene expression analysis on each sample. The results revealed that the cold resistance of the hybrid offspring population was characterised by continuous quantitative trait inheritance, with 38 differentially expressed genes (7 upregulated genes and 31 downregulated genes) between the high resistance and high-sensitivity types. Analysis of genes related to various pathways, related to cold resistance, revealed that CYP76F10, Dxs, GERD, NMT, GDE1, glgC, and DHQ-SDH, as well as transcription factor MYB, HB, and MADS family genes, are key candidate genes for V. vinifera cold resistance research. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to investigate the expression characteristics of the six genes that were differentially expressed genes, the results of which were essentially consistent with the results of RNA-seq. Specifically, NMT may enhance cold resistance by enhancing membrane lipid stability. The synergistic expression pattern of CYP76F14 and Dxs suggests its key role in terpene synthesis. By exploring potential genes related to micro effects, a theoretical foundation for further exploration of new high-quality cold-resistant grape varieties has been provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Grape Stress Resistance Cultivation and Genetic Breeding)

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26 pages, 456 KB

Open AccessReview

Tree Fruit and Nut Crops at the Dawn of the Pangenomic Era

by June Labbancz and Amit Dhingra

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121537 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Tree fruit and nut crops are a critical component of the global economy, producing at least 400 million tonnes of produce in 2022 and nourishing a growing population of approximately 8 billion humans every year. Improved cultivars and growing practices depend upon an [...] Read more.

Tree fruit and nut crops are a critical component of the global economy, producing at least 400 million tonnes of produce in 2022 and nourishing a growing population of approximately 8 billion humans every year. Improved cultivars and growing practices depend upon an understanding of the molecular basis of tree traits and physiology. Over the past 20 years, the proliferation of reference genomes for tree fruit and nut crop species has transformed the study of genetics in these crops, providing a platform for resequencing analyses of large populations, enabling comparative genomic analyses between distant plant species, and allowing the development of molecular markers for use in breeding. However, reference bias and poor transferability of markers limit widespread applicability in many instances. As third-generation sequencing has become more accurate and accessible, a greater number of reference genomes have become available, enabling higher-quality assemblies and wider sampling of genomic diversity. To facilitate the effective use of multiple closely related genomes to create a reference and comparative genomics platform, tools have been developed for the creation of pangenome graphs, a data structure using nodes connected by edges to represent multiple genomes and their sequence variations. Pangenome graphs allow for singular representations of diversity within a species or even a wider genus. Pangenomic analyses at the genus-scale (e.g., Malus, Citrus) have been conducted for Malus and Citrus, and more tree fruit and nut species are likely to follow. As the number of genome sequences and pangenome resources increases, the importance of generating great quantities of transcriptomic and phenomic data will increase as well. This data is essential in the drive to connect genes to traits and overcome traditional breeding bottlenecks, which is needed to develop improved tree fruit and nut crops, which can satisfy global demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Plant Genomics and Quantitative Genetics)

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Graphical abstract

2 pages, 434 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Allegra et al. Natural Preservation of Fresh-Cut Lemons Using Manna Extracted from Fraxinus Angustifolia: A Study on Shelf Life and Sensory Acceptance. Horticulturae 2025, 11, 1388

by Alessio Allegra, Vita Di Stefano, Eugenia Guccione, Fabrizio Giuseppe Casales, Alessandra Gallotta, Carla Buzzanca and Giuseppe Sortino

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121536 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

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16 pages, 2265 KB

Open AccessArticle

Concentration-Dependent Effects of Foliar ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth and Nutrient Use in Young Crabapple Plants

by Qi Zhao, Meimei Qin, Suixia Lang, Mengyao Qin, Lizhi Liu, Qian Li, Dehui Zhang and Lei Li

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121535 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have garnered increasing attention in agriculture due to their potential to enhance plant growth and nutrient use. This research investigates the concentration-dependent effects of ZnO NPs on young crabapple (Malus robusta) plants, addressing gaps in understanding [...] Read more.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have garnered increasing attention in agriculture due to their potential to enhance plant growth and nutrient use. This research investigates the concentration-dependent effects of ZnO NPs on young crabapple (Malus robusta) plants, addressing gaps in understanding how different concentrations influence plant development. A hydroponic experiment was conducted, applying foliar treatments of 200 mg L⁻¹ ZnSO₄ (S200) and 200, 500, and 1000 mg L⁻¹ ZnO NPs (N200, N500, N100). The control group (CK) was treated with deionized water (dH₂O). Growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and nutrient contents were measured to evaluate the impact of ZnO NPs on plant development and nutrient uptake. The results showed that N200 enhanced growth, increasing plant height by 22.64%, total dry weight by 49.36%, and root length by 116.07%. In contrast, N500 and N1000 induced oxidative stress, elevating H₂O₂ and MDA by 32.02~54.43% and inhibiting growth. N200 also improved nutrient uptake, increasing K, Ca, Fe, and Zn uptake fluxes by 84.92%, 112.12%, 185.15%, and 149.92%, respectively, whereas N1000 suppressed overall nutrient uptake but increased root Ca accumulation by 64.59%. These findings suggest that ZnO NPs can enhance plant growth and nutrient utilization at low concentrations, with potential implications for agricultural practices involving nanoparticle (NP)-based fertilizers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Absorption and Utilization in Horticultural Crops)

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17 pages, 978 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selection of Promising Rhizobia for the Inoculation of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) in Chromic Eutric Cambisol Soils

by Yusdel Ferrás-Negrín, Carlos Alberto Bustamante-González, Javiera Cid-Maldonado, María José Villarroel-Contreras, Ionel Hernández-Forte and Hector Herrera

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1534; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121534 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) is used in Cuba in soils dedicated to coffee cultivation, contributing to soil nutrition and crop productivity. However, no rhizobial isolates are currently available for inoculating this legume in Chromic Eutric Cambisol soils. The aim of this study [...] Read more.

Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) is used in Cuba in soils dedicated to coffee cultivation, contributing to soil nutrition and crop productivity. However, no rhizobial isolates are currently available for inoculating this legume in Chromic Eutric Cambisol soils. The aim of this study was to select rhizobial strains that promote the growth of C. ensiformis in Chromic Eutric Cambisol soils. Nodules were collected from C. ensiformis plants, surface-sterilized, and macerated to isolate potential rhizobia. The isolates were characterized based on cultural, morphological, and biochemical traits, and their symbiotic effectiveness was evaluated through in vitro inoculation assays in Macroptilium atropurpureum (siratro) plants. Inoculation trials were conducted under semi-controlled conditions and in the field between coffee rows. The number and dry weight of effective nodules, number of trifoliate leaves, and shoot dry biomass were measured. Nine bacterial isolates were obtained, grouped into four morphotypes, and assigned as possible members of the families Phyllobacteriaceae, Methylobacteriaceae, or Nitrobacteraceae. Under semi-controlled conditions, inoculation with three isolates increased the number of nodules (by 56–80%), the number of trifoliate leaves (by 20–45%), and shoot biomass (by 10–40%) compared to the non-inoculated treatment. Additionally, one of the isolates increased nodule dry weight by 27%. In the field between coffee row, increases were also observed in the number of trifoliate leaves (by 18–26%) and shoot biomass (by 15–24%). This study supports the selection of efficient rhizobia adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of Cuban coffee agroecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs) in Horticulture Production)

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17 pages, 4151 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strawberry Fruit Softening Driven by Cell Wall Metabolism, Gene Expression, Enzyme Activity, and Phytohormone Dynamics

by Hongyan Lu, Qiling Yu and Mengyan Li

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121533 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Texture is a critical quality attribute of strawberry fruit, and phytohormones play a pivotal role in fruit softening, which mainly results from cell wall metabolism, which is governed by genes and enzymes. To gain further insights into strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, [...] Read more.

Texture is a critical quality attribute of strawberry fruit, and phytohormones play a pivotal role in fruit softening, which mainly results from cell wall metabolism, which is governed by genes and enzymes. To gain further insights into strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch. cv. Akihime ) softening, our study investigated changes across five stages in fruits in their firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), cell microstructure, cell wall materials, activities of cell wall-modifying enzymes, gene expression, endogenous phytohormone levels, and their correlation. During strawberry ripening, firmness decreased, while SSC, intercellular space, and separation of the cell wall from the plasma membrane increased. Meanwhile, the contents of ionic pectin (ISP) and cellulose (CE), pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, FaPME expression, and the levels of zeatin (Z) and strigolactone (SL) decreased, showing a positive correlation with firmness. In contrast, the activities of pectate lyase (PL) and cellulase (Cx), the expression of FaPL and FaCx, and the contents of gibberellin A₄ (GA₄), GA₉, and abscisic acid (ABA) increased during ripening, and these were negatively correlated with firmness. These results suggest that Z and SL are associated with the maintenance of cell wall integrity and firmness, whereas increases in GA₄, GA_9, and ABA are linked to enhanced cell wall disassembly and fruit softening. Full article

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

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14 pages, 3490 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Characterization of the YTH Proteins in Salix suchowensis

by Yu Chen, Yuke Ma, Bao Li, Huijuan Yin, Wenhui Guo, Jingjing Zhang, Kongshu Ji and Qiong Yu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121532 - 17 Dec 2025

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Abstract

YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing RNA-binding proteins, the earliest identified and most well-known m⁶A reader proteins, play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of plant growth and development as well as stress response by specifically recognizing m⁶A-modified RNA and subsequently recruiting [...] Read more.

YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing RNA-binding proteins, the earliest identified and most well-known m⁶A reader proteins, play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of plant growth and development as well as stress response by specifically recognizing m⁶A-modified RNA and subsequently recruiting downstream effector proteins to mediate the biological effects of m⁶A modification in eukaryotes. In recent years, the identification and functional characterization of YTH family proteins in woody plants have significantly advanced. However, a systematic identification of the YTH proteins has not yet been reported in Salix suchowensis (S. suchowensis), an early-flowering shrub serving as a valuable model for basic genetic research in woody plants. In this study, we identified 11 YTH genes, named SsYTH1-SsYTH11, located on 9 of 19 chromosomes in S. suchowensis. All proteins with a highly conserved YTH domain were classified into 4 distinct subfamilies based on the phylogenetic analysis. The MEME analysis showed that two conserved motifs, motif 1 and motif 2, were distributed in most SsYTH proteins. Promoter cis-acting element analysis of these proteins suggested a potential close association with abiotic stress and hormones. Subsequently, expression analysis following abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) treatments demonstrated significant differential expression of several SsYTH genes, thereby establishing a basis for further exploration of the YTH function in S. suchowensis and contributing to the broader understanding of epigenetic regulation in woody plants. Full article

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

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17 pages, 1331 KB

Open AccessArticle

Peel and Leaf Volatile Profiles of the New Citrus Hybrid ‘Eugene’ and Parent Species

by Elli Katsouli, Evgenia Panou, Vasileios Ziogas, Evgenia Ntamposi, Konstantia Graikou and Ioanna Chinou

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121531 - 17 Dec 2025

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Abstract

In the present study, the essential oils (EOs) of peels and leaves from the new limonime lime, ‘Eugene’ hybrid, were analyzed for the first time and compared with those of its parental plants, Citrus latifolia var. latifolia (Persian lime) and Citrus × limon [...] Read more.

In the present study, the essential oils (EOs) of peels and leaves from the new limonime lime, ‘Eugene’ hybrid, were analyzed for the first time and compared with those of its parental plants, Citrus latifolia var. latifolia (Persian lime) and Citrus × limon cv. Zambetakis (lemon). This hybrid represents the first successful cross between these two species, exhibiting distinctive features such as aroma and shape. GC-MS analysis identified a total of 30 and 44 metabolites in the hybrid’s peel and leaf EOs, respectively. Limonene was the predominant volatile in both peels and leaves across all genotypes. In the peel EOs, the monoterpenes γ-terpinene, β-pinene, and geranial were among the most abundant compounds. In contrast, the leaf EOs showed differences between genotypes: the hybrid and Persian lime had similar volatile profiles dominated by geranial, neral, and neryl acetate, while β-pinene was only detected in lemon. Additionally, the total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extracts of peels and leaves were evaluated, and revealed that lemon extracts were richer in phenolic compounds and with higher antioxidant activity compared to those of hybrid and Persian lime. Overall, the development of improved Greek varieties like the ‘Eugene’ hybrid holds significant potential to enrich the genetic diversity of Greek Citrus germplasm and broaden the commercial portfolio of citrus fruits with unique and desirable traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Physiology and Quality Improvement of Fruit Crops)

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13 pages, 5345 KB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment of an In Vitro Regeneration System Using Shoot Tips of Iris setosa

by Ruoqi Liu, Siyu Lu, Ying Qian, Yuan Meng, Yunwei Zhou, Xue Yang and Yun Bai

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121530 - 17 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Iris setosa is a characteristic perennial wild herbaceous flower in the Changbai Mountain region of China, boasting significant ornamental and medicinal values. Given the increasing scarcity of its wild resources, this study developed an efficient in vitro regeneration system using shoot tips as [...] Read more.

Iris setosa is a characteristic perennial wild herbaceous flower in the Changbai Mountain region of China, boasting significant ornamental and medicinal values. Given the increasing scarcity of its wild resources, this study developed an efficient in vitro regeneration system using shoot tips as explants via the direct organogenesis pathway. The optimal surface sterilization protocol was achieved with a treatment of 0.1% HgCl₂ for 8 min, resulting in an explant survival rate of 57.78%. The highest multiple shoot induction rate (88.89%) of shoot tips was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and 1.0 mg·L⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The optimal shoot differentiation and proliferation medium was MS + 2.0 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.3 mg·L⁻¹ NAA, achieving a proliferation coefficient of 3.37. The optimal medium for rooting was confirmed to be 1/2 MS + 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), exhibiting a high rooting rate reached 98.33%. During transplantation, plantlets exhibited high survival rates (over 90%) and vigorous growth across all three tested substrates, with no significant differences in survival rates among substrates. The key advance of this study lies in the development of a highly efficient and stable regeneration protocol for I. setosa derived from shoot tip explants, providing critical technical backing for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of its wild-type germplasm. Full article

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

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20 pages, 1122 KB

Open AccessReview

Unraveling the Mechanisms Initiating Veraison in Grape Berries

by Yu-Ang Chen, Congbo Huang, Shuang Chen, Zhengzhe Li, Guotian Liu, Feng Xu and Lina Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121529 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 324

Abstract

Veraison represents a pivotal transition point in grape berry ripening, driven by a cascade of temporally coordinated physiological and molecular events. Studies have shown that the onset of veraison is initially triggered by a decline in cell turgor, regulated by osmotic potential and [...] Read more.

Veraison represents a pivotal transition point in grape berry ripening, driven by a cascade of temporally coordinated physiological and molecular events. Studies have shown that the onset of veraison is initially triggered by a decline in cell turgor, regulated by osmotic potential and water status, which subsequently leads to fruit softening. This softening process is accompanied by extensive cell wall remodeling, establishing a structural basis for enhanced sugar influx. A rapid accumulation of sugars follows, acting not only as metabolic substrates but also as signaling molecules that synergize with abscisic acid (ABA) to activate transcriptional programs, including the induction of anthocyanin biosynthesis that drives skin color change. ABA accumulates at the early stages of veraison and functions as a key hormonal regulator initiating the ripening process. In contrast, auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) levels decline prior to veraison, thereby releasing their inhibitory effects on ripening. Environmental factors such as water availability, light, and temperature significantly influence the timing and intensity of veraison by modulating hormonal signaling pathways. The initiation of grape berry ripening exemplifies a multilayered regulatory network that progresses through turgor signaling, hormonal regulation, metabolic reprogramming, and transcriptional activation, thereby providing a mechanistic framework for understanding non-climacteric fruit ripening. offering a mechanistic framework for understanding non-climacteric fruit ripening. This review provides an integrated perspective on the initiation mechanism of veraison, offering theoretical insights and practical implications for improving grape quality and vineyard management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Viticulture)

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19 pages, 3519 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Decoupling Microbial Activity from Metabolite Action: A Comparative Assessment of EM Technology and Its Cell-Free Extract as Nature-Based Solutions for Plant Biostimulation

by Katarina Stojkov, Angela Conti, Debora Casagrande Pierantoni, Roberto Scarponi, Laura Corte and Gianluigi Cardinali

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121528 - 17 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Soil degradation and climate-driven stress increasingly compromise crop performance by disrupting microbial communities and weakening soil biological functions. Microbial consortia such as Effective Microorganisms (EM) are widely adopted as nature-based solutions to enhance soil health and plant productivity, yet it remains unclear whether [...] Read more.

Soil degradation and climate-driven stress increasingly compromise crop performance by disrupting microbial communities and weakening soil biological functions. Microbial consortia such as Effective Microorganisms (EM) are widely adopted as nature-based solutions to enhance soil health and plant productivity, yet it remains unclear whether their biostimulant effects arise primarily from microbial activity or from the metabolites they release. This study aimed to disentangle these contributions by comparing the effects of EM and its cell-free extract (EM Extract) on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.), grown under controlled conditions. Growth parameters and pigment composition were quantified through morphological and spectrophotometric analyses, while soil microbial communities and metabolic profiles were characterized using metabarcoding and high-resolution FTIR-based soil metabolomics. Both EM and EM-derived cell-free extracts significantly enhanced zucchini growth, increasing plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content and root development. Cultural-based microbial analyses showed complementary shifts in rhizosphere communities, yet no major taxonomic differences were detected. Consistently, both treatments induced similar metabolomic changes in bulk and rhizosphere soils, resulting in a shared functional state shaped by plant inputs. These results suggest EM extract as a stable and effective alternative to live microbial inoculants for sustainable crop bio stimulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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20 pages, 2423 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Diversity and Ornamental Evaluation Between Introduced and Domestically Bred Crabapple Germplasm

by Kun Ning, Bowen Li, Hongming Nie, Shuqi Liao, Xinrui Chen, Xiaoqian Yang, Wangxiang Zhang, Yousry A. El-Kassaby and Ting Zhou

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121527 - 17 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Crabapples (Malus spp.) are important ornamental trees in northern temperate regions. However, their phenotypic diversity and ornamental values remain poorly characterized, due to a lack of systematic comparison between introduced and domestically bred cultivars/lines. This knowledge gap limits the effective utilization of [...] Read more.

Crabapples (Malus spp.) are important ornamental trees in northern temperate regions. However, their phenotypic diversity and ornamental values remain poorly characterized, due to a lack of systematic comparison between introduced and domestically bred cultivars/lines. This knowledge gap limits the effective utilization of their germplasm. In this study, 111 floral, foliar, fruit, and tree architectural traits were measured across 93 introduced (North American) and 118 domestically bred (Chinese) cultivars/lines. Comparative analyses using Shannon–Wiener (H′) and Pielou’s evenness (J) indices revealed that floral traits exhibited the highest phenotypic diversity, followed by fruits, leaves, and tree architecture. Among these, 51 key traits (e.g., budlet color, leaf area, and fruit shape) showed above-average diversity, while others (e.g., flower type, leaf cracking, and exocarp color) were less uniform, indicating rare phenotypes. Domestically bred cultivars showed significant improvements in flower color and type, mature leaf shape and size, and fruit characteristics, including novel budlet, bud and petal colors, increased stamen numbers, semi-double or double flowers, and diverse fruit colors. A multi-dimensional ornamental evaluation (Analytic Hierarchy Process) identified 26 superior genotypes and several organ-specific selections for flower- (26), fruit- (25), foliage- (21), and tree architecture-viewing (14) purposes. These findings provide a theoretical basis for updating Malus distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) guidelines, targeted breeding, and strategic landscape applications, highlighting the potential of both introduced and domestic germplasm for ornamental improvement. Full article

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

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15 pages, 3835 KB

Open AccessArticle

High Temperature-Induced Suppression of Flower Bud Formation in Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa)

by Xiuqing Wei, Yajun Tang, Weijie Huang, Ping Zhou, Liang Li, Dong Yu, Xujia Tang and Jiahui Xu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121526 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

High temperature is a major environmental stress that severely limits passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) productivity by impairing floral initiation. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of varying durations and [...] Read more.

High temperature is a major environmental stress that severely limits passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) productivity by impairing floral initiation. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of varying durations and intensities of heat stress on flower bud differentiation in passionfruit. Our results showed that prolonged exposure to temperatures above 35 °C significantly delayed or completely inhibited bud formation, accompanied by altered carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism, accumulation of osmolytes (soluble protein and proline), and dynamic changes in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT). Notably, short-term heat stress induced a transient increase in salicylic acid (SA) levels and upregulation of SA biosynthesis genes (PeEDS1.2, PeICS1) and WRKY transcription factors (PeWRKY11/15), which were associated with sustained floral initiation. In contrast, prolonged stress suppressed SA accumulation and signaling, leading to bud abortion. Comparative transcriptomic analysis further revealed enrichment of pathways related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis under heat stress. These findings highlight the critical role of SA in balancing heat tolerance and reproductive development and provide candidate gene resources for the molecular breeding of heat-resistant passionfruit varieties. This study offers new insights into the thermotolerance mechanisms of fruit crops under sustained high-temperature stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Stress Physiology and Resistance Regulation in Horticultural Plants: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 1205 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Dissection of Petal Abscission Rate in Strawberry Unveils QTLs and Hormonal Pathways for Gray Mold Avoidance

by Guilin Xiao, Xiangguo Zeng, Dongmei Zhang and Yongchao Han

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121525 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a devastating disease of strawberry, with petal abscission rate (PAR) being a critical disease-avoidance trait. Rapid petal abscission removes a key infection site for the pathogen, thereby reducing disease incidence. To dissect the genetic basis [...] Read more.

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a devastating disease of strawberry, with petal abscission rate (PAR) being a critical disease-avoidance trait. Rapid petal abscission removes a key infection site for the pathogen, thereby reducing disease incidence. To dissect the genetic basis of PAR, a segregating F₁ population was constructed from a cross between ‘Benihoppe’ (rapid abscission) and ‘Sweet Charlie’ (slow abscission). Utilizing BSR-Seq analysis of extreme bulks, five high-confidence quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified on chromosomes Fvb2-2, Fvb4-4, and Fvb6-3. These QTLs encompassed 672 candidate genes, with enrichment in “Plant hormone signal transduction” pathway. Integrated analysis of gene expression and SNPs identified 16 candidate genes, including those involved in flowering time (e.g., ELF3, HUA2 and AGL62) and plant hormone (e.g., ANT, RTE (ethylene), NDL2, FPF1 (auxin), and CYP707A7, ABF2 (abscisic acid) signaling, as well as calcium transport (ACA1, ECA3). Fourteen Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed from candidate genes, with four markers showing significant correlations with PAR. This study provides the first genetic mapping of PAR in strawberry, revealing candidate genes and molecular markers that will facilitate the breeding of cultivars with improved gray mold resistance through enhanced petal abscission. Full article

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

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21 pages, 3561 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vine Water Status Modulates the Physiological Response to Different Apical Leaf Removal Treatments in Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapevines

by Vincenzo Tosi, Giacomo Palai, Carmine Mattia Verosimile, Antonio Pompeiano and Claudio D’Onofrio

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121524 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Modulating the vine source–sink relationship is a proposed strategy to mitigate the detrimental effect of climate change frequently induced by elevated temperatures and water deficit conditions. In this regard, apical leaf removal could represent a reliable technique, even though its effects on grapevines [...] Read more.

Modulating the vine source–sink relationship is a proposed strategy to mitigate the detrimental effect of climate change frequently induced by elevated temperatures and water deficit conditions. In this regard, apical leaf removal could represent a reliable technique, even though its effects on grapevines subjected to different irrigation regimes are unexplored. This study aimed to clarify the effects of apical leaf removal applied before the onset of veraison (ELR) and during berry ripening (LLR, 16 °Brix) on grapevine physiology in vines subjected to full irrigation and water deficit conditions. The irrigation regimes prominently affected the vine physiological parameters over the leaf removal treatments. Both ELR and LLR vines showed transient increases in stem water potential only after the leaf removal. Consistently, the vine transpiration rate was similar between the leaf removal treatments, and even higher water consumption was measured in ELR well-watered vines, associated with new lateral growth. Significant increases in leaf gas-exchange parameters following ELR and LLR were observed only on the measurement dates immediately after the treatment application. However, both ELR and LLR vines consistently exhibited higher daytime net photosynthetic rates than the control, particularly in the afternoon and in the later stages of the season. These conditions led to a significant increase in the leaf total soluble solid concentration in LLR vines subjected to water deficit, which was also associated with a high carbon export rate. Our findings suggest that although apical leaf removal has a limiting effect on reducing the impact of water deficit on vine physiology, it can be an effective agronomic strategy to boost leaf carbon fixation and exportation, particularly when applied during ripening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Viticulture)

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4 pages, 143 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Grape Genetic Analysis, Quality Regulation, and Stress Resistance Research

by Qian Zha and Meiling Tang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121523 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Grapes, due to their widespread global distribution and significant commercial value, have become central research subjects in the global fruit industry [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into the Genetic Regulation and Quality Improvement of Grapes)

17 pages, 12156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth Regulators Enhance Floral Induction of ‘Ziniangxi’ Litchi Under Warm–Humid Winters

by Mingchao Yang, Ding Chen, Yukun He, Fuchu Hu, Tingting Yan, Zhe Chen and Xianghe Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121522 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Floral induction in late-maturing litchi is vulnerable to warm, humid winters with insufficient chilling. The late cultivar ‘Ziniangxi’ was evaluated during January–February 2024 in an experimental orchard in Hainan, China, when chilling accumulation was very low, with only seven days having a mean [...] Read more.

Floral induction in late-maturing litchi is vulnerable to warm, humid winters with insufficient chilling. The late cultivar ‘Ziniangxi’ was evaluated during January–February 2024 in an experimental orchard in Hainan, China, when chilling accumulation was very low, with only seven days having a mean air temperature ≤ 15 °C. Under this marginal-chill context, the effects of plant growth regulator (PGR) applications on bud fate were assessed using six single-agent and thirteen composite PGR–nutrient treatments plus a water control, applied as four foliar sprays during floral induction. In the untreated control, the final flowering proportion of tagged shoots was 0.33 in the single-agent trial and 0.05 in the composite trial. In contrast, ABA (3.33 mg L⁻¹) increased flowering to 0.53, and ethephon- or brassinolide-based applications to 0.40–0.47. The most effective composite formulations raised flowering further to 0.50–0.63. These composite applications also increased leaf starch from about 4 mg g⁻¹ FW in the control to approximately 8–9 mg g⁻¹ FW (

p < 0.05

), whereas sucrose concentrations showed only small differences among treatments. Across trials, shoots that became floral consistently exhibited higher leaf starch than vegetative shoots. Gene-expression analyses indicated that floral buds had higher transcript abundance of LcFUL and lower transcript levels of LcFLC and other floral repressors than vegetative buds, consistent with their assignment to floral versus vegetative categories. Overall, the results suggest that appropriately timed ethephon–ABA-based PGR programs, supplemented with BR or 6-BA and nutrients, can partially improve floral induction in ‘Ziniangxi’ under warm, low-chill winters and provide a basis for designing PGR strategies for late litchi cultivars facing insufficient winter chilling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Genetics, Biotechnology and Breeding of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops)

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16 pages, 291 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Metabolic Fingerprinting of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars Under Boron Foliar Fertilisation

by Paula Žurga, Marija Polić Pasković, Nikola Major, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Šime Marcelić, Paula Pongrac, Aadil Bajoub, Martina Skendrović Babojelić, Marko Petek and Igor Pasković

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121521 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars often exhibit genotype-specific responses to micronutrient management. In this study, we investigated the metabolic leaf fingerprinting of three cultivars ‘Rošinjola’, ‘Leccino’, and ‘Istarska bjelica’ at two sampling periods (SP-I = 64 days after treatment (DAT) and SP-II [...] Read more.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars often exhibit genotype-specific responses to micronutrient management. In this study, we investigated the metabolic leaf fingerprinting of three cultivars ‘Rošinjola’, ‘Leccino’, and ‘Istarska bjelica’ at two sampling periods (SP-I = 64 days after treatment (DAT) and SP-II = 118 DAT), following boron foliar fertilisation (+B = 41.62 mM B; −B = 0 mM B) applied 50 days after anthesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide such a detailed evaluation of boron-induced shifts in phenolic metabolism in olive leaves. At harvest (SP-II), all three cultivars showed higher concentrations of total identified phenolic compounds in +B plants compared with the −B controls. Notably, the concentration of verbascoside at harvest was higher in +B plants of ‘Istarska bjelica’ and ‘Leccino’, but not in ‘Rošinjola’. Oleuropein content increased in +B plants at harvest to a level higher than 4870 mg/100 g DW, irrespective of cultivar. Conversely, apigenin-7-glucoside declined from SP-I to SP-II in ‘Leccino’ regardless of treatment, whereas in ‘Istarska bjelica’, this decrease occurred only in control plants, with boron preventing the seasonal decline. These findings confirm the prolonged effect of boron foliar fertilisation on phenolic metabolism in olive leaves and highlight cultivar-specific differences in metabolic responses. Further research is needed to clarify how these metabolic shifts relate to primary plant metabolism and how they influence olive oil quality traits among cultivars grown under Croatian conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainable Agriculture Through Scientific Innovation)

3 pages, 133 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Recent Advances in Vegetable Genomics and Breeding Research

by Xiao Yang, Feng Yang and Bin Liu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121520 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 274

Abstract

Vegetables are of critical importance to the human diet, providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber necessary for sustaining health [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Genomics and Breeding Research)

13 pages, 4209 KB

Open AccessArticle

BrMAF5 and Its Antisense lncRNA BrMAF5L Regulate Vernalization-Induced Bolting and Flowering in Chinese Cabbage

by Xiangqianchen Li, Xinyu Gao, Shaoxing Wang, Shifan Zhang, Fei Li, Guoliang Li, Rifei Sun, Shujiang Zhang, Hui Zhang and Yun Dai

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121519 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 228

Abstract

Bolting and flowering time are critical agronomic traits affecting the commercial value and breeding efficiency of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Although vernalization is a key environmental signal promoting flowering, its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood in this crop. [...] Read more.

Bolting and flowering time are critical agronomic traits affecting the commercial value and breeding efficiency of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Although vernalization is a key environmental signal promoting flowering, its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood in this crop. Here, we identify the flowering repressor gene BrMAF5 and its antisense long non-coding RNA BrMAF5L as negative regulators of vernalization-induced flowering. During vernalization, transcript levels of both genes showed a decreasing trend as the vernalization period extended. Functional assays in Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that ectopic expression of BrMAF5 or BrMAF5L significantly delayed flowering, accompanied by increased expression of floral repressors (AtFLC, AtTEM1) and reduced expression of floral activators (AtFT, AtSOC1). Moreover, protein interaction analysis revealed that BrMAF5 associates with BrACP4 and BrRAB1A, linking it to fatty acid metabolism and membrane trafficking pathways. Collectively, our results reveal a novel regulatory module in vernalization-mediated flowering. These findings pave the way for developing bolting-resistant Brassicaceae crops by identifying promising molecular targets. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1070 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Agronomic Management Explains Soil and Berry Rheology in Traditional Vineyards of the Itata Valley, Chile

by Andrés Pinto-Poblete, Matías Betancur, Sergio Moraga-Bustos, Marcela Jarpa-Parra, Elizabeth Maria Ulloa-Inostroza and Mauricio Schoebitz

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121518 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Agronomic management directly influences soil and berry quality in vineyards, a crop of global relevance. However, some knowledge gaps regarding the effects of management practices in traditional vineyards of the Itata Valley in Chile remain. This study evaluated the impact of contrasting management [...] Read more.

Agronomic management directly influences soil and berry quality in vineyards, a crop of global relevance. However, some knowledge gaps regarding the effects of management practices in traditional vineyards of the Itata Valley in Chile remain. This study evaluated the impact of contrasting management systems: non-managed País (PA), conventionally managed País (CPA), organically managed Cinsault (OCI) and organically managed Carmenere (OCA), on soil bioindicators, chemical composition and berry rheological properties. The results showed that organic management, such as OCA, resulted in 96% and 95% higher dehydrogenase and urease activities, respectively, while OCI exceeded CPA by 86% and 173% in arylsulfatase and phosphatase activities, respectively. The CPA treatment exhibited significantly higher available nitrogen compared with PA (231%), OCI (509%) and OCA (236%), as well as greater available phosphorus than OCI (503%) and OCA (413%). Regarding berry rheology, OCA displayed the highest pulp viscosity compared to OCI, although the differences among treatments were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis associated CPA with higher soil chemical fertility, whereas organic systems (OCI and OCA) were related to greater soil bioactivity and fruit viscosity. Therefore, organic management is recommended to improve soil biological functionality and fruit structural stability, contributing to the long-term sustainability of vineyards in the valley. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Viticulture)

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13 pages, 4522 KB

Open AccessArticle

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of ClMLO5b Confers Powdery Mildew Resistance in Watermelon

by Lihuan Wang, Weide Sun, Jingyi Zhang, Zicheng Zhu, Shuang Pei, Yao Cheng and Peng Gao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121517 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Powdery mildew poses a significant threat to watermelon production. The development of disease-resistant varieties through gene editing represents a major focus in current breeding research. In this study, we identified an MLO family gene in watermelon, denoted by ClMLO5b, which is phylogenetically [...] Read more.

Powdery mildew poses a significant threat to watermelon production. The development of disease-resistant varieties through gene editing represents a major focus in current breeding research. In this study, we identified an MLO family gene in watermelon, denoted by ClMLO5b, which is phylogenetically closely related to cucumber CsaMLO8 and melon CmMLO5. Homology modeling revealed high conservation of the three-dimensional protein structures among these orthologs. Expression analysis demonstrated that ClMLO5b is significantly up-regulated upon powdery mildew infection, and the protein localizes to the plasma membrane. To validate its function, we first employed an Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation system to rapidly verify the editing efficiency of two CRISPR/Cas9 targets designed for ClMLO5b. Subsequently, stable transgenic watermelon plants were generated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and a mutant line with homozygous substitutions at target site 2 was obtained. Disease resistance assays showed that, compared to wild-type plants, the Clmlo5b exhibited strongly inhibited mycelial growth, significantly reduced disease severity, and a substantial decrease in spore production after inoculation with powdery mildew. Our findings confirm that ClMLO5b is a key susceptibility gene in watermelon and provide both a promising genetic target and valuable breeding material for developing powdery mildew-resistant watermelon varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources and Genetics Improvement of Watermelon and Melon)

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15 pages, 6445 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of the Cuticular Wax Morphology, Composition and Biosynthesis in Two Kumquat Cultivars During Fruit Development

by Yingjie Huang, Li Qiu, Dechun Liu, Wei Hu, Zhonghua Xiong, Liuqing Kuang, Jie Song, Li Yang and Yong Liu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121516 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Cuticular wax plays an important role in the quality of kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle) fruit. In this study, the wax morphology, compositional profile of epi- and intracuticular wax, and crucial gene expression in ‘Rongan’ kumquat (RAK) and ‘Huapi’ kumquat (HPK) were analyzed [...] Read more.

Cuticular wax plays an important role in the quality of kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle) fruit. In this study, the wax morphology, compositional profile of epi- and intracuticular wax, and crucial gene expression in ‘Rongan’ kumquat (RAK) and ‘Huapi’ kumquat (HPK) were analyzed during fruit development. The results showed that the surfaces of two kumquat fruits were covered with an amorphous wax layer containing a small number of platelets. Compared to RAK, HPK contained more abundant and larger wax crystals during fruit development. In two kumquat fruits, the epicuticular wax and its major compositions consistently displayed significantly higher levels than the intracuticular wax. Additionally, their main wax composition shifted from alkanes in the early developmental stages to triterpenoids at harvest in both layers, while aldehydes were specifically enriched in the epicuticular wax. During the fruit development from 90 to 180 DAF, HPK fruit exhibited significantly higher levels of epicuticular wax and its majority fractions than RAK fruit. Meanwhile, the intracuticular wax contents of HPK from 90 DAF to 150 DAF were significantly higher than those in RAK, with triterpenoids accounting for the largest proportion of this increase. qRT-PCR results indicated that the up-regulation of wax-related genes in HPK was linked to its increased epicuticular wax deposition during the development. Overall, this study provided a comprehensive overview of the morphology, composition, and biosynthesis of cuticular wax in kumquat fruit during development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Breeding and Genetic Improvement of Fruit Crops)

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20 pages, 2826 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Multi-Omics Reveals Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Control During Fruit Peel Color Development in Jaboticaba ‘Essart’

by Zhiheng Lin, Ke Deng, Fei Chen and Long Zhao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121515 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

The color change in the peel of Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg) ‘Essart’ is primarily driven by the spatiotemporal regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study employed a multi-omics integrated analysis approach, combining targeted metabolomics, transcriptomics, and [...] Read more.

The color change in the peel of Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg) ‘Essart’ is primarily driven by the spatiotemporal regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study employed a multi-omics integrated analysis approach, combining targeted metabolomics, transcriptomics, and small RNA sequencing, to systematically elucidate the regulatory mechanism underlying color change during Jaboticaba fruit peel development. The results showed that during the color-turning stage, the content of most anthocyanins tended to decrease, while the content of Cyanidin significantly increased during the fully ripe stage. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified the brown module as a highly relevant module for anthocyanin accumulation, which includes a co-expression network of 98 transcription factors and 6 structural genes (F3H, CHI, ANS, CHS). Furthermore, small RNA sequencing results discovered a novel regulatory relationship: plant-MIR408-4—McMYB88. This regulatory relationship exhibited precise temporal dynamics: during the green fruit stage, plant-MIR408-4 was highly expressed and McMYB88 was lowly expressed, thereby inhibiting anthocyanin synthesis; however, during the fully ripe stage, plant-MIR408-4 expression decreased and McMYB88 expression increased, promoting anthocyanin accumulation. In summary, this study revealed the molecular regulatory mechanism of color formation in Jaboticaba fruit peel, providing an important theoretical basis for its color improvement and molecular breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Omics-Driven Breeding for Tropical Horticultural Crops)

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13 pages, 32055 KB

Open AccessArticle

IlMYB86, an R2R3-Type MYB Transcription Factor from Iris laevigata Regulates Lignin Biosynthesis and Enhances Photosynthetic Capacity

by Lei Wang, Gongfa Shi, Yichang Yang, Da Hong, Lei Yan and Ling Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121514 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 234

Abstract

Stem strength significantly influences ornamental plant output, ornamental value, and commodity prices. Lignin is a crucial component that confers mechanical strength to plant stems. In this study, an R2R3-type MYB transcription factor related to lignin synthesis was identified in Iris laevigata and named [...] Read more.

Stem strength significantly influences ornamental plant output, ornamental value, and commodity prices. Lignin is a crucial component that confers mechanical strength to plant stems. In this study, an R2R3-type MYB transcription factor related to lignin synthesis was identified in Iris laevigata and named IlMYB86. The IlMYB86 protein is localized solely in the nucleus and functions as a transcriptional activator. Genetic transformation of IlMYB86 in tobacco resulted in taller plants with thicker stem diameter and increased stem pressure. In addition, the lignin content of the transgenic IlMYB86 tobacco plants increased, which was accompanied by the upregulation of 4CL and HCT, two key genes involved in lignin synthesis. Furthermore, IlMYB86 enhanced the photosynthetic capacity of transgenic tobacco by increasing the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and transpiration rate. This study provides insight into the regulation of lignin biosynthesis, which could contribute to the molecular genetic engineering and breeding of ornamental plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Quality Regulation and Improvement of Ornamental Plants)

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