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Horticulturae
Volume 12
Issue 3
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Horticulturae, Volume 12, Issue 3 (March 2026) – 140 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Acer tegmentosum has been used as a forest medicinal resource; however, its sprouts remain insufficiently characterized at the chemical level. This study provides baseline data on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant-related properties of A. tegmentosum sprouts at the cotyledon expansion stage by integrating LC–MS/MS-based metabolite profiling, targeted HPLC quantification, and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Twelve phenolic compounds were tentatively annotated, and gallic acid was confirmed as the predominant quantified constituent. The extract exhibited notable radical scavenging activity and a phenolic acid-enriched profile. These findings provide a foundation for the chemical characterization, analytical standardization, and further investigation of A. tegmentosum sprouts as an antioxidant-related plant resource. View this paper
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20 pages, 1619 KB  
Article
Exogenous Myo-Inositol Mediates K+/Na+ and ROS Homeostasis in Daucus carota L. Under Salt Stress
by Xue Feng, Zhiguo Zhou and Chen Deng
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030397 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 212
Abstract
Myo-inositol (MI) is recognized as a potential stress regulator capable of alleviating abiotic stress. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of MI in the salt stress response of Daucus carota L. and its potential mechanisms. “Hongxin Qicun” carrot [...] Read more.
Myo-inositol (MI) is recognized as a potential stress regulator capable of alleviating abiotic stress. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of MI in the salt stress response of Daucus carota L. and its potential mechanisms. “Hongxin Qicun” carrot seedlings were subjected to five treatments: control; salt stress (50 mM NaCl); and salt stress combined with 50, 100, or 200 μM of MI. Through an integrated approach combining physiological assays, non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT), and gene expression profiling, we found that salt stress severely inhibited seedling growth, disrupted K+/Na+ homeostasis, and triggered excessive H2O2 accumulation. Exogenous MI application mitigated these salt-induced damages, with 100 μM MI exerting the optimal effect. MI enhanced Na+ efflux and reduced K+ efflux in carrot roots under salt stress. Inhibitor experiments indicated that MI-promoted Na+ efflux relies on active transport via the plasma membrane (PM) Na+/H+ antiporter system, and qRT-PCR analysis showed that this response was accompanied by the upregulation of DcSOS1. Furthermore, MI contributes to K+ homeostasis by synergistically modulating PM H+-ATPase and high-affinity potassium transporters. The established proton gradient helps reduce salt-induced K+ loss through depolarization-activated potassium channels and non-selective cation channels. MI treatment decreased electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and H2O2 accumulation by enhancing the activities of the plant antioxidant defense system. Meanwhile, MI upregulated the expression of myo-inositol oxygenase (DcMIOXs) genes, which may contribute to osmotic balance maintenance and facilitate ROS scavenging. In conclusion, exogenous MI alleviates salt-induced physiological disorders in Daucus carota L. by coordinately regulating K+/Na+ and ROS homeostasis, with 100 μM identified as the optimal concentration for this effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biotic and Abiotic Stress)
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22 pages, 5845 KB  
Article
Adaptability and Resilience of Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach (Rosaceae) in Urban Landscape Design
by Dejan Skočajić, Djurdja Petrov, Nevenka Galečić, Jelena Čukanović, Radenka Kolarov, Sara Đorđević and Mirjana Ocokoljić
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030396 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 234
Abstract
This research is interdisciplinary in nature and supports the process of selecting individual plants to achieve sustainable visual and ecological effects in the urban landscape. The importance of this study is further emphasised by climate change, which necessitates modifications to the existing selection [...] Read more.
This research is interdisciplinary in nature and supports the process of selecting individual plants to achieve sustainable visual and ecological effects in the urban landscape. The importance of this study is further emphasised by climate change, which necessitates modifications to the existing selection of ornamental plants. These individuals must be capable of adapting to urban ecosystems in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on humans and other organisms and to maintain a high level of biodiversity. Accordingly, this paper highlights, at the individual level, the significance of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach) as an element of urban green infrastructure in the Balkan Peninsula. Based on a real case study conducted over the period 2007–2025 and through an integrative approach involving 3841 phenological observations and climate parameters over 19 consecutive years, local phenological flowering patterns were identified, upon which the species’ functional potential depends. The key patterns and abundance of flowering are the result of interactions with daily maximum and minimum air temperatures and precipitation levels, as confirmed by correlations with percentile-based classifications of climatic variables for the study years. The statistical non-significance of the trends points to the influence of extreme climatic events but also to the adaptability of the selected genotype compared with other Japanese quince genotypes in the vicinity. Regression analysis determined the optimal daily air temperatures for continuous flowering during 2024 and 2025. The results confirm that the selected individual is sustainable, and it is, therefore, proposed for inclusion in the assortment of ornamental plants important for preserving ecosystem services in urban landscape design, particularly in view of its demonstrated utilitarian benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Cultivation and Performance of Ornamental Plants)
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18 pages, 3915 KB  
Article
Rapid Development of Clubroot-Resistant Germplasm in Chinese Cabbage
by Yufan Ran, Bo Shi, Ruiyu Han, Xiuxiu Xu, Yun Dai, Ying Zhang, Shaoxing Wang, Shifan Zhang, Fei Li, Guoliang Li, Rifei Sun, Shujiang Zhang and Hui Zhang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030395 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Disease resistance breeding is an important direction for the genetic improvement of Chinese cabbage. The traditional elite variety ‘Yutian Baojian’ Chinese cabbage is highly regarded for its tall cylindrical head with a pointed tip, tightly twisted wrapper leaves, and sweet taste. However, long-term [...] Read more.
Disease resistance breeding is an important direction for the genetic improvement of Chinese cabbage. The traditional elite variety ‘Yutian Baojian’ Chinese cabbage is highly regarded for its tall cylindrical head with a pointed tip, tightly twisted wrapper leaves, and sweet taste. However, long-term cultivation has led to a significant decline in its resistance to clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. To restore clubroot resistance while maintaining its desirable horticultural traits, this study used the clubroot-susceptible ‘Yutian Baojian’ as the recurrent parent and the resistant donor ‘Shaocai’, which carries the CRd resistance gene, to develop backcross populations. Using marker-assisted selection (MAS), plants were comprehensively screened based on foreground selection with markers tightly linked to the CRd gene, background selection with 73 genome-wide polymorphic markers, and phenotypic evaluation of horticultural traits, including plant height, plant spread, head shape, and soluble solids content. In the BC1 population, three individuals showing high genetic similarity were selected. From the BC2 population, four elite individuals were obtained, exhibiting 99.32% genetic similarity, stable clubroot resistance, and typical horticultural characteristics. Furthermore, three homozygous resistant inbred lines (BC2S2) with the ‘Yutian Baojian’ phenotype were developed. These results enrich the clubroot-resistant germplasm resources of Chinese cabbage and provide an effective MAS-based strategy for the precise improvement and germplasm innovation of local cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Resources of Fruit and Vegetable Crops)
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17 pages, 1479 KB  
Article
The Effects of Light Quality on Growth and Physiological Responses of Aquilaria crassna Tissue-Cultured Plantlets
by Xiangyang Li, Bing Hu, Zhaoli Chen and Bingshan Zeng
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030394 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 186
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of red LED (RL), blue LED (BL), and white LED (WL) on the growth, physiological responses, and hormonal regulation of Aquilaria crassna tissue-cultured plantlets. Morphological assessment revealed that both RL and BL treatments reduced growth variation, with RL [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of red LED (RL), blue LED (BL), and white LED (WL) on the growth, physiological responses, and hormonal regulation of Aquilaria crassna tissue-cultured plantlets. Morphological assessment revealed that both RL and BL treatments reduced growth variation, with RL significantly promoting shoot elongation and secondary root development. Compared to WL, RL also enhanced the rooting rate and aboveground biomass. Analysis of hormones and physiological indicators indicated that RL and BL treatments decreased abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin (CTK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, while increasing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), soluble sugar levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, thereby altering hormone balance and antioxidant system stability. Correlation analysis revealed that light quality was significantly negatively correlated with ABA content, while root development was closely associated with hormonal balance and antioxidant capacity. A comprehensive evaluation using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method ranked RL as the most favorable light condition for overall growth and development, with a closeness coefficient of 0.71. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing light quality management to improve the efficiency and quality of A. crassna tissue culture systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cultivation and Breeding of Woody Plants)
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27 pages, 4296 KB  
Article
Research on Lightweight Apple Detection and 3D Accurate Yield Estimation for Complex Orchard Environments
by Bangbang Chen, Xuzhe Sun, Xiangdong Liu, Baojian Ma and Feng Ding
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030393 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Severe foliage occlusion and dynamically changing lighting conditions in complex orchard environments pose significant challenges for visual perception systems in automated apple harvesting, including low detection accuracy, poor robustness, and insufficient real-time performance. To address these issues, this study proposes an improved lightweight [...] Read more.
Severe foliage occlusion and dynamically changing lighting conditions in complex orchard environments pose significant challenges for visual perception systems in automated apple harvesting, including low detection accuracy, poor robustness, and insufficient real-time performance. To address these issues, this study proposes an improved lightweight detection network based on YOLOv11, named YOLO-WBL, along with a precise yield estimation algorithm based on 3D point clouds, termed CLV. The YOLO-WBL network is optimized in three aspects: (1) A C3K2_WT module integrating wavelet transform is introduced into the backbone network to enhance multi-scale feature extraction capability; (2) A weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) is adopted in the neck network to improve the efficiency of multi-scale feature fusion; (3) A lightweight shared convolution separated batch normalization detection head (Detect-SCGN) is designed to significantly reduce the parameter count while maintaining accuracy. Based on this detection model, the CLV algorithm deeply integrates depth camera point cloud information through 3D coordinate mapping, irregular point cloud reconstruction, and convex hull volume calculation to achieve accurate estimation of individual fruit volume and total yield. Experimental results demonstrate that: (1) The YOLO-WBL model achieves a precision of 93.8%, recall of 79.3%, and mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 87.2% on the apple test set; (2) The model size is only 3.72 MB, a reduction of 28.87% compared to the baseline model; (3) When deployed on an NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX edge device, its inference speed reaches 8.7 FPS, meeting real-time requirements; (4) In scenarios with an occlusion rate below 40%, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of yield estimation can be controlled within 8%. Experimental validation was conducted using apple images selected from the dataset under varying lighting intensities and fruit occlusion conditions. The results demonstrate that the CLV algorithm significantly outperforms traditional average-weight-based estimation methods. This study provides an efficient, accurate, and deployable visual solution for intelligent apple harvesting and yield estimation in complex orchard environments, offering practical reference value for advancing smart orchard production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI for a Precision and Resilient Horticulture)
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26 pages, 3449 KB  
Article
An Interpretable Machine Learning Framework for Next-Day Frost Forecasting in Tea Plantations Using Multi-Source Meteorological Data
by Zhongqiu Zhang, Pingping Li and Jizhang Wang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030392 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Spring frosts pose a major threat to tea production, causing severe damage to tender spring buds and substantial economic losses. To support timely frost protection measures, this study develops an interpretable machine learning framework for next-day frost forecasting in a tea plantation in [...] Read more.
Spring frosts pose a major threat to tea production, causing severe damage to tender spring buds and substantial economic losses. To support timely frost protection measures, this study develops an interpretable machine learning framework for next-day frost forecasting in a tea plantation in Danyang, eastern China. Leveraging nine years (2008–2016) of multi-source data—including high-resolution on-site meteorological observations and daily records from surrounding regional stations—we engineered a comprehensive set of predictive features capturing local microclimatic, regional synoptic, and short-term temporal dynamics. A two-stage feature selection approach, combining Spearman correlation screening with SHAP-based importance ranking, identified an optimal subset of 14 robust predictors. Among eight benchmarked models, XGBoost achieved the best performance on a chronologically held-out test set, yielding a CSI of 0.736, accuracy of 91.0%, F1-Score of 0.848 and AUC-ROC of 0.968. Ablation experiments demonstrated the added value of data integration: model performance improved from a CSI of 0.617 (using only local data) to 0.736 (with full multi-source inputs). SHAP interpretability analysis further revealed that the model’s predictions align with established frost formation physics, highlighting key drivers such as nocturnal cooling rate and regional humidity. This work demonstrates that integrating multi-scale meteorological data with interpretable machine learning offers a reliable, transparent, and operationally viable tool for frost risk management—providing actionable insights to enhance resilience in precision horticulture for perennial crops like tea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)
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22 pages, 7771 KB  
Article
Genetic Analysis of the Special Peel Color Segregation Ratio Coregulated by Anthocyanin and Chlorophyll Pathway Genes in Eggplant
by Lisha Fan, Meng Li, Qian You, Tao Li, Yanwei Hao and Baojuan Sun
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030391 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 261
Abstract
In the study of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a cross between the green peel line 19143 and the white peel line 19147 produced E4957 F1 hybrids with a purple–brown peel. Self-fertilization of the F1 hybrids yielded E4957 F2 offspring [...] Read more.
In the study of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a cross between the green peel line 19143 and the white peel line 19147 produced E4957 F1 hybrids with a purple–brown peel. Self-fertilization of the F1 hybrids yielded E4957 F2 offspring with a segregation ratio of 27:9:21:7 among individuals with purple–brown, purple–red, green, and white peel colors, respectively, which was consistent with a genetic model controlled by reciprocal recessive epistasis between D and P, and Gv1 likely acting as a modifying factor. The green peel line 19143 exhibited higher chlorophyll but lower anthocyanin levels than the white peel line 19147, which contained low levels of both pigments, while the E4957 F1 hybrids had elevated levels of both pigments. Two epistatic genes, D and P, associated with anthocyanin synthesis, were mapped on chromosomes 10 and 8, respectively. The putative modifying locus Gf, involved in chlorophyll accumulation in the flesh, was mapped on chromosome 8, and the localization interval was close to the previously reported Gv1 locus associated with chlorophyll synthesis in the peel. DNA markers (InDel22522, InDel5531, InDel-APRR2) were developed to genotype 237 F2 individuals and correlate genotypes with phenotypes. Sequence analysis revealed a 6 bp deletion in the SmMYB1 (D) gene and a large deletion in the SmAPRR2-Like (Gv1) gene in the white peel line 19147, as well as a T to A mutation in the SmANS (P) gene in the green line 19143. This study provided evidence for inheritance between loci involved in anthocyanin and chlorophyll pathways contributing to eggplant peel color variation and provides molecular markers that may facilitate the breeding of eggplant varieties with diverse peel colors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology of Solanaceous Crops)
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20 pages, 5867 KB  
Article
Salinity-Induced Inhibition of Lettuce Seed Germination in Association with Altered Catalase and Endo-β-Mannanase Activities
by Nezar H. Samarah, Nisreen A. AL-Quraan, Ruleen I. M. AlZyout and Ahmed Salah Elrys
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030390 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
Salinity is a major constraint on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production and is known to inhibit seed germination. However, the physiological and biochemical processes underlying this sensitivity remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how salinity affects seed germination in two [...] Read more.
Salinity is a major constraint on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production and is known to inhibit seed germination. However, the physiological and biochemical processes underlying this sensitivity remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how salinity affects seed germination in two lettuce cultivars, ‘Susan’ (a highly salt-sensitive cultivar) and ‘Yafa’ (a low salt-sensitive cultivar), with particular emphasis on the roles of catalase and endo-β-mannanase enzyme activities. Seeds were subjected to both low salinity (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mM NaCl) and high salinity (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mM NaCl) under standard germination conditions to evaluate germination percentage, mean germination time, and enzyme activity. Seedling emergence was also assessed in different growing media, including perlite, sand, peatmoss, and cocopeat. The results showed that salinity significantly reduced germination percentage and seedling length and increased mean germination time, with inhibition occurring at ≥0.1 mM NaCl in ‘Susan’ and ≥40 mM NaCl in ‘Yafa’; both cultivars failed to germinate at 320 mM. The ’Yafa’ had a high seedling emergence in all growing media, but ’Susan‘ seeds only emerged in perlite, which had the lowest salinity. Catalase activity increased markedly under salt stress, particularly in ‘Susan,’ indicating elevated oxidative burden, while endo-β-mannanase activity declined with increasing salinity, especially in the highly salt-sensitive cultivar of ‘Susan’. Correlation analysis showed that germination percentage had a significant and positive correlation with endo-β-mannanase activity and had a significant and negative correlation with catalase activity across salinity levels. In conclusion, salinity-induced inhibition of lettuce seed germination appears to be associated with changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced endosperm weakening capacity, as reflected by altered catalase and endo-β-mannanase activities, thereby contributing to cultivar-dependent differences in salt sensitivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biotic and Abiotic Stress)
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20 pages, 1812 KB  
Review
Plant Ornithine Decarboxylase: A Key Regulator of Polyamine Biosynthesis and Its Roles in Growth, Stress Response, and Secondary Metabolism
by Peng Ma, Chengcun Liu, Airao Mo and Tengfei Zhao
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030389 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 224
Abstract
Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) functions as the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine (PA) biosynthetic pathway. It catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-ornithine to produce putrescine, thereby initiating the biosynthesis of polyamines. Polyamines are a class of widely distributed polycationic aliphatic compounds in living organisms, including [...] Read more.
Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) functions as the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine (PA) biosynthetic pathway. It catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-ornithine to produce putrescine, thereby initiating the biosynthesis of polyamines. Polyamines are a class of widely distributed polycationic aliphatic compounds in living organisms, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. They serve not only as critical regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, but also as important signaling molecules involved in plant responses to environmental stress and key precursors in the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites. Focusing on recent advances in plant ODC research, this review summarizes the characteristics and evolutionary relationships of the ODC gene family, the biochemical properties and catalytic mechanism of the enzyme, and its multiple physiological roles in growth, development, secondary metabolism, and stress adaptation. Furthermore, we discuss the complex regulatory mechanisms governing ODC activity at both transcriptional and post-translational levels, with a critical gap in understanding the post-translational regulation of ODC in plants, particularly the mechanisms governing its degradation. Unlike in animals, where antizymes mediate ODC degradation, functional analogs of antizymes have not yet been identified in plants, leaving the degradation pathway largely unexplored. Finally, we review the applications of plant genetic modification targeting ODC in enhancing the production of valuable secondary metabolites in medicinal plants and improving stress tolerance in crops, along with perspectives on future research directions. This review illustrates the diversity of ODC functions and the complexity of its regulatory mechanisms in plant growth, development, stress responses, and secondary metabolism. It also provides a theoretical foundation and insights for exploring ODC as a target for plant genetic modification, which is promising for improving the economic traits and stress resistance of horticultural plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)
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16 pages, 2663 KB  
Article
Effects of Foliar Potassium Fertilizer on Photosynthetic Capacity and Expression of Potassium and Sugar Transporters in Peach (Prunus persica)
by Ziqi Wang, Chenjia Yao, Yong Yang, Silas Segbo, Xiaoyu Xu, Ximeng Lin, Pengyu Zhou, Feng Gao, Zhaojun Ni, Ting Shi and Zhihong Gao
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030388 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 234
Abstract
Potassium (K+) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and stress resilience, with KT/HAK/KUP transporters playing a central role in its homeostasis. Although these transporters are known to influence photosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms by which fertilization promotes assimilate accumulation in peach [...] Read more.
Potassium (K+) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and stress resilience, with KT/HAK/KUP transporters playing a central role in its homeostasis. Although these transporters are known to influence photosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms by which fertilization promotes assimilate accumulation in peach crops remain poorly understood. In this study, 17 PpHAK genes were identified based on the peach genome and classified into four distinct clades through phylogenetic analysis, a classification further supported by conserved gene structures and motifs. Interspecific collinearity analysis revealed that transporters are highly conserved among Rosaceae species. Physiological measurements demonstrated that foliar application significantly enhanced photosynthetic capacity, as evidenced by a 33% increase in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and improved photoelectron yield (Y(II)). At the same time, the transcript levels of the transporters PpHAK1, PpHAK5, and PpHAK9 were significantly upregulated, as confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism and transport, particularly PpPLT5-1, was significantly induced. Collectively, these results indicate that foliar K+ application enhances photosynthesis and promotes assimilate accumulation by modulating the expression of both K+ and sugar transporters. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing nutrient management to improve fruit quality in stone fruit production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection New Insights into Developmental Biology of Fruit Trees)
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19 pages, 9406 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification of LBD Transcription Factors Revealed the Essential Role of ClLBD2 in Root Development in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
by Deling Zhao, Kaidi Wu, Junjie Liu, Mengmeng Yin, Xiaomeng Wang, Wenrui Gu, Gengrui Zhu, Ningning Gao, Ali Aslam, Qinghua Shi and Ruimin Zhang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030387 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 214
Abstract
The Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) gene family encodes plant-specific transcription factors that play pivotal roles in growth, development, and stress responses. However, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the LBD family in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has not been conducted [...] Read more.
The Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) gene family encodes plant-specific transcription factors that play pivotal roles in growth, development, and stress responses. However, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the LBD family in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has not been conducted until now. In this study, we identified 39 ClLBD genes using the latest watermelon reference genome and systematically analyzed the function of ClLBD2 in root development. These ClLBDs are unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes except Chr4. Evolutionary analysis grouped the gene family members into six subgroups: Class I (a–e) and Class II. Physicochemical properties and gene structure analysis showed that the ClLBD protein members are tightly conserved. In the promoter regions of ClLBD genes, we identified abundant cis-acting regulatory elements related to abiotic stress and hormone responses. Through RNA-seq analysis from a cucurbit database, we found that several ClLBD genes showed high relative expression in roots, with ClLBD2 being the most highly expressed. Since its subfamily includes AtLBD25, a known root development-related gene, we hypothesized that ClLBD2 might be involved in root development. To validate this, ClLBD2-edited roots were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system and Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation. Compared to the wild type, the ClLBD2 edited roots exhibited significant reduction in taproot length and lateral root numbers, indicating that ClLBD2 may regulate root development. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the LBD gene family in watermelon, offering valuable insights for evolutionary and further functional studies of ClLBD genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources and Genetics Improvement of Watermelon and Melon)
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17 pages, 5350 KB  
Article
Dynamic Accumulation and Transcriptional Regulation of Alkylamides in Developing Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dintanensis Fruits
by Hang Zhang, Ning Lv, Xinglin Wang, Huan Tian, Lunxian Liu, Tie Shen and Qingxiong Yang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030386 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 193
Abstract
The accumulation dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of the alkylamides, the key pungent compounds in the fruits of Sichuan peppers, remain poorly understood. Using fruits of the Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis (Dintan) harvested at five key developmental stages, we comprehensively mapped the accumulation of [...] Read more.
The accumulation dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of the alkylamides, the key pungent compounds in the fruits of Sichuan peppers, remain poorly understood. Using fruits of the Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis (Dintan) harvested at five key developmental stages, we comprehensively mapped the accumulation of numbering compounds and their underlying molecular drivers by integrating HPLC-based metabolite profiling and de novo transcriptomics. Total alkylamide content increased during development, with hydroxyl-α-sanshool (HαSS) being predominant. The contributions of hydroxyl-β-sanshool (HβSS) and hydroxyl-ε-sanshool (HεSS) increased in later stages. Cluster and correlation analyses identified 51 candidate genes strongly correlated (|r| ≥ 0.6) with HαSS accumulation, predominantly enriched in fatty acid and branched-chain amino acid metabolism pathways. The expression patterns of five stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes, one long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL/fadD), and one S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione dehydrogenase/alcohol dehydrogenase (frmA) gene closely mirrored HαSS accumulation. In contrast, 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase II (fabF) and one β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) gene exhibited a negative correlation. Accordingly, a positive regulatory network was constructed for HαSS accumulation. These findings revealed key candidate targets for deciphering the molecular basis of its unique flavor and for breeding high-pungency cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genes and Their Regulatory Networks Underlying Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis in Horticultural Crops)
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21 pages, 12879 KB  
Article
Unraveling the Contribution of Sucrose Metabolism Enzyme Family to Salt Tolerance in Rosa chinensis: A Genome-Wide Perspective
by Jie Wu, Mengyue Jing, Yixin Zhang, Jun Xu, Xiaomin Chen, Feifei Gong, Weikun Jing, Qigang Wang and Shenchong Li
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030385 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 222
Abstract
Salt stress severely inhibits plant growth and agricultural production by disrupting the balance of water and ions. To counteract this abiotic challenge, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to modulate carbon allocation, prominently through the transcriptional regulation of sucrose metabolism-related genes (SMGs). This study [...] Read more.
Salt stress severely inhibits plant growth and agricultural production by disrupting the balance of water and ions. To counteract this abiotic challenge, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to modulate carbon allocation, prominently through the transcriptional regulation of sucrose metabolism-related genes (SMGs). This study focuses on the globally important horticultural crop, the rose (Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’), and provides the first systematic analysis of the RcSMG gene family. Using bioinformatics, 25 RcSMGs were identified, including 4 sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), 6 sucrose synthase (SUS) and 15 invertase (INV) members. Phylogenetic analysis classified these SMGs into four distinct clades (SUS, SPS, CWINV, and NINV), with the INV family being the largest and the SPS family showing striking conservation across all four species. Evolutionary and collinearity analyses revealed that the SPS family is highly conserved, whereas the INV subfamily has undergone lineage-specific expansion. Protein analysis showed that all RcSMGs are hydrophilic. SPS proteins were found to be relatively unstable, while SUS and most INV members were stable. Further analysis of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network showed that SPS proteins interact with enzymes in the metabolic pathway both upstream and downstream, forming a tightly regulated sucrose metabolism network. Transcriptome and promoter analyses revealed that RcSMGs exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns. The enrichment of diverse stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements in their promoter regions strongly implies a broad functional role in abiotic-stress adaptation, a hypothesis corroborated by transcriptome profiling under various stress conditions. Crucially, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays demonstrated that RcSUS3 and RcSPS1 positively regulate salt tolerance, while RcCWINV1 and RcVINV3 may act as negative regulators. In summary, this work provides the foundational framework for understanding the evolution, structure, and transcriptional regulation of the RcSMG family in roses. These findings highlight the important role of sucrose metabolism in stress resilience and provide a valuable basis for future molecular breeding to enhance stress resistance in horticultural crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biotic and Abiotic Stress)
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21 pages, 465 KB  
Review
Mediterranean Intercropping Production Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
by Ermelinda Silva, Sara Najjari, Oren Shelef, Roza Belayneh Ayalkibet, Frane Strikic, Mario Bjeliš, Rosalina Marrão, Valeria Borsellino, Marcello D’Acquisto, Emanuele Schimmenti, Cristina Caleja, Lillian Barros and Alexandre Gonçalves
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030384 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Intercropping is a pivotal strategy for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 2—End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture (SDG 2)—by enhancing food security agroecosystem resilience and sustainability. By integrating diverse species within the same plot, this [...] Read more.
Intercropping is a pivotal strategy for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 2—End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture (SDG 2)—by enhancing food security agroecosystem resilience and sustainability. By integrating diverse species within the same plot, this sustainable approach takes advantage of the beneficial interactions between them. The simultaneous cultivation of multiple crop species within the same field increases agricultural diversification and contributes to a more resilient production system, breaking the uniformity of modern intensive agriculture. The objective of this review is to evaluate intercropping practices throughout the Mediterranean, specifically in Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece), North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), and the Middle East (Turkey, Israel, and Jordan). This review intends to show advantages and disadvantages of intercropping and crops used and also highlight how intercropping systems affect crop production and quality, soil quality and microbiome, and proliferation of weeds, pests and diseases. The literature suggests that diversification in agriculture supports biodiversity and ecosystem services by the cultivation of diverse crop species together and, hence, may reduce independence in external outputs such as nutrient supply, pesticides and soil amendment. Despite the potential benefits of intercropping, the major caveats of this practice are the competition between different crops on resources, potential risks of plant protection, technical challenges of integrating the different requirements of each crop used in the system, and culture-related restrictions or regulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchard Management: Strategies for Yield and Quality)
17 pages, 3481 KB  
Article
Functional Characterization of Chrysanthemum Transcription Factor CmbHLH112 in Flowering and Drought Response
by Yaoyao Huang, Mingcai Yang, Junheng Lv, Kai Zhao, Jinfen Wen, Yan Zhao and Minghua Deng
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030383 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 256
Abstract
(1) Background: The bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factor family is one of the most abundant in plants and is involved in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. Notably, the functions of most bHLH family members remain poorly characterized. (2) Results: CmbHLH112, a [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factor family is one of the most abundant in plants and is involved in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. Notably, the functions of most bHLH family members remain poorly characterized. (2) Results: CmbHLH112, a nuclear-localized bHLH transcription factor from chrysanthemum, exhibits transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of CmbHLH112 in Arabidopsis significantly promotes flowering and enhances drought resistance. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that CmbHLH112 regulates flowering time by affecting the expression of key flowering genes, including FT, SOC1, LFY, and FLC. Under drought stress, CmbHLH112 overexpression plants showed reduced ROS accumulation compared with wild-type plants, accompanied by elevated activities of key antioxidant enzymes and increased proline content. Moreover, transgenic plants exhibited lower MDA concentrations and reduced water loss rates under drought conditions, further indicating enhanced stress resilience. Overexpression of CmbHLH112 also upregulates ABA levels under drought stress, while simultaneously promoting the expression of genes involved in ABA biosynthesis and ABA signaling pathways. (3) Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that heterologous overexpression of CmbHLH112 in Arabidopsis enhances drought tolerance and promotes flowering. Thus, CmbHLH112 is proposed to play a dual role in modulating flowering time and drought tolerance, at least partly by regulating ABA biosynthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulation of Flowering and Development in Ornamental Plants)
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16 pages, 854 KB  
Article
Response of Diverse Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes to Drought Stress in Controlled Vertical Farming Systems
by Nevena Stevanović, Tamara Popović, Vanja Vuković, Aleksandra Stankov Petreš, Sreten Terzić, Tijana Barošević and Nataša Ljubičić
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030382 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of food and feed and contributes to soil improvement through its association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. By enabling higher yields and selection of tolerant genotypes, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) could meet increasing nutritional needs despite [...] Read more.
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of food and feed and contributes to soil improvement through its association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. By enabling higher yields and selection of tolerant genotypes, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) could meet increasing nutritional needs despite adverse conditions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of drought stress on the development of vegetable pea genotypes under controlled vertical farming conditions. Plants were grown in CEA and exposed to drought stress at different developmental stages, after flowering and after pod formation. Drought significantly reduced pod and seed numbers, showing a stronger effect than genotype. For example, genotype Favorit produced 7.67 and 9.00 seeds per plant under control conditions, compared with only 2.00 and 2.67 seeds per plant under drought treatments. Pod length, seed number, and seed weight were also lower under stress, highlighting the importance of water availability during seed setting and filling. Fresh and dry biomass were mainly influenced by genotype, indicating differences in stress adaptability. The results also demonstrate that CEA can be used for reproducible abiotic stress experiments relevant to plant breeding and crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Irrigation and Water—Nutrient Strategies in Horticultural Systems)
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15 pages, 1458 KB  
Article
Sublethal Broflanilide Exposure Induces Developmental and Reproductive Costs and Early Detoxification Responses in Tuta absoluta
by Binbin Dong, Xiaoqian Yao, Yalan Sun and Chunmeng Huang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030381 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 216
Abstract
The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), poses a significant threat to global tomato production. However, environmentally sustainable management strategies for this pest, as well as its mechanisms of insecticide resistance, remain insufficiently understood. Broflanilide, a novel meta-diamide compound, can bind [...] Read more.
The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), poses a significant threat to global tomato production. However, environmentally sustainable management strategies for this pest, as well as its mechanisms of insecticide resistance, remain insufficiently understood. Broflanilide, a novel meta-diamide compound, can bind specifically to the transmembrane domain of the RDL subunit, causing prolonged opening of the chloride channel, disruption of neurotransmission, and ultimately insect paralysis and death. This study employed the leaf immersion method to conduct bioassays on the second-instar larvae of T. absoluta to evaluate physiological responses to sublethal concentrations of the novel amide insecticide broflanilide. Subsequently, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed to investigate changes in gene expression and metabolic pathways. Bioassay results determined the larval sublethal concentrations of broflanilide to be 0.136 mg/L (LC10) and 0.210 mg/L (LC30). Sublethal exposure significantly prolonged the larval period, reduced pupal weight, and inhibited fecundity of female adults. Transcriptomic and qPCR analyses revealed that, compared with the control (CK), expression of the vitellogenin gene Vg decreased by 15.99% and 30.27% under LC10 and LC30 treatments, respectively, while its receptor gene VgR decreased by 11.56% and 24.49%. Similarly, expression of chitin synthase genes chs1 and chs2 declined by 13.56% and 30.17% (chs1), and 7.85% and 19.45% (chs2), respectively. Gene expression analysis elucidated how sublethal insecticides treatment impact larval development and fecundity. Furthermore, the study revealed upregulation of cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification pathways and Toll/Imd immune signaling pathways under broflanilide stress, indicating activation of a coordinated defense response in T. absoluta. Sublethal broflanilide exposure modulated larval gene expression to balance growth, development, and stress adaptation. Such exposure exerts selective pressure on susceptible populations, potentially driving adaptive shifts in detoxification metabolism and contributing to the development of field resistance. These findings advance our understanding of the sublethal effects of novel insecticides and provide valuable insights for insecticide deployment strategies and resistance management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest Management)
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17 pages, 10094 KB  
Article
Identification of Pathogenic Fungi Causing Tomato Fruit Rot and Genomic Exploration of Pathogenic Mechanisms
by Xiujing Hong, Yunyun Zhang, Congsheng Yan, Lin Fang, Li Jia, Mingxia Wang, Zhihuan Ge, Han Wang, Tingting Song, Yan Wang and Haikun Jiang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030380 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Tomato fruit rot severely impacts yield and quality, causing economic losses. This study aimed to identify the pathogenic fungi associated with post-harvest tomato fruit rot and characterize the transcriptomic responses of tomatoes. Pathogens were isolated from diseased tomato fruit tissues and identified using [...] Read more.
Tomato fruit rot severely impacts yield and quality, causing economic losses. This study aimed to identify the pathogenic fungi associated with post-harvest tomato fruit rot and characterize the transcriptomic responses of tomatoes. Pathogens were isolated from diseased tomato fruit tissues and identified using morphology, phylogenetic analysis, and in vitro pathogenicity tests. The genome of Cladosporium oxysporum Co-1 was assembled and annotated. RNA-seq analysis was used to profile transcriptional changes in tomatoes infected with C. oxysporum Co-1, with RT-qPCR validating the RNA-seq data and spectrophotometric assays analyzing the host physiological responses. Three pathogenic fungi were isolated. Colonies of C. oxysporum exhibited a near-circular shape, with colonies transitioning from an olive-green center to gray-green at the edges, and based on ITS, β-tubulin, and EF-1α gene sequences, this isolate exhibited 99% identity with C. oxysporum. The other two fungal isolates were identified as Alternaria alternata and Fusarium incarnatum, respectively, based on morphological and multi-locus sequence analysis. All three strains induced fruit rot and browning in tomatoes, confirming their pathogenicity. The genome size of C. oxysporum Co-1 was 34,515,558 bp, comprising 52 scaffolds with a GC content of 52.82%, and encoding 10,081 protein-coding genes. RNA-seq analysis showed dynamic gene expression changes in tomatoes infected with strain A, with differentially expressed genes enriched in pathogenicity-related pathways. Spectrophotometric assays revealed that peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities decreased initially followed by an increase post-inoculation with C. oxysporum, indicating that tomatoes defend against pathogen infection through the antioxidant enzyme system. These findings revealed the pathogenic fungi were associated with post-harvest tomato rot disease, provided genomic resources for C. oxysporum, and provided insight into the host’s response to this strain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Decade of Research on Vegetable Crops: From Omics to Biotechnology)
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20 pages, 4375 KB  
Article
Design of a Machine Vision Detection System for Lettuce Growth Stages Based on the CCASF-YOLOv10 Model
by Qiang Gao, Yu Ji, Chongchong Shi and Meili Wang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030379 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 237
Abstract
To address challenges related to complex background interference and insufficient multi-scale target feature extraction in lettuce growth stage detection. The lightweight YOLOv10 detection model and the specific characteristics of lettuce field data were used. The CNCM channel non-local mixture mechanism and ASF adaptive [...] Read more.
To address challenges related to complex background interference and insufficient multi-scale target feature extraction in lettuce growth stage detection. The lightweight YOLOv10 detection model and the specific characteristics of lettuce field data were used. The CNCM channel non-local mixture mechanism and ASF adaptive spatial frequency attention mechanism were incorporated to optimize lightweight modules, including DownSample, Zoom_cat, and ScalSeq, within the original model. Consequently, an improved CCASF-YOLOv10 model was constructed, integrating multi-scale feature fusion and enhanced target feature extraction. Experimental results demonstrate that, in an NVIDIA A40 GPU testing environment, the model achieves an accuracy rate of 91.9%, a recall rate of 91.6%, mAP@0.5 of 95.3%, and mAP@0.5:0.95 of 72.9%. The parameter size is 11.9 M, and the single-frame inference speed is 24.76 ms, indicating a favorable balance between detection precision, model efficiency, and real-time inference. Furthermore, an intelligent machine vision detection system for lettuce growth-stage monitoring and precise field control was developed using the CCASF-YOLOv10 model. This system facilitates the industrial advancement of lettuce cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)
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14 pages, 1932 KB  
Article
Exploring the Optimal Encapsulation Matrix for Artificial Seed Production to Enhance the Ornamental Exploitation of Stachys byzantina K. Koch
by Stefanos Kostas, Chrysanthi Evangelia Katsanou, Konstantinos Bertsouklis and Stefanos Hatzilazarou
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030378 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 304
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the optional alginate and CaCl2 concentrations in the encapsulation formulation to produce alginate beads of Stachys byzantina, thereby offering a potential alternative method for its propagation. Stem explants were derived from in vitro cultures grown [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to determine the optional alginate and CaCl2 concentrations in the encapsulation formulation to produce alginate beads of Stachys byzantina, thereby offering a potential alternative method for its propagation. Stem explants were derived from in vitro cultures grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 μM benzyladenine (BA) and were evaluated for their germination and regeneration potential after a short-term storage period (1, 2, and 3 months). Three different sodium alginate concentrations (2%, 2.5% and 3%) were used for the preparation of alginate beads. For the hardening of the alginate beads, calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2·2H2O) at four concentrations (50, 100, 200 and 400 mM) was employed for 35 min. The combination of 100 mM calcium chloride with sodium alginate at concentrations of 2.0%, 2.5%, or 3.0% resulted in high germination rates, ranging from 73.33% to 76.60%. However, germination rates declined with increased storage duration. Among the formulations, 2.5% sodium alginate consistently supported higher germination over time, with rates of 53.33% and 36.66% observed after 2 and 3 months of storage, respectively. The decline in germination rate was followed by an increase in bead hardness over time. The optimal encapsulation matrix composition was identified as 2.5% sodium alginate with 100 mM CaCl2, which yielded the highest regeneration rate of explants after 1, 2 and 3 months of cold storage at 4 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Micropropagation of Horticultural and Medicinal Plants—2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 2814 KB  
Article
Assessing Viticultural Parameters and Wine Quality in Relation to Climate Conditions
by Andrei Scutarașu, Lucia Cintia Colibaba, Elena Cristina Scutarașu, Camelia Elena Luchian, Liliana Rotaru, Răzvan Vasile Filimon, Roxana Mihaela Filimon and Valeriu V. Cotea
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030377 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 325
Abstract
This study evaluates viticultural parameters of the Golia grape variety in relation to variable climatic conditions over the 2020–2024 period and analyzes their impact on wine quality. The data show significant climatic variability, with warming trends causing earlier flowering and ripening by 11–13 [...] Read more.
This study evaluates viticultural parameters of the Golia grape variety in relation to variable climatic conditions over the 2020–2024 period and analyzes their impact on wine quality. The data show significant climatic variability, with warming trends causing earlier flowering and ripening by 11–13 days. Grape production varied depending on climatic conditions, with 2021 and 2024 recording the highest number of shoots per trunk and increased fertility in 2024. Low winter temperature led to reduced bud viability and affected the overall health of the vines and harvest yields. Average annual precipitation, especially from the growing season, significantly influenced actual yield (AY), while higher annual temperatures and sunshine duration (Sun) resulted in lower grape weight. Greater sugar concentrations accumulated in years with higher temperatures, while higher acidity levels registered at lower temperatures. Higher precipitation (Pp) coupled with thermal accumulation promoted higher dry extract and alcoholic strength (AS), significantly enhancing the perception of honey notes (R2 > 0.7, p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, higher thermal regimes negatively impacted the expression of delicate aromatic compounds, diminishing specific notes such as rose and exotic fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Climate Change on Grapevines, Berries, Wine: Present and Future)
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15 pages, 1240 KB  
Article
Volatilome and Nutraceutical Composition of Bee Pollen May Serve as Indicators of Seasonal and Botanical Origins
by Ylenia Pieracci, Benedetta D’Ambrosio, Guido Flamini, Tiziana Lombardi and Laura Pistelli
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030376 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Bee pollen is an extraordinary nutritional product of honeybees. Its valuable profile depends on the concentration of bioactive compounds, influenced by multiple factors, such as geographical origin and botanical species. Pollen samples produced by a single farm and collected during four different seasonal [...] Read more.
Bee pollen is an extraordinary nutritional product of honeybees. Its valuable profile depends on the concentration of bioactive compounds, influenced by multiple factors, such as geographical origin and botanical species. Pollen samples produced by a single farm and collected during four different seasonal periods were first subjected to palynological analysis and then evaluated for their volatile profile and the content of selected nutraceutical compounds. The June sample, characterized by a high percentage of Castanea pollen, exhibited the higher concentration of soluble sugars, proteins, antioxidant molecules and minerals. The heatmap and hierarchical clustering confirmed a pronounced seasonal variability in bee pollen volatile composition, strongly linked to changes in floral availability. The greatest dissimilar volatilomic fingerprints are represented by samples collected in November (monofloral pollen of Hedera helix) and April (polyfloral pollen). The seasonal variability on the bioactive compounds, as well as in aromatic composition, seem to be linked to the different compositions of plant pollen, related to its botanical origin. This study expands current knowledge on the chemical characterization of bee pollen and supports the use of volatilome analysis as a complementary tool to palynological investigation for assessing botanical origin, quality, and the ecological and sensory value of this bee product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)
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14 pages, 2151 KB  
Article
Development of a SCAR Marker for the Identification of the Korean Garlic Cultivar ‘Hongsan’
by Doung Ju Ryu, Min-Seon Choi, So Hyun Ahn, JiWon Han and Jung-Ho Kwak
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030375 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars in Korea, particularly the widely adaptable ‘Hongsan’, are challenging to identify in processed forms or seedlings due to the plasticity of phenotypic traits such as clove tip greening. This uncertainty increases the risk of mislabeling and the [...] Read more.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars in Korea, particularly the widely adaptable ‘Hongsan’, are challenging to identify in processed forms or seedlings due to the plasticity of phenotypic traits such as clove tip greening. This uncertainty increases the risk of mislabeling and the infringement of breeders’ rights under the UPOV framework. This study aimed to develop a stable SCAR marker for ‘Hongsan’-specific identification using a RAPD-based DNA pooling method. Sixty Operon primers (>60% GC) were screened against ‘Hongsan’ gDNA versus a multi-cultivar DNA pool (‘Daeseo’, ‘Uiseong’, ‘Danyang’, and ‘Namdo’); OPE-01 consistently amplified a unique 1.3 kb band, which was cloned and sequenced, revealing a 1272 bp sequence with a translocation junction (878 + 394 bp), a 18 bp insertion, and an EcoRI site on chromosome 2 (NCBI reference sequence: GCA_030737875.1). SCAR primers SaH191R/SaH513F produced a specific 545 bp amplicon in Hongsan, clearly distinguishing it from other cultivars and parental lines, indicating that the marker locus is related to the paternal line ‘9209’. This RAPD-to-SCAR marker overcomes reproducibility limitations and enables reliable authentication of Hongsan in processing powders and black garlic irrespective of environmental factors. This cost-effective and rapid assay ensures industry transparency, quality control, and IP protection for Korean garlic production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))
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13 pages, 1168 KB  
Article
Diazotrophic Bacteria and Nitrogen Fertilization on ATPase Activity in Micropropagated Pineapple Plantlets During Acclimatization
by Aurilena de Aviz Silva, Almy Junior Cordeiro de Carvalho, Paulo Cesar dos Santos, Rômulo André Beltrame, Marta Simone Mendonça Freitas, Flávia Paiva de Freitas, Roberto Rivelino do Nascimento Barbosa, Alessandro Coutinho Ramos, Fabio Lopes Olivares, Stella Arndt, Leandro Pin Dalvi, Moises Zucoloto, Orlando Carlos Huertas Tavares and Mírian Peixoto Soares da Silva
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030374 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Micropropagated plantlets, after removal from controlled laboratory conditions, require an acclimatization period. Adaptation to the new environment induces anatomical and physiological changes controlled by cellular processes. This study investigated the involvement of the primary proton transport systems of total membranes in pineapple root [...] Read more.
Micropropagated plantlets, after removal from controlled laboratory conditions, require an acclimatization period. Adaptation to the new environment induces anatomical and physiological changes controlled by cellular processes. This study investigated the involvement of the primary proton transport systems of total membranes in pineapple root colonization by diazotrophic bacteria and in the development of plantlets treated with different nitrogen doses, allowing an understanding of nutrient absorption and accumulation dynamics. The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) in a factorial scheme (2 × 3 × 2), with two inocula (a mixture of diazotrophic bacteria containing Burkholderia sp. UENF 114111, Burkholderia silvatlantica UENF 117111, and Herbaspirillum seropedicae HRC 54, and another without bacteria), three urea doses (0, 5, and 10 g L−1), and two evaluation (90 and 150 days) and bacterial counting times (30 and 150 days), with three blocks. Diazotrophic bacterial populations were lower in older plantlets. H+ transport mediated by P H+-ATPases changed with acclimatization time. Inoculation did not induce transport; however, the Fmax of V H+-ATPase was lower without nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen fertilization affected V H+-ATPase proton transport activity in root membranes. The presence of diazotrophic bacteria did not induce proton transport. On the other hand, nitrogen fertilization and acclimatization time affected the proton transport activity mediated by H+-ATPases isolated from roots of micropropagated pineapple. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)
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18 pages, 3091 KB  
Article
Commercial Helichrysum italicum Essential Oils and Hydrosols from Adriatic and Continental Croatia: Quality Assessment and Chemical Composition
by Suzana Inić, Valerija Dunkić, Marija Nazlić, Barbara Bilandžija, Lucija Bilandžija, Lea Pollak and Dario Kremer
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030373 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 230
Abstract
Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don, family Asteraceae) essential oils (HiEOs) and hydrosols (HiHYs) are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural formulations. However, their composition and quality vary depending on geographical origin and production practices, while standardized reference values—particularly for hydrosols—are [...] Read more.
Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don, family Asteraceae) essential oils (HiEOs) and hydrosols (HiHYs) are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural formulations. However, their composition and quality vary depending on geographical origin and production practices, while standardized reference values—particularly for hydrosols—are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of commercial HiEOs and HiHYs from the Adriatic and continental regions of Croatia. Samples were analysed using standard pharmacopoeial methods and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Physicochemical analyses (relative density, acid value, refractive index, pH, turbidity, and essential oil content) showed that all samples were within generally accepted quality ranges, with no significant differences observed between regions using the Mann–Whitney U test. HiEOs were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (53.15–55.60%), whereas HiHYs contained predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes (43.54–69.86%). The main compounds identified in both fractions were α-pinene, neryl acetate, γ-curcumene, and β-selinene, which formed a consistent chemical signature and served as practical biomarkers for the quality of H. italicum EO and hydrosol. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) distinguished sample groupings based on physicochemical properties and chemical composition, indicating regional variability without exceeding accepted quality limits. This study presents the first comparative dataset of Croatian commercial HiEOs and HiHYs, and defines practical parameter ranges to support standardized specifications, ensure consistent quality, and enhance the industrial applicability of immortelle-based products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)
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15 pages, 1270 KB  
Article
Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilization on Soil Respiration in Acidic Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Plantation Soils
by Zhidan Wu, Yunni Chang, Xiangde Yang and Fuying Jiang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030372 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Soil respiration (Rs) plays an important role in the carbon (C) dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems and is strongly regulated by nitrogen (N) inputs. While the impact of N fertilization on Rs has been widely documented in conventional farmland ecosystems, its patterns and influencing [...] Read more.
Soil respiration (Rs) plays an important role in the carbon (C) dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems and is strongly regulated by nitrogen (N) inputs. While the impact of N fertilization on Rs has been widely documented in conventional farmland ecosystems, its patterns and influencing factors in perennial tea plantation systems are still poorly understood. In the study, we conducted a 15-year field experiment in a representative tea plantation to investigate the effects of different N rates (0, 112.5, 225, and 450 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on Rs. Compared to the control (N0), soil pH decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 6.07%, 11.82%, and 16.12% under N112.5, N225, and N450, respectively. Concurrently, cation exchange capacity (CEC), ammonium (NH4+-N), nitrate (NO3−-N), and available phosphorus (AP) increased with increasing N rates, whereas available potassium (AK) decreased. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) initially increased and then decreased with increasing N rates, while dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content increased consistently. The Rs rate exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern with a single peak in August. The annual mean Rs rates were 2.79, 3.15, 4.06, and 3.85 μmol·m−2·s−1 for the N0, N112.5, N225, and N450 treatments, respectively. Soil temperature explained 55.41% to 61.08% of the variation in Rs rates across N treatments, and a composite model incorporating both soil temperature and moisture further improved the prediction of Rs dynamics. Cumulative soil CO2 emissions (CCEs) over the study period ranged from 10,427 to 14,221 kg CO2-C ha−1 across treatments and were significantly negatively correlated with soil pH, and positively correlated with DOC, MBC, and NO3−-N content. A non-linear relationship between N application rate and CCEs was observed, highlighting the complexity of optimizing N management for balancing productivity and climate mitigation in tea plantation systems. These findings provide a theoretical basis for developing rational N fertilization strategies and improving the predictive capacity of C cycle models in agroecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Soil Management for Tea Plantations)
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17 pages, 6493 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification of the CmnsLTP Gene Family in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) and Its Response to Copper Stress
by Kun Zhang, Zhiyi Yang, Ende Chen, Jicheng Shi, Tiantian Yang, Huilin Wang, Xuezheng Wang, Shi Liu, Feishi Luan, Zuyun Dai, Zhongzhou Yang, Xiaofei Wei, Zhongmin Yang, Chong Du and Chaonan Wang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030371 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Non-specific Lipid Transfer Proteins (nsLTPs) constitute a ubiquitous family of plant proteins that play a critical role in mediating plant adaptation and tolerance to abiotic stress. While their functions have been extensively characterized in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza [...] Read more.
Non-specific Lipid Transfer Proteins (nsLTPs) constitute a ubiquitous family of plant proteins that play a critical role in mediating plant adaptation and tolerance to abiotic stress. While their functions have been extensively characterized in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa L.), they remain largely unexplored in Cucurbitaceae crops. We identified 31 CmnsLTP genes in the melon (Cucumis melo L.) genome, these genes were unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes and classified into 8 subfamilies. Members of the same subfamily have similar gene structures and conserved domains, with all family members having motif 1 and motif 3. The promoter region contains cis elements that respond to light, hormones (ABA and MeJA response elements), and abiotic stress, suggesting that this gene is involved in melon growth, development, and stress response. Previous studies have identified copper resistant candidate MELO3C031073.2 through forward genetics, which belongs to the nsLTP family and was named CmnsLTPY.9 in this study. The RT qPCR results showed that the CmnsLTPY.9 exhibited specific expression in different tissues, The expression levels of CmnsLTPY.9 in leaves ranged from 0.3 to 3.2. Under copper stress, the ‘M625’ (copper-sensitive) showed a 3.2-fold increase, indicating marked upregulation. Additionally, CmnsLTPY.9 was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, and the position remains unchanged after copper stress. This study provides the first systematic analysis of the CmnsLTP gene family in melon; these findings provide fundamental insights into their specific functions in plant development and stress response, as well as valuable genetic resources for future research on copper-tolerant molecular breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources and Genetics Improvement of Watermelon and Melon)
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25 pages, 32950 KB  
Article
Influence of Various Biochars on the Rhizosphere Microenvironment and Allelopathic Effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua: Microbial Community Modulation and Enhancement of Plant Quality
by Yanming Zhu, Wenbao Luo, Jiajia Zhang, Meixia Zheng, Yuqing Niu, Hong Chen, Qingxi Chen, Renwei Feng, Riqiu Zeng, Yujing Zhu and Hailan Su
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030370 - 18 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH) is traditionally recognized as both an edible and medicinal food source. Its rhizomes contain numerous bioactive compounds, notably polysaccharides and flavonoids, which serve as key constituents in functional food development. However, the cultivation of PCH is often hindered by [...] Read more.
Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH) is traditionally recognized as both an edible and medicinal food source. Its rhizomes contain numerous bioactive compounds, notably polysaccharides and flavonoids, which serve as key constituents in functional food development. However, the cultivation of PCH is often hindered by allelopathic effects, which diminish its quality and restrict its industrial application. To mitigate these allelopathic influences, three types of biochars derived from maize straw (MB), rice husk (RB), and tea stem (TB) were applied at concentrations of 0%, 2%, and 4%. Initially, the physicochemical properties of these biochars were characterized, followed by an evaluation of their impact on (1) the synthesis of quality-related components, secondary metabolites, and allelochemicals within PCH rhizomes and (2) the fundamental physicochemical properties and bacterial community structure of the PCH rhizosphere soil. The findings indicated that the application of 4% RB significantly enhanced the content of total polysaccharides by 48.5%, total flavonoids by 30.2%, total saponins by 28.6%, and total polyphenols by 18.3%, while concurrently reducing protein (PRO) and free amino acid (FAA) concentrations in the rhizomes. Non-targeted metabolomic analyses revealed that biochar amendments (1) upregulated metabolites involved in the citrate cycle and galactose metabolism pathways, thereby facilitating energy supply and precursors for polysaccharide biosynthesis; (2) downregulated metabolites involved in the arginine biosynthesis pathway, which is unfavorable for protein and amino acid synthesis; (3) decreased the abundance of six identified allelochemicals, including 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan and andrographolide, with the most pronounced effect observed in the 4% TB treatment (T2); (4) improved soil physicochemical parameters such as pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK); and (5) altered the rhizosphere bacterial community by enriching beneficial phyla, notably Myxococcota and Gemmatimonadota. These modifications in soil properties and bacterial community composition were closely associated with enhanced rhizome quality and a reduction in allelochemical accumulation. Collectively, the results of this study elucidate the potential mechanisms linking biochar application to allelopathy mitigation, optimization of soil microbial communities, and improvement of PCH rhizome quality. This research provides a theoretical basis for the production of high-quality PCH while concurrently minimizing allelochemical accumulation in its rhizomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)
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23 pages, 5058 KB  
Article
A Detection Method for Tomato Pose Estimation and Grasping Point Localization in Robotic Harvesting Based on YOLOv8s-ECC
by Yu Zhuang, Yiran Wang, Le Zheng, Jize Dai, Hao Liu, Jiayuan Zhu and Zhiping Cui
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030369 - 17 Mar 2026
Viewed by 296
Abstract
In the intelligent tomato-picking scenario, challenges such as insufficient accuracy in recognizing the growth pose of target tomatoes and inaccurate positioning of picking and grasping points have led to low efficiency in automated picking. To address these issues, this paper introduces an object [...] Read more.
In the intelligent tomato-picking scenario, challenges such as insufficient accuracy in recognizing the growth pose of target tomatoes and inaccurate positioning of picking and grasping points have led to low efficiency in automated picking. To address these issues, this paper introduces an object detection optimization model based on Yolov8s, termed YOLOv8S-ECC. The model focuses on “Judging tomato pose by the spatial vector of the relative position between the calyx and the center point of the fruit,” aiming to enhance high-precision positioning of both the tomato calyx and fruit, thereby laying the groundwork for subsequent pose judgment and picking point positioning. We have integrated the ECA (Efficient Channel Attention) and Coordinate attention mechanisms into the Backbone network and introduced the CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) attention mechanism into the Neck network. The combined effect of these attention mechanisms effectively overcomes the recognition challenges posed by the calyx’s color texture, which closely resembles the environment. This integration has also enhanced the model’s robustness in complex field environments. Test results indicate significant improvements: the accuracy rate, recall rate, and mAP@50 for detecting tomato fruits and calyces are 81.7% and 87.5%, 92.7% and 85.9%, and 89.7% and 91.3%, respectively, compared to the original model. By encapsulating the algorithm and integrating it with the picking robot, tests in a simulated environment (different lighting conditions and foliage occlusion situations) show picking success rates of 93.02%, with an average picking operation time of 14.2 ± 0.855 s, including an image recognition and processing time of 0.035 s. This research offers an effective technical solution for high-precision visual perception and pose judgment in fruit and vegetable picking robots, contributing to improved quality in tomato industry picking operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)
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29 pages, 1195 KB  
Article
Multidimensional Evaluation of Sustainable Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Production: Agronomic, Sensory, and Economic Criteria Using the Fuzzy PIPRECIA–Fuzzy MARCOS Model
by Radomir Bodiroga, Milena Marjanović, Vuk Maksimović, Đorđe Moravčević, Zorica Jovanović, Slađana Savić and Milica Stojanović
Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030368 - 16 Mar 2026
Viewed by 287
Abstract
Although greenhouse vegetable production is rapidly shifting toward innovative soilless systems, soil-based conventional cultivation still dominates globally. This production system faces growing pressure to transition to sustainable practices. However, introducing biofertilisers into intensive systems often yields inconsistent results. Specifically, their effects on different [...] Read more.
Although greenhouse vegetable production is rapidly shifting toward innovative soilless systems, soil-based conventional cultivation still dominates globally. This production system faces growing pressure to transition to sustainable practices. However, introducing biofertilisers into intensive systems often yields inconsistent results. Specifically, their effects on different lettuce traits vary due to complex relationships between genotype, biofertiliser, environmental conditions, and market demands. Single-parameter evaluations fail to balance conflicting criteria, necessitating multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods for selecting optimal choices. This study aims to overcome these inconsistencies through an integrated fuzzy MCDM-based optimisation model. Three lettuce cultivars (‘Carmesi’, ‘Aquino’, and ‘Gaugin’) were grown in an unheated Surčin (Serbia) greenhouse during a 58-day autumn experiment using a complete block design. Four treatments were applied: a control (without fertilisation), effective microorganisms, a Trichoderma-based fertiliser, and their combination. Biofertilisers were applied before transplanting and four times foliarly during the vegetation period via battery sprayer. This defined 12 production models (cultivar–fertiliser pairs), evaluated across 10 criteria: agronomic (core ratio, number of leaves), quality (nitrate content, total antioxidant capacity, total soluble solids, and chlorogenic acid), sensory (overall taste, overall quality), and economic (total variable costs, total income). Four decision-making experts from the Faculty of Agriculture and the ready-to-eat salad industry assessed weighting coefficients using the fuzzy PIPRECIA (PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment) method. The fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution) method was used to rank the alternatives. To confirm the stability of the obtained ranking with the fuzzy MARCOS method, we performed sensitivity analysis through 20 different scenarios. Applied fuzzy methods identified alternative A11—‘Aquino’ cultivar with combined biofertilisers—as the best-ranked option, followed by A6 and A7. This study validates fuzzy PIPRECIA and fuzzy MARCOS as effective tools for optimising lettuce production models. They support farmers in selecting the most favourable solution based on multiple criteria, aiding the shift from mineral fertilisers to sustainable biofertiliser-based systems in intensive production—especially helpful for producers making this transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies for Agrochemical-Conventional Management in Horticultural Crops)
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