Horticulturae

20 pages, 3469 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Propagation as a Strategy for Improving Phytochemical Production and Supporting Conservation of Tunisian Lavandula stoechas

by Soumaya Hmissi, Dragana Stojičić, Dijana Krstić-Milošević, Mirjana Janjanin, Hiba Ben Aribi, Hadil Khadraoui, Sawssen Hlaiem, Sami Fattouch, Chokri Messaoud and Branka Uzelac

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070903 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Lavandula stoechas (Lamiaceae) is a highly valued medicinal plant due to its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly rosmarinic acid. This study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro propagation protocol from seeds and to evaluate the influence of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) on [...] Read more.

Lavandula stoechas (Lamiaceae) is a highly valued medicinal plant due to its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly rosmarinic acid. This study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro propagation protocol from seeds and to evaluate the influence of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) on morphogenesis and phenolic compound production while comparing the antioxidant and antifungal activities of methanolic extracts from in vitro cultured and wild-growing plants. Seeds were germinated on half-strength MS medium under different sucrose concentrations and temperatures. Nodal explants from seedlings were cultured on full-strength MS medium supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 3 µM BAP. Methanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content, rosmarinic acid concentration (HPLC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), and antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Rapid germination occurred on day 3 on half-strength MS medium with 1% sucrose at 20 °C. The highest biomass production was achieved with 3 µM BAP. In vitro cultured plants accumulated fivefold-higher total phenolic content (217.73 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW) than wild plants (43.23 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW), with significantly higher rosmarinic acid levels. Antioxidant activity was markedly stronger in extracts from plants grown with 1–2 µM BAP, whereas antifungal activity remained limited. These results demonstrate that in vitro propagation with optimized BAP concentrations is an effective strategy for enhancing bioactive metabolite production and supporting the conservation of Tunisian L. stoechas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Micropropagation of Horticultural and Medicinal Plants—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1133 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Pre-Storage Methods and Storage Temperatures on Chemical Composition and Colour Development of Canarium (Canarium indicum) Kernels

by Tsvakai Gama, Helen M. Wallace, Stephen J. Trueman, Dalsie Hannett, Michael B. Farrar, Brittany B. Elliott and Shahla Hosseini-Bai

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070902 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Nut quality is of great economic concern because nuts are rich in oil, which can be rapidly oxidised if the nuts are not properly handled. Tree nuts are often maintained in-shell after harvest so that they can be processed later and marketed out [...] Read more.

Nut quality is of great economic concern because nuts are rich in oil, which can be rapidly oxidised if the nuts are not properly handled. Tree nuts are often maintained in-shell after harvest so that they can be processed later and marketed out of season. Poor handling procedures prior to kernel storage, and suboptimal temperatures during storage, may compromise quality and lead to colour development, particularly for tree nuts with high oil content that are susceptible to oxidative rancidity. However, there is limited information on the effects of in-shell handling procedures or kernel storage temperatures on the quality and colour development of tree nuts during long-term storage. We determined how the freezing of kernels from the tropical tree, canarium (Canarium indicum), affected their subsequent kernel quality when stored at 25 °C for up to 9 months. Pre-frozen kernels had significantly higher peroxide values than non-frozen kernels (3.90 and 0.35 meq O₂/kg oil, respectively) after 3 months of storage. However, pre-frozen kernels had significantly lower peroxide values than non-frozen kernels after 9 months of storage, most likely due to degradation of peroxides to secondary compounds over time. We also evaluated how the prolonged maintenance of nuts-in-shell prior to processing affected kernel quality, oil composition and colour development during storage at 4 °C or 25 °C for up to 15 months. Storage at 25 °C led to higher free fatty acid levels from 9 months onwards than storage at 4 °C, both for the kernels that had been maintained previously in-shell and for the fresh kernels. Nonetheless, peroxide values and free fatty acid levels of the previously stored in-shell and of the fresh kernels were still below the acceptable quality limits for tree nuts. The concentrations of palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid in fresh kernels stored at 4 °C or 25 °C did not differ between the storage temperatures. However, the oleic acid concentration was higher in refrigerated kernels than unrefrigerated kernels. Kernels stored in-shell had lower reflectance at 25 °C than those stored at 4 °C at 12 months of storage. Our findings demonstrate that freezing of canarium kernels accelerates lipid oxidation and quality loss, but that refrigeration suppresses lipid oxidation. Kernels stored at room temperature were still below the maximum acceptable limits for peroxide values and free fatty acid levels, although they would likely develop rancidity if stored for more than 15 months. We recommend that the kernels of tropical tree nuts with high oil content like canarium not be frozen, but should be freshly processed, kept at 4 °C if shelled, and stored immediately, to ensure high quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Regulation of Fruit Ripening and Innovations in Postharvest Storage Techniques)

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27 pages, 26594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metagenomic Analyses Reveal the Functional Potential of Vineyard Microbial Communities on Soil Carbon Cycling Under Mulching Conditions

by Xing Han, Yihan Li, Yanfeng Wei, Xinyao Duan and Lifang Yuan

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070901 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Soil mulching influences soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and microbial communities, yet the functional potential linking these factors remains unclear. This two-year field study compared biodegradable liquid film (BLF, C:N = 26:1, 161 kg C·ha⁻¹) and grapevine branch mulch (GBM, C:N [...] Read more.

Soil mulching influences soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and microbial communities, yet the functional potential linking these factors remains unclear. This two-year field study compared biodegradable liquid film (BLF, C:N = 26:1, 161 kg C·ha⁻¹) and grapevine branch mulch (GBM, C:N = 51:1, 2790 kg C·ha⁻¹) applied in-row in a vineyard, with clean tillage as control. The Vitis vinifera cv. Meili was used as the test material, SOC fractions were determined and metagenomic sequencing was performed. The results showed that GBM had the highest SOC content and significantly increased the levels of total organic carbon, all five labile fractions, and the three recalcitrant fractions. BLF significantly increased the levels of recalcitrant fractions, while its effect on labile fractions varied by year. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the two mulching treatments significantly influenced the abundances of Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes. Redundancy analysis identified soil moisture, pH, SOC, and total nitrogen as key drivers of community structure. Mulching downregulated carbon fixation and methane metabolism genes but upregulated carbohydrate metabolism pathways, including O-glycan biosynthesis, which correlated positively with SOC. Glycosyl transferases were the dominant carbohydrate-active enzymes across all treatments. These results demonstrate that GBM and BLF differentially affect SOC fractions and microbial functional traits, providing empirical evidence for mulch selection in vineyard carbon management. Full article

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

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15 pages, 2490 KB

Open AccessArticle

FaLOX11, a Key Lipoxygenase, Positively Regulates the Production of C6 Aldehydes and Alcohols in Cultivated Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)

by Yunduan Li, Daizhen Ma, Yuanchu Liu and Limin Han

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070900 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

The lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of characteristic aroma compounds in fruit. Despite the progress in understanding the LOX pathway in model plants like tomato, the distinct roles of individual members within the LOX gene family in flavor [...] Read more.

The lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of characteristic aroma compounds in fruit. Despite the progress in understanding the LOX pathway in model plants like tomato, the distinct roles of individual members within the LOX gene family in flavor formation in the complex octoploid strawberry are still not fully understood. In this study, we identified 13 LOX genes in the strawberry genome and focused on a specific lipoxygenase gene, designated FaLOX11, which exhibited the highest expression during fruit ripening. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that FaLOX11 expression was significantly correlated with 3-hexenal accumulation, quantified via headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Functional characterization via transient overexpression of FaLOX11 in strawberry fruits resulted in a significant increase in C6 volatile content, specifically a ~72% increase in 3-hexenal content. Conversely, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated transient silencing of FaLOX11 significantly downregulated the expression of this gene and led to a marked reduction in the production of these key aroma compounds. Our findings demonstrate that FaLOX11 acts as a positive regulator of C6 aldehyde and alcohol biosynthesis, thereby playing a pivotal role in determining the characteristic aroma profile of strawberry fruit. This study provides new insights into the LOX pathway in strawberry and lays a solid molecular foundation for improving strawberry flavor quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruits Quality and Sensory Analysis—2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 5955 KB

Open AccessArticle

Indigenous Endophytic Trichoderma and Streptomyces Suppress Potato Late Blight Through Direct Antagonism and Modulation of Host Defense Responses

by Noorah Alsowayeh, Farag Mohamed Farag, Munirah F. Aldayel, Zeinab Abdel Moaty, Seham M. Hamed and Ashraf Khalifa

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070899 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Background: Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, remains one of the most destructive diseases limiting potato production worldwide. Methods: This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of indigenous endophytic Trichoderma and Streptomyces isolates using an integrated approach involving antagonistic assays, molecular identification, microscopy, [...] Read more.

Background: Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, remains one of the most destructive diseases limiting potato production worldwide. Methods: This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of indigenous endophytic Trichoderma and Streptomyces isolates using an integrated approach involving antagonistic assays, molecular identification, microscopy, biochemical characterization, multivariate analyses, and two-season field trials. Results: Among 39 endophytic isolates recovered from healthy potato tissues, eight Trichoderma and two Streptomyces strains exhibited strong antagonistic activity, suppressing pathogen mycelial growth by up to 82.6%. Molecular analyses identified the most effective isolates as Trichoderma atrobrunneum, Streptomyces globisporus, and Streptomyces parvus. Microscopic observations revealed multiple antagonistic mechanisms, including hyphal coiling, penetration, deformation, and destruction of P. infestans hyphae and sporangia. Under field conditions, selected bioagents consistently reduced disease incidence and severity across two growing seasons; Trichoderma isolate T4 showed the strongest efficacy, reducing disease incidence to 3.00% and severity to 2.18%. Bioagent treatments also alleviated pathogen-induced oxidative stress, reducing malondialdehyde to 62.00 nmol g⁻¹ and modulating antioxidant enzyme activities. Principal component and heatmap analyses confirmed stable performance of top-performing treatments across seasons. Conclusions: These findings indicate that indigenous endophytic Trichoderma and Streptomyces suppress potato late blight through direct antagonism and modulation of host defense responses, highlighting their potential as sustainable components of integrated disease management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 5039 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Evaluation of the Reliability of In Situ, Real-Time Probes for Precise Determination of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in Agricultural Crops

by Elena Baldi, Maurizio Quartieri, Giacomo Chiarelli, Adriele Tassinari, Greta Nicla Larocca, Maddalena Messini and Moreno Toselli

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070898 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Reliable tools for assessing soil nutrient availability are essential for the accurate determination of fertilizer application rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of commercially available electrochemical sensors for the real-time determination of water-soluble N, P, and K in [...] Read more.

Reliable tools for assessing soil nutrient availability are essential for the accurate determination of fertilizer application rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of commercially available electrochemical sensors for the real-time determination of water-soluble N, P, and K in soil as indicators of nutrient supply to crops. The experiment was conducted under both greenhouse and field conditions using seven probe models. Four probes (designated 1–4) were equipped with three sensors for the measurement of N, P, and K. Probes 5, 6, and 7 were equipped with sensors for N, P, K, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, soil temperature, and soil moisture, although probe 7 was manufactured by a different company. Each probe was inserted into 4 L pots filled first with a clay-loam soil and subsequently with a sandy soil. The soils were irrigated with nutrient solutions containing different concentrations of N, P, and K in order to modify nutrient concentrations in the soil solution and compare sensor readings with values obtained through standard chemical analyses. The results showed no significant correlation between probe readings and soil N, P, or K concentrations in either clay-loam or sandy soils. At the same time, all probes exhibited a constant relationship among N, P, and K readings regardless of soil texture or nutrient concentration. This finding suggests that the probe algorithms rely on a single measured variable that is subsequently converted into multiple output variables using fixed conversion coefficients. In conclusion, the NPK probes tested in this study were unable to provide reliable real-time measurements of soil N, P, and K concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)

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26 pages, 12242 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Multi-Omics Profiling of Drought-Tolerant and Drought-Sensitive Grapevine Cultivars Identifies VvGRIK1 as a Conserved Drought-Responsive Regulator Associated with Redox and Bioenergetic Homeostasis

by Xiang Fang, Xiaohan Sun, Huihui Fan, Yiling Lin, Meike Wu, Wei Chen, Weidong Xu, Jinggui Fang, Lingci Ge, Wenqin Zhou, Xiangchao Shangguan and Lingfei Shangguan

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070897 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Drought stress severely limits grapevine (Vitis spp.) productivity, yet the regulatory mechanisms distinguishing drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive cultivars remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, physiological, and functional analyses to compare drought responses between the tolerant cultivar ‘Miguang’ and the [...] Read more.

Drought stress severely limits grapevine (Vitis spp.) productivity, yet the regulatory mechanisms distinguishing drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive cultivars remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, physiological, and functional analyses to compare drought responses between the tolerant cultivar ‘Miguang’ and the sensitive cultivar ‘Red Globe’, together with previously generated datasets from ‘Shine Muscat’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’. Compared with sensitive cultivars, tolerant cultivars showed stronger antioxidant capacity, lower lipid peroxidation, and more coordinated changes in pathways related to redox balance, osmotic adjustment, and energy metabolism. In ‘Miguang’, drought responses were associated with activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, accumulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and genotype-specific alternative splicing events affecting metabolic and signaling genes. Comparative analysis across four cultivars identified VvGRIK1 as a conserved drought-responsive regulator associated with redox and bioenergetic homeostasis. Heterologous overexpression of VvGRIK1 in tobacco enhanced drought-related physiological performance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing membrane damage. Yeast two-hybrid assays and molecular docking further suggested a potential interaction between VvGRIK1 and VvKING1, a SnRK1-related energy sensor. Together, these findings suggest that the VvGRIK1-SnRK1 module may contribute to drought adaptation by coordinating redox protection and energy homeostasis, providing a candidate regulatory target for future functional studies and grapevine molecular breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genomics, Genetic Diversity and Breeding Strategies of Grapevine)

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26 pages, 13839 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of Water Supply and Harvest Period on Photosynthesis-Related Traits and Phytonutrient Content of Chili Pepper Varieties

by Clarice Silva e Souza, Hussein Daood, Eszter Nemeskéri, András Neményi, Sándor Takács, Lajos Helyes and Zoltán Pék

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070896 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Global warming and uneven rainfall distribution make it necessary to study not only yield but also crop quality when growing chili peppers. The yield of four chili pepper varieties (Hetényi Parázs, Unikal, Unijol and Habanero) and the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), relative [...] Read more.

Global warming and uneven rainfall distribution make it necessary to study not only yield but also crop quality when growing chili peppers. The yield of four chili pepper varieties (Hetényi Parázs, Unikal, Unijol and Habanero) and the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), capsaicin (CAP), dihydrocapsaicin (DC) and vitamin C content during fruit ripening were investigated in an open field experiment. The experiment covered two years of cultivation (dry and rainy years), three different water supply conditions and annual harvests. The aim of the experiments was to determine the most favourable harvest time for the yield of varieties under different environments, and explore the relationship between photosynthesis-related traits (SPAD and Fv/Fm) and bioactive compounds during fruit ripening. Three irrigation treatments were used: regular irrigation (I100 corresponds to 100% ET), deficit irrigation (I50 represents half of I100) and no irrigation (I0). The water supply had less influence on the CAP content but the DC content was higher under water scarcity. Late harvest resulted in low yield and high CAP and vitamin C content but differences were observed between varieties depending on water supply. During the ripening of the fruits, a negative relationship was observed between SPAD and the levels of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, while the relationship between SPAD and vitamin C was positive. These correlations indicate that changes in SPAD during ripening are associated with changes in bioactive compounds, making it possible to identify the stages associated with better fruit quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)

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18 pages, 4126 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Plant Growth Retardants on the Miniaturization of Nymphaea ‘Black Beauty’

by Yingchun Xu, Qiong Ning, Yang Zhang, Shi Chen, Renjiao Jiang, Zhijuan Yang, Qijiang Jin and Yanjie Wang

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070895 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Tropical water lilies are a group of aquatic plants with high ornamental value and are widely favored in home gardening. However, most tropical water lily cultivars feature a large plant stature and vigorous spreading growth layout, making them unsuitable for cultivation in small [...] Read more.

Tropical water lilies are a group of aquatic plants with high ornamental value and are widely favored in home gardening. However, most tropical water lily cultivars feature a large plant stature and vigorous spreading growth layout, making them unsuitable for cultivation in small containers. Therefore, developing miniaturization cultivation techniques for tropical water lilies in small containers is required. Plant growth retardants are effective in inducing plant dwarfing and overall miniaturization. In this study, the tropical water lily cultivar ‘Black Beauty’ was used as the experimental material to explore the effects of two plant growth retardants, chlormequat chloride (CCC) and paclobutrazol (PP₃₃₃), on its growth and development, with the objective of screening optimal retardant types, application concentrations and treatment methods. The results showed that the growth rate of ‘Black Beauty’ slowed down under either CCC or PP₃₃₃ treatment, and remained stable from day 21 to day 51. Compared with the control group, treated plants presented reduced crown spread, decreased leaf area and thickened leaves; the number of flowers and leaves declined slightly, and the key ornamental morphological traits (compact plant form, moderate leaf size, normal flowering) were maintained. PP₃₃₃ exhibited a stronger dwarfing effect than CCC. When the plant growth retardants were dissolved in water for application, a 6-day treatment interval delivered better dwarfing efficacy than a 9-day interval. Among all treatments, 30 mg·L⁻¹ PP₃₃₃ applied at 6-day intervals achieved the optimal miniaturization effect. Following this treatment, the endogenous accumulation of chlorophyll, soluble protein and total sugar, together with the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT), were markedly higher than those measured in the control and all other treatment groups, whereas the endogenous accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased substantially. The contents of endogenous hormones IAA, GA₃ and ZR in all treatment groups decreased with the increase in retardant concentration, whereas the ABA content showed an upward trend. The 30 mg·L⁻¹ PP₃₃₃ treatment applied every six days induced the minimal endogenous accumulation of IAA, GA₃ and ZR, alongside the maximum endogenous ABA accumulation within plant tissues. For potted cultivation of ‘Black Beauty’ water lily, it is recommended to apply 30 mg·L⁻¹ PP₃₃₃ at 6-day intervals and use containers with an outer diameter of 30–35 cm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Floriculture, Nursery and Landscape, and Turf)

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13 pages, 13243 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Monilinia yunnanensis Causing Brown Rot Disease of Malus ‘Jinxiu’ in Shaanxi, China

by Chengnan Xu, Gaiqin Yang, Dandan Ding and Jirong Zhao

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070894 - 21 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Stone and pome fruit trees play a significant role in fruit production and consumption in China. As an economic fruit tree variety in Shaanxi Province, the cultivation area of Malus ‘Jinxiu’ has been gradually expanding. Brown rot, caused by several species of the [...] Read more.

Stone and pome fruit trees play a significant role in fruit production and consumption in China. As an economic fruit tree variety in Shaanxi Province, the cultivation area of Malus ‘Jinxiu’ has been gradually expanding. Brown rot, caused by several species of the genus Monilinia, can result in flower blight and fruit rot, leading to serious economic losses. In September 2025, brown rot symptoms were observed on Malus ‘Jinxiu’ fruits in orchards in Shaanxi Province, China. A total of 90 isolates recovered from symptomatic fruits were identified based on morphological characteristics, pathogenicity, and multi-locus sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (rDNA-ITS), β-tubulin gene (tub2), and laccase genes (lcc2). The results showed that the causal agent of Malus ‘Jinxiu’ brown rot in Shaanxi Province is Monilinia yunnanensis. Furthermore, upon artificial inoculation, M. yunnanensis isolates from both Malus ‘Jinxiu’ and ‘Fuji’ apple hosts can cross-infect and cause brown rot symptoms. At the same time, a M. yunnanensis isolate from Malus ‘Jinxiu’ showed similar virulence on five other local cultivated apple varieties. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. yunnanensis infecting Malus ‘Jinxiu’. This study provides a basis for developing field diagnosis and integrated control measures for brown rot disease of Malus ‘Jinxiu’ in Shaanxi Province, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Pathogens in Horticultural Crops)

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21 pages, 4377 KB

Open AccessArticle

Responses of Cucumber Plants to Grafting and Calcium Foliar Application in Soil and Soilless Cultivation Systems

by Mahdi Bikdeloo, Hamid Reza Abbasi, Hamid Reza Roosta, Beppe Benedetto Consentino and Pradeep Kumar

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070893 - 21 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Grafting and foliar calcium application are common practices for improving vegetable crops, but their interactions in soil and soilless cultivation systems are not well understood. To address these knowledge gaps for sustainable greenhouse cucumber production, this study investigated the effects of calcium foliar [...] Read more.

Grafting and foliar calcium application are common practices for improving vegetable crops, but their interactions in soil and soilless cultivation systems are not well understood. To address these knowledge gaps for sustainable greenhouse cucumber production, this study investigated the effects of calcium foliar application (control, 200 mg/L as nano-CaCO₃ or CaCl₂) and grafting (no grafting, grafting on Ganate rootstock or Routpower rootstock) on the growth and yield of greenhouse cucumber cv. Saba in soil and soilless systems. It should be noted that the two cultivation systems differed in several management factors (pot size, substrate, irrigation frequency, and fertilization method), and this study compares complete production packages rather than isolating individual factors. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a factorial design with four replications. The results showed that the cultivation system was the dominant factor. Soilless cultivation significantly increased shoot fresh weight (307–344 g), plant height (265–326 cm), number of fruits (36–54 per plant), and fruit yield (2.7–4.5 kg per plant) compared to soil cultivation (shoot fresh weight: 177–216 g; yield: 0.4–1.0 kg per plant). Conversely, plants grown in soil had higher leaf dry weight percentage, root dry weight percentage, chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The effects of grafting were system dependent, with non-grafted plants performing as well or better in soilless culture, while grafted plants (especially Saba/Routpower combination) showed some soil-based advantages, including greater root length. Foliar calcium did not significantly improve most parameters, indicating that standard nutrient management provided sufficient calcium or that the 200 mg/L concentration was insufficient. Under the conditions tested, ungrafted plants grown without foliar calcium supplementation in soilless culture achieved yields comparable to more complex treatments, suggesting a simpler and more cost-effective production strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Protected Culture)

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15 pages, 2559 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Temperature Management on Off-Season Flowering and Flower Quality of Vanda ‘Pakchong Blue’

by Soraya Ruamrungsri, Takonwan Sirisawad, Pornwajana Kongkeaw, Kanokwan Panjama and Chaiartid Inkham

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070892 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 334

Abstract

Blue Vanda hybrids, including Vanda ‘Pakchong Blue’, frequently fail to flower during Thailand’s hot season (March–May), resulting in reduced market supply despite strong commercial demand. This study investigated flowering behavior and the effects of temperature management on growth, flowering, and flower quality of [...] Read more.

Blue Vanda hybrids, including Vanda ‘Pakchong Blue’, frequently fail to flower during Thailand’s hot season (March–May), resulting in reduced market supply despite strong commercial demand. This study investigated flowering behavior and the effects of temperature management on growth, flowering, and flower quality of Vanda ‘Pakchong Blue’. In the first experiment, flowering behavior was examined through weekly histological observations of plants maintained under high-temperature conditions following inflorescence removal. Floral buds were initiated under high temperatures but failed to complete development and subsequently aborted. The period from floral initiation to anthesis was approximately 75 days. In the second experiment, plants were subjected to low-temperature treatments (18 ± 2 °C) for 0, 4, or 6 weeks and subsequently transferred to either an evaporative-cooling greenhouse (ECG) or a shaded greenhouse (SG). Plants grown in the ECG flowered during the off-season (March–May), whereas those grown in the SG flowered during the natural flowering season (August–September). Flowering in the ECG occurred 136–156 days earlier than in the SG and produced superior flower quality, including longer inflorescences and a greater number of florets. Exposure to 18 °C for 4 and 6 weeks delayed flowering by 24 and 45 days, respectively, but had no significant effect on vegetative growth. These findings demonstrate that successful off-season flowering and improved flower quality were primarily associated with cultivation in the evaporative-cooling greenhouse, whereas prolonged exposure to 18 °C delayed flowering without affecting vegetative growth. This study provides the first detailed characterization of floral bud development and flowering responses to different temperature-management strategies in this cultivar and highlights the potential of evaporative-cooling greenhouse technology for sustainable orchid production, climate-resilient floriculture systems, and year-round supply of high-quality flowers under tropical conditions. Full article

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

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13 pages, 904 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pesticide Contamination of Pollen in Container-Grown Blanket Flower

by Mia Cabrera, Sandra B. Wilson, Vanesa Rostán, Kevin Begcy and Patrick C. Wilson

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070891 - 20 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Pollinators, particularly bees, are essential for the reproduction of flowering plants, including ornamentals, and for maintaining ecosystem balance, benefitting gardens by supporting plant health and promoting robust flowering. However, pollinator populations are declining, with pesticide exposure recognized as one of several contributing stressors. [...] Read more.

Pollinators, particularly bees, are essential for the reproduction of flowering plants, including ornamentals, and for maintaining ecosystem balance, benefitting gardens by supporting plant health and promoting robust flowering. However, pollinator populations are declining, with pesticide exposure recognized as one of several contributing stressors. Thiamethoxam, a commonly used systemic insecticide in ornamental horticulture (and its toxic metabolite clothianidin), has been found in nectar resources at levels harmful to bees. This study evaluated the impact of different thiamethoxam application rates on pollen contamination in blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella L.), a popular source of pollen for bee pollinators. Container plants were drench-treated with low (0.30 g/L) and high (0.64 g/L) rates of thiamethoxam during the mature floral bud stage. The results show that thiamethoxam and clothianidin were present in pollen at both application rates. However, only clothianidin levels significantly increased with the application rate (p = 0.0009). When the pesticide concentrations measured in pollen were used to calculate the estimated exposure doses based on pollen consumption, the values exceeded published median lethal doses (LD50) for the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson) and buff-tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris L.), indicating substantial ecological risk. These findings underscore the potential threat posed to some pollinator species by thiamethoxam-treated ornamentals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Cultivation and Performance of Ornamental Plants)

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17 pages, 4362 KB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Light Image Enhancement Based on Optimized Semantic Contrastive Learning Application in Orchards

by Tong Guo, Zhifen Wang, Kangwen Wang, Chengzhi Ruan, Xiude Chen and Weikuan Jia

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070890 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 401

Abstract

Low-light conditions in orchards and facility agriculture hinder accurate fruit recognition. To enhance efficiency in such environments, an optimized semantic contrastive learning-based nighttime fruit image enhancement model, OSCL (Optimized Semantic Contrastive Learning), is proposed. This model integrates semantic contrastive learning for processing low-light [...] Read more.

Low-light conditions in orchards and facility agriculture hinder accurate fruit recognition. To enhance efficiency in such environments, an optimized semantic contrastive learning-based nighttime fruit image enhancement model, OSCL (Optimized Semantic Contrastive Learning), is proposed. This model integrates semantic contrastive learning for processing low-light fruit images and consists of three modules: image enhancement, semantic segmentation, and contrastive learning. First, the Zero-DCE network is used as the image enhancement network, requiring only input nighttime images for training, resulting in enhanced images through iterative processing. The semantic segmentation module employs a dual attention network (DANet), with a backbone and two parallel attention branches to capture contextual information and meet recognition needs for green fruits. Finally, the VGG-16, known for its regular structure and depth, is selected for feature extraction in the contrastive learning module, effectively analyzing low-light fruit features and preserving information on small fruits. To validate OSCL’s enhancement effect, low-light images of green fruits from apple, persimmon, and pear orchards were collected under active and passive lighting conditions. Both subjective visual assessments and objective numerical evaluations confirmed the model’s efficacy. The generalized peak signal-to-noise ratios (GPSNR) for low-light images processed by OSCL reached 16.23 dB, 15.77 dB, and 15.30 dB under active illumination, and 16.89 dB, 14.38 dB, and 14.17 dB under passive illumination. Overall, OSCL outperforms classical enhancement models, enhancing operational efficiency in low-light conditions. This method offers a theoretical basis for future research on green fruit detection and yield prediction in nighttime environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)

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17 pages, 6998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of SUS in Chinese Cabbage, Black Mustard, and Cabbage, and Their Diurnal Expression Response to Light

by Moran Xu, Bixuan Wang, Fengling Jiang, Lei Han, Zichuan Guo, Yin Lu, Dong Wang and Daling Feng

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070889 - 20 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Sucrose synthase plays a crucial role in sucrose metabolism and flower regulation. By using bioinformatics techniques, 13, 16 and 13 SUS members were identified in Brassica rapa, Brassica nigra, and Brassica oleracea, respectively. The SUS family can be divided into [...] Read more.

Sucrose synthase plays a crucial role in sucrose metabolism and flower regulation. By using bioinformatics techniques, 13, 16 and 13 SUS members were identified in Brassica rapa, Brassica nigra, and Brassica oleracea, respectively. The SUS family can be divided into three subfamilies. The SUS II subfamily has three B. nigra genes with significantly reduced motif types. The SUS III subfamily has fewer motif 2 in Arabidopsis thaliana compared to the other species. The interspecific collinearity analysis revealed a “one-to-one, many-to-one” relationship between species. KEGG revealed that Brassica nigra showed significantly higher enrichment in the metabolism pathway, while Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea exhibited higher significance in carbohydrate metabolism. GO indicated that Brassica nigra had more enriched biological process pathways than the other two species. It reveals that SUS has a higher degree of similarity between the AA genome and the CC genome, while its similarity to the BB genome is lower. The analysis of the response of BraSUSs to different light intensities revealed that the differentially expressed genes BraA07g028740.3C and BraA07g037520.3C had enhanced expression rhythms under high light intensity. Using three diploid basal species with different flowering traits (Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and black mustard) as experimental materials, we conducted a comparative analysis of the SUS gene family. This will lay the foundation for deciphering the molecular regulatory mechanism by which the SUS gene affects flowering through its influence on sucrose synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Propagation and Quality Improvement of Horticultural Plants: From Molecular Foundations to Sustainable Practices)

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17 pages, 3740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Multi-Hormone Regulation of Seed Germination in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

by Xunge Zhu, Zongliang Xu, Jichao Li, Mingju Qi and Yingmei Zuo

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070888 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 419

Abstract

Seed germination of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is intrinsically low, severely restricting its artificial propagation. Despite the known roles of ABA and GAs, the regulatory functions of other phytohormones in this process remain largely unexplored. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic and targeted [...] Read more.

Seed germination of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is intrinsically low, severely restricting its artificial propagation. Despite the known roles of ABA and GAs, the regulatory functions of other phytohormones in this process remain largely unexplored. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic profiling to systematically investigate the dynamics of 34 phytohormones and global gene expression patterns across five germination stages of P. polyphylla seeds. Seven hormones showed significant changes during germination, including auxins, melatonin, cytokinins, and jasmonate, which exhibited distinct accumulation patterns. Integrative correlation analysis further uncovered candidate genes potentially involved in hormone biosynthesis and signaling. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into the hormonal regulation of seed germination in P. polyphylla, establish a foundational framework for understanding its germination mechanisms, and offer candidate molecular targets for improving seed propagation efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)

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41 pages, 14331 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Three-Dimensional Phenotyping of Garlic Bulbs Based on Multi-View Imaging

by Yingchao Zhan, Shengjie Yang, Miao Lu, Mingxi Shao, Luyue Wang, Ruifang Fan, Shenghui Fu, Wen Zhang, Shuangxi Liu and Yudao Li

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070887 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 427

Abstract

Traditional manual measurement of garlic bulb phenotypic traits is inefficient, subjective, poorly reproducible, and may cause sample damage. To improve the adaptability of three-dimensional reconstruction to garlic bulb morphology and grading-related parameter extraction, this study developed a non-destructive phenotypic measurement workflow based on [...] Read more.

Traditional manual measurement of garlic bulb phenotypic traits is inefficient, subjective, poorly reproducible, and may cause sample damage. To improve the adaptability of three-dimensional reconstruction to garlic bulb morphology and grading-related parameter extraction, this study developed a non-destructive phenotypic measurement workflow based on multi-view image-based three-dimensional reconstruction. Four garlic materials with distinct bulb morphologies and epidermal characteristics were used to demonstrate the feasibility of the reconstruction workflow, and 40 Lanling white-skinned garlic bulbs were used for quantitative accuracy validation. Multi-view images were acquired using a high-resolution camera, a motorized turntable, and a controlled illumination system. Three-dimensional models were reconstructed using ContextCapture, and the resulting point clouds were processed in CloudCompare through cropping, denoising, downsampling, and pose correction. Maximum longitudinal diameter, maximum transverse diameter, and volume were extracted from the processed point clouds according to GB/T 45244-2025 (Grades and Specifications of Garlic) and validated against manual reference measurements. The coefficients of determination for maximum longitudinal diameter, maximum transverse diameter, and volume were 0.9935, 0.9909, and 0.9924, respectively, with RMSE values of 0.0529 cm, 0.0520 cm, and 0.8874 cm³, and MAPE values of 0.6647%, 0.7765%, and 1.9149%. Additional MAE, bias, confidence interval, and Bland–Altman analyses further supported the agreement between model-derived and manual reference measurements. These results demonstrate the feasibility of multi-view image-based three-dimensional reconstruction for non-destructive garlic bulb phenotypic measurement and provide a methodological basis for future grading-related assessment and three-dimensional phenotyping of bulbous horticultural crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)

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19 pages, 8035 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Analysis of Sugar, Organic Acid, Phytohormones, and Enzyme Activities in Developing Fruit of White- and Red-Fleshed Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

by Haishan An, Shuang Jiang, Shuigen Li, Xueying Zhang and Xiaofeng Yang

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070886 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 373

Abstract

Sweet and sour flavors are the most important indicators of loquat fruit quality; they are determined not only by variety but also by the flesh type and the concentration and change patterns of sugars, organic acids, related enzyme activities, and endogenous phytohormones. This [...] Read more.

Sweet and sour flavors are the most important indicators of loquat fruit quality; they are determined not only by variety but also by the flesh type and the concentration and change patterns of sugars, organic acids, related enzyme activities, and endogenous phytohormones. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the physiological and biochemical characteristics associated with loquat fruit flavor formation by analyzing the changes and correlation in sugars, organic acids, enzyme activities, and endogenous hormones during fruit development in the white-fleshed, high-sugar cultivar ‘Qixing’ and the red-fleshed, sour–sweet cultivar ‘Huoju’. The results indicated a significant increase in total soluble sugars and individual sugars (mainly fructose, glucose, and sucrose), and a sharp decrease in organic acids (mainly malic acid). Correlation analysis revealed that the activities of sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and phosphofructokinase (PFK) were positively associated with sugar accumulation. In contrast, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), and NAD-malate dehydrogenase (NAD-MDH) were crucial for organic acid metabolism. Phytohormone analysis indicated that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) play vital roles in fruit enlargement, while abscisic acid (ABA) is important for fruit ripening in loquats. These findings provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying loquat fruit quality formation, reveal the enzymatic or hormonal regulatory effects on sugar accumulation and acid degradation, and provide a theoretical basis for improving the fruit flavor quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Fruit Quality Formation and Regulation)

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13 pages, 639 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Attributes and Metabolites of Seedlings in the Selection of Melon Genotypes Under Water Deficit

by Cintya Mikaelly Pereira Gaia Souza, Baltazar Cirino Júnior, Francismária Freitas de Lima, Rodrigo Rafael da Silva, Marvigna Lizier de Lima Dias Laurentino, Geovanna Alicia Dantas Gomes, Anddreza Maddalena, Adriano Ferreira Martins, Clarisse Pereira Benedito, Edicleide Macedo da Silva, Fred Augusto Lourêdo de Brito, Salvador Barros Torres, José Francismar de Medeiros, Thieres George Freire da Silva and Glauber Henrique de Sousa Nunes

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070885 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 460

Abstract

The selection of genotypes with greater tolerance to water scarcity during the early stages of growth can be a promising strategy for genetic improvement, as it enables early screening and may accelerate the identification and selection of tolerant genotypes under field conditions. Therefore, [...] Read more.

The selection of genotypes with greater tolerance to water scarcity during the early stages of growth can be a promising strategy for genetic improvement, as it enables early screening and may accelerate the identification and selection of tolerant genotypes under field conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate initial seedling growth, metabolic responses, and the selection of melon genotypes under water-deficit conditions. For this purpose, seeds from twenty genotypes were subjected to two osmotic potentials induced by PEG 6000 (0.0 and −0.25 MPa), with four replicates in a completely randomized design. The variables analyzed were germination percentage, germination speed index, shoot and root length, shoot and root dry mass, total dry mass, drought tolerance coefficient, and concentrations of amino acids, total sugars, and proline. Univariate and multivariate analyses of variance were performed, and genotypes were grouped using the Scott–Knott method. Genotype classification was based on the estimated drought tolerance coefficient, which was also evaluated using the membership function value. A water deficit of −0.25 MPa negatively affected germination speed and percentage, root length, and shoot dry mass, whereas metabolites exhibited the opposite behavior. Genotypes I-136 and PI234607 were classified as drought-tolerant, genotypes A-50 and A-52 as susceptible, and genotypes A-08 and A-09 as highly susceptible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth, Development, and Stress Responses in Cucurbitaceae Crops)

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14 pages, 2714 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Prediction of Soluble Solid Content in Kumquats Using a Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network

by Xian Liu, Ling Zhang, Xiaoxin Shi, Weibin Tong and Juan Lin

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070884 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 394

Abstract

Traditional methods for detecting the soluble solid content (SSC) of kumquats are often destructive, time-consuming, and inefficient. In this study, a multi-scale convolutional neural network (MS-CNN)-based method is proposed for the rapid and non-destructive prediction of kumquat SSC. By integrating near-infrared spectroscopy (900–1700 [...] Read more.

Traditional methods for detecting the soluble solid content (SSC) of kumquats are often destructive, time-consuming, and inefficient. In this study, a multi-scale convolutional neural network (MS-CNN)-based method is proposed for the rapid and non-destructive prediction of kumquat SSC. By integrating near-infrared spectroscopy (900–1700 nm) with deep learning, 424 spectral samples of kumquats were collected and modeled using the MS-CNN framework. The proposed model adopts a multi-scale feature extraction structure inspired by the Inception architecture, which effectively enhances the representation of spectral features and reduces overfitting. Experimental results showed that the MS-CNN achieved an

R_{p}^{2}

of 0.88, an RMSEP of 0.62 °Brix, and an MAEP of 0.51 °Brix on the internal prediction set. Among the evaluated models, the MS-CNN achieved the highest

R_{p}^{2}

, while its RMSEP was comparable to that of PLSR and lower than those of SVR, BP, CNN, and BiLSTM. The proposed approach enables fast, accurate, and non-destructive prediction of kumquat SSC, providing a novel technical solution for fruit quality assessment. This work holds significant theoretical and practical value, and future efforts will focus on expanding the dataset, optimizing the network structure, exploring multi-index joint prediction, and promoting its real-world application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)

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27 pages, 3374 KB

Open AccessArticle

Calibration of AquaCrop-OSPy Model for Greenhouse Tomato Under High Temperature Conditions Based on Whale Optimization Algorithm

by Wei Zeng, Xuewen Gong, Tianli Ren, Xinyu Wu, Yanbin Li, Rangjian Qiu, Jiankun Ge, Huanhuan Li, Jiehao Liang and Sitong Chen

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070883 - 19 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Calibration of crop model parameters using optimization algorithms can substantially improve model performance, particularly under different environmental scenarios. Here, we take greenhouse drip-irrigated tomato as an example. Two temperature treatments (high temperature, TH: 35 °C ≤ T_max ≤ 40 °C; non-high [...] Read more.

Calibration of crop model parameters using optimization algorithms can substantially improve model performance, particularly under different environmental scenarios. Here, we take greenhouse drip-irrigated tomato as an example. Two temperature treatments (high temperature, TH: 35 °C ≤ T_max ≤ 40 °C; non-high temperature, TD: T_max ≤ 35 °C) and two water treatments (well watered, WH: 100%E_pan; water deficit, WD: 60%E_pan, where E_pan is the pan evaporation coefficient) were combined and implemented in 2024 and 2025. Canopy cover, yield, aboveground biomass, and water consumption of tomatoes were measured, and then a global sensitivity analysis was conducted using the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (EFAST). Thereafter, in order to evaluate the performance of AquaCrop-OSPy under different combinations of temperature and water conditions, the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) was coupled with the AquaCrop-OSPy model, and an automatic parameter optimization framework was developed using the aforementioned measured indicators as objective functions. The results showed that CC_x, Senescence_CD, CGC_CD, WP, HI₀, and K_cb were highly sensitive parameters of the AquaCrop-OSPy model across different temperature and water treatments. Compared with the traditional trial and error (TAE) method, WOA demonstrated superior global optimization capability and significantly improved model performance. Validation indicated that the root mean square error (RMSE) was ≤4.52% for canopy cover, ≤0.67 t/hm² for yield, and ≤0.98 t/hm² for aboveground biomass. Notably, even after WOA optimization, water consumption simulation under combined high temperature and water deficit conditions still showed some deviation, which was attributed to limitations in soil water simulation and the oversimplification of model mechanisms under combined stress. Nevertheless, the model remained reliable for estimating canopy cover, yield, and biomass, while ET simulation under combined stress should be interpreted with caution. Therefore, future improvements of AquaCrop-OSPy should focus on addressing the effects of soil water and refining the inhibitory feedback of physiological stress to better adapt the model to the combined conditions of high temperature and water deficit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Irrigation in Horticultural Production)

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21 pages, 1251 KB

Open AccessArticle

Grape Phenolic Composition Analysis of ‘Tempranillo Tinto’ and ‘Graciano’ Grapevine Clones

by Javier Portu, Erica Herce, Débora Martínez-Espinosa and Alicia Pou

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070882 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 432

Abstract

Climate change poses an increasing threat to viticulture sustainability, particularly in traditional wine regions, where varietal regulations restrict the adoption of new cultivars. Elevated temperature and water deficit may alter anthocyanin accumulation and the broader phenolic profile of ripening berries, directly affecting wine [...] Read more.

Climate change poses an increasing threat to viticulture sustainability, particularly in traditional wine regions, where varietal regulations restrict the adoption of new cultivars. Elevated temperature and water deficit may alter anthocyanin accumulation and the broader phenolic profile of ripening berries, directly affecting wine colour, structure, and quality. In this context, exploring intra-varietal diversity may help to identify clones with a favourable phenolic profile that could contribute to adaptation strategies within existing varietal regulations. We report the first comprehensive monomeric phenolic profiling, by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS, of grape berries from eleven Vitis vinifera L. ‘Tempranillo Tinto’ clones (two seasons) and seven ‘Graciano’ clones (three seasons), from old vineyards in La Rioja (Spain). Six phenolic classes were quantified: hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonols, flavanols, stilbenes, and anthocyanins. Multivariate analysis of variance, linear mixed-effects models, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to characterize clonal diversity. Significant clone effects were detected for all six phenolic classes in ‘Graciano’ and four in ‘Tempranillo Tinto’. In ‘Graciano’, clone GR_1250 was distinguished by elevated flavonol and anthocyanin levels, whereas GR_1265 showed the highest flavanol and hydroxybenzoic acid content. In ‘Tempranillo Tinto’, clone TT_1041 stood out for its higher flavanol and hydroxybenzoic acid concentrations, whereas TT_767 had elevated anthocyanin levels. Two to four distinct phenotypic clusters were identified within each variety. These results confirm substantial intra-varietal phenolic diversity in both cultivars and identify clonal selections with differential phenolic profiles that may be useful for quality-oriented clonal selection, particularly when integrated with agronomic, phenological, sanitary and wine-level information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on Grape Genetic Diversity)

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16 pages, 2883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Evaluation of Phenotypic Diversity and Nutritional Properties of Mango Leaves

by Jing Zhang, Changli Mao, Ni Liu, Ziyan Liu, Xiaoran Qian, Xiaoping Zhu, Jin Liu and Yingfeng Niu

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070881 - 18 Jul 2026

Viewed by 509

Abstract

Mango is a globally vital tropical commercial fruit crop boasting a sizable industry and remarkable economic benefits. Nevertheless, mango leaves, abundant in carbohydrates, polyphenols and other nutrients, remain underdeveloped in comprehensive resource exploitation. First, comparative analysis of leaf phenotypic traits and nutritional quality [...] Read more.

Mango is a globally vital tropical commercial fruit crop boasting a sizable industry and remarkable economic benefits. Nevertheless, mango leaves, abundant in carbohydrates, polyphenols and other nutrients, remain underdeveloped in comprehensive resource exploitation. First, comparative analysis of leaf phenotypic traits and nutritional quality at different developmental stages of the Guifei cultivar showed that mature leaves possessed significantly higher contents of soluble sugar, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids, as well as better comprehensive traits, indicating that the mature leaf stage is optimal for deep processing. Subsequent assays of 70 mango germplasms detected obvious differences in leaf phenotypic characteristics and nutritional quality among materials, with the coefficient of variation values ranging from 2.35% to 50.38%. Correlation analysis revealed significant intra-group correlations for leaf phenotypic indicators and antioxidant indicators, whereas the five basic nutritional indices were mutually independent. Cluster analysis classified the tested germplasms into four distinct groups with clear trait divergence and unique functional features. Five principal components were extracted from 11 leaf quantitative indices to construct a comprehensive evaluation system, which pinpointed elite accessions including Sri Lanka No.811, Nam Dok Mai, and Shuoshuai Mango, with Sri Lanka No.811 exhibiting the highest total polyphenol content. This study determines the optimal harvest period and elite germplasms for high-value utilization of mango leaves, facilitating special-purpose germplasm screening and targeted breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding and Diversity of Fruit Germplasm Resources)

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13 pages, 2255 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of the Horizontal and Vertical Positions of the PET Bioreactor for In Vitro Commercial Propagation of Vanilla

by María Karen Serrano-Fuentes, Ricardo Hernández-Martínez, Obdulia Baltazar-Bernal, Eucario Mancilla-Álvarez, Ricardo Sánchez-Páez and Jericó Jabín Bello-Bello

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070880 - 18 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Temporary immersion systems represent an efficient, biotechnology-based alternative for micropropagation. This study compares the in vitro propagation of vanilla shoots in semisolid and liquid media using a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bioreactor in both horizontal and vertical positions. During the multiplication stage, these PET [...] Read more.

Temporary immersion systems represent an efficient, biotechnology-based alternative for micropropagation. This study compares the in vitro propagation of vanilla shoots in semisolid and liquid media using a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bioreactor in both horizontal and vertical positions. During the multiplication stage, these PET bioreactors were evaluated by measuring the following development variables: chlorophyll content, stomatal density, percentage of closed stomata, and dry matter percentage. Additionally, survival percentage was evaluated during the acclimatization stage. Our findings indicate that the different culture systems exert differential effects on the evaluated variables during in vitro multiplication. Both horizontal and vertical PET bioreactors yielded a higher number of shoots per explant, as well as increased dry matter percentage, stomatal density, and closed stomata. The longest shoots, featuring more leaves and higher chlorophyll content, were achieved in the horizontal PET bioreactor. Furthermore, plantlets cultured in the PET bioreactors exhibited the highest survival rates during greenhouse acclimatization. In conclusion, the in vitro multiplication of vanilla using PET containers as temporary immersion bioreactors represents an economical and efficient alternative for the micropropagation of this species on a commercial scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Tissue Culture Techniques for Sustainable Horticulture)

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23 pages, 3982 KB

Open AccessArticle

DFR-YOLOv12n: A Lightweight Detection Method for Tomato Leaf Diseases in Natural Environments via Detail-Preserving Downsampling, Feature Fusion Enhancement, and Regression Optimization

by Yanlu Han, Yi Zhu, Tianxiang Hu, Yubin Lan, Danfeng Huang and Shuo Zhao

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070879 - 18 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Tomato leaf disease detection in natural environments is challenged by subtle early-stage symptoms, complex backgrounds, leaf occlusion, and scale variation, which can lead to missed detections, false detections, and unstable leaf localization. Meanwhile, practical agricultural applications impose higher requirements on model lightweightness and [...] Read more.

Tomato leaf disease detection in natural environments is challenged by subtle early-stage symptoms, complex backgrounds, leaf occlusion, and scale variation, which can lead to missed detections, false detections, and unstable leaf localization. Meanwhile, practical agricultural applications impose higher requirements on model lightweightness and edge-deployment capability. To address these issues, this study proposes DFR-YOLOv12n, a lightweight tomato leaf disease detection model based on YOLOv12n that integrates detail-preserving downsampling, feature enhancement, and regression optimization. First, a multi-source dataset collected in natural environments was constructed and curated, covering eight categories: bacterial spot, early blight, late blight, leaf mold, mosaic virus disease, septoria leaf spot, yellow leaf curl virus disease, and healthy leaves. Second, SPDConv was introduced into key downsampling layers to preserve fine-grained disease-related visual cues. The A2C2f_DEConv module was incorporated into the P3 feature fusion branch to enhance leaf texture and disease-related appearance features under complex backgrounds. In addition, MPDIoU was adopted to optimize bounding box regression and improve whole-leaf localization under occlusion and background interference. The optimal model configuration was determined through insertion-position, module comparison, and ablation experiments. Compared with the baseline model, DFR-YOLOv12n increased Precision, Recall, and mAP@0.5 from 86.8%, 76.9%, and 86.5% to 88.1%, 81.7%, and 88.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, FLOPs decreased from 5.83 G to 5.27 G, the parameter count decreased from 2.51 M to 2.25 M, and the model size decreased from 5.22 MB to 4.71 MB. Furthermore, the model was successfully deployed and validated on the Jetson Nano platform, demonstrating its potential for edge applications. The results indicate that DFR-YOLOv12n achieves a favorable balance among detection accuracy, model complexity, and deployment feasibility, providing a reference for intelligent tomato leaf disease detection in natural environments. Full article

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14 pages, 2230 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Light-Quality Ratios on Growth and Development of Chrysanthemum morifolium Tissue-Cultured Plantlets

by Weichao Liu, Yong Yang, Yv Zhang, Wenqian Shang, Songlin He, Yuxiao Shen, Dan He, Yinglong Song, Zheng Wang and Liyun Shi

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070878 - 17 Jul 2026

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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light-emitting diode (LED) light-quality combinations on the growth and development of Chrysanthemum morifolium tissue-cultured plantlets and to identify the optimal light-quality combinations for adventitious shoot induction and rooting. Six LED light-quality combinations consisting of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light-emitting diode (LED) light-quality combinations on the growth and development of Chrysanthemum morifolium tissue-cultured plantlets and to identify the optimal light-quality combinations for adventitious shoot induction and rooting. Six LED light-quality combinations consisting of red (R), blue (B), and far-red (Fr) light (80%R + 20%B, 70%R + 30%B, 60%R + 40%B, 80%R + 20%B + Fr, 70%R + 30%B + Fr, and 60%R + 40%B + Fr) were evaluated, with a fluorescent lamp serving as the control (CK). The responses to different light-quality combinations varied markedly between the adventitious shoot induction and rooting stages. During adventitious shoot induction, the carotenoid content, soluble protein content, and POD activity were highest under the 70%R + 30%B treatment, whereas chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and CAT activity reached their highest levels under the 70%R + 30%B + Fr treatment. The highest soluble sugar content and SOD activity were observed under the 60%R + 40%B + Fr treatment. These results suggest that the incorporation of far-red light into red–blue light combinations promoted photosynthetic pigment synthesis, photosynthate accumulation, and antioxidant capacity, thereby facilitating adventitious shoot induction. During the rooting stage, the greatest leaf number and SOD activity were observed under the 70%R + 30%B treatment, while the highest chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents were obtained under the 60%R + 40%B + Fr treatment. Plant height, leaf length, root length, fresh mass, dry mass, carotenoid content, soluble protein content, and CAT activity were highest under the 60%R + 40%B treatment. These findings indicate that red–blue mixed light effectively promoted leaf and root development, photosynthetic pigment synthesis, biomass accumulation, and maintenance of antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the 70%R + 30%B + Fr and 60%R + 40%B + Fr treatments were identified as the most suitable light-quality combinations for adventitious shoot induction, whereas the 60%R + 40%B treatment was the most suitable for rooting of C. morifolium tissue-cultured plantlets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovations in Floriculture and Medicinal Plant Production)

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15 pages, 11011 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Reframing Urban Fragmentation as Green Infrastructure: Integrating Ornamental and Aromatic Plants into Post-Socialist Landscape Design

by Sina Cosmulescu, Andreea Trif and Andreea Melinescu

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070877 - 17 Jul 2026

Viewed by 366

Abstract

Urban fragmentation represents one of the major challenges affecting post-socialist residential neighborhoods, generating underutilized spaces characterized by ecological degradation and reduced spatial cohesion. This study investigates the potential of ornamental and aromatic plants to support the regeneration of apartment courtyard spaces and their [...] Read more.

Urban fragmentation represents one of the major challenges affecting post-socialist residential neighborhoods, generating underutilized spaces characterized by ecological degradation and reduced spatial cohesion. This study investigates the potential of ornamental and aromatic plants to support the regeneration of apartment courtyard spaces and their integration into urban green infrastructure systems through the evaluation of a proposed landscape design scenario. A comparative approach was employed, combining Space Syntax analysis, expert-based ecological assessment, and perceptual–visual evaluation to compare the existing site conditions with the proposed landscape design scenario in a post-socialist residential neighborhood in Craiova, Romania. Spatial configuration was assessed using the indicators of integration, connectivity, and mean depth, while ecological and perceptual performance were evaluated through biodiversity-related indicators and the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method based on expert assessments. The proposed intervention, founded on a stratified composition of ornamental and aromatic vegetation, reduced impervious surfaces and was associated with improvements in spatial permeability, biodiversity potential, and the visual quality of the landscape. Space Syntax analysis indicated an increase in configurational performance (ΔC ≈ +41.6%), while perceptual evaluation showed higher mean expert ratings for aesthetic, functional, and sustainability attributes in the proposed design scenario compared with the existing conditions. These findings suggest that, within the limits of this case study and the applied evaluation framework, small-scale green interventions based on ornamental and aromatic plants may contribute to improving the ecological and spatial performance of fragmented urban spaces and provide a methodological framework for assessing similar regeneration projects in post-socialist residential contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Cultivation and Breeding Propagation of Ornamental and Aromatic Plants and Their Use in Landscaping Design)

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18 pages, 2062 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Dwarfing Rootstocks on Growth and Fruit Quality of ‘Fuji’ Apple

by Yong-Xu Wang, Shu-Lei Xu, Yuan-Sheng Chang, Wen-Yan Zheng, Xiao-Wen He, Xiao-Na Wang, Ping He, Hai-Bo Wang, Chuan-Zeng Wang, Lin-Guang Li, Sen Wang and Ying Wang

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070876 - 17 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Dwarfing rootstocks are widely used in apple production to control tree vigor and improve fruit quality. However, their adoption in ‘Fuji’ orchards remains limited by high production costs and unstable field performance. In this study, five rootstock materials, namely GM256, GM310, MD001, LiaoZhen [...] Read more.

Dwarfing rootstocks are widely used in apple production to control tree vigor and improve fruit quality. However, their adoption in ‘Fuji’ orchards remains limited by high production costs and unstable field performance. In this study, five rootstock materials, namely GM256, GM310, MD001, LiaoZhen 2, and Malus hupehensis Rehd (CK), were evaluated for their effects on cold tolerance, tree growth, and fruit quality in ‘Fuji’ apple. Cold tolerance was assessed using electrolyte leakage and related physiological indicators under low-temperature stress. MD001 and GM256 exhibited significantly stronger cold tolerance than the control, as indicated by lower LT₅₀ values and more favorable physiological responses (p < 0.05). Regarding tree growth, GM310 showed the weakest dwarfing effect, while LiaoZhen 2 had a relatively high proportion of long shoots, suggesting excessive vegetative growth. Meanwhile, GM256 produced the highest yield among all combinations. Principal component analysis of fruit-quality traits indicated that GM256 and GM310 performed better overall than the other combinations. In addition, GM256 produced significantly higher soluble solids, vitamin C content, and sugar–acid ratio than the control and most other rootstocks (p < 0.05). Overall, GM256 combined strong cold tolerance, a balanced shoot composition, moderate tree vigor, and high fruit quality, suggesting that it is a promising rootstock for ‘Fuji’ apple cultivation in Shandong Province. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Fruit Quality Formation and Regulation)

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23 pages, 2696 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Analysis of Main Agronomic Traits and QTL Mapping of Leaf Type in Spinach

by Lei He, Yanhai Ji, Shuang Yu and Zongwei Qian

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070875 - 17 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an important leafy vegetable crop, and its leaf characteristics are important for spinach germplasm innovation and new variety breeding. In this study, spinach inbred lines P₁ and P₂ were used as parents to construct six-generation [...] Read more.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an important leafy vegetable crop, and its leaf characteristics are important for spinach germplasm innovation and new variety breeding. In this study, spinach inbred lines P₁ and P₂ were used as parents to construct six-generation segregating populations. Based on multi-location trials, we adopted an improved analytical procedure for the major gene plus polygene mixed genetic model, and the genetic models governing leaf length, leaf width and petiole length in spinach were screened. Furthermore, a high-density genetic linkage map of spinach was constructed using re-sequencing data from 152 individuals of the F₂ population, and QTLs (quantitative trait loci) governing spinach leaf type were mapped to identify their candidate genes. The results showed that the optimal genetic model for leaf length was MX1-AD-ADI, for leaf width was MX1-AD-ADI, and for petiole length was MX2-ADI-AD. The genetic map developed from the F₂ segregating population contained 5900 bin markers assigned to six linkage groups, spanning a total genetic distance of 843.48 cM. One QTL associated with leaf length was mapped on chromosome 2 and designated qLL2-1, yet no candidate genes were identified within its candidate interval. Two QTLs controlling leaf width were mapped on chromosome 1 and chromosome 2, designated qLW1-1 and qLW2-1, respectively, and 15 genes were annotated in this candidate region. One QTL related to petiole length was located on chromosome 2 and named qPL2-1, with four genes annotated in its candidate interval. Combined with spinach genome annotation and expression-level analysis of candidate genes, the gene SOV2g023140 was identified as the candidate gene regulating spinach leaf width, which was named SpPINL2. Meanwhile, three genes regulating petiole length constituted a gene cluster FAR1-ULP-zf-GRF, designated SpFAR1-ULP-zf-GRF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Breeding and Biotechnology of Garden Plants)

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23 pages, 1907 KB

Open AccessReview

Integrating Genomic Markers and Non-Invasive Phenotyping for Early Sex Identification in Horticultural Plants: A Mechanism-Guided Framework

by Junzhu Zou, Ke Shi, Haidong Wu, Hao Shen, Yuxiao Qu, Ao Li and Junxiang Liu

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070874 - 17 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Early sex identification is essential for the propagation, cultivation, quality improvement, and germplasm management of dioecious horticultural plants and related functionally dioecious systems, particularly in perennial species with long juvenile phases. However, the reliability and transferability of sex-identification technologies depend strongly on the [...] Read more.

Early sex identification is essential for the propagation, cultivation, quality improvement, and germplasm management of dioecious horticultural plants and related functionally dioecious systems, particularly in perennial species with long juvenile phases. However, the reliability and transferability of sex-identification technologies depend strongly on the underlying sex-determining mechanism. Here, we synthesize recent advances in plant sex determination and diagnostic technologies, ranging from morphological and biochemical traits to molecular markers, high-throughput sequencing, structural-variant detection, and emerging non-invasive phenotyping. We propose that sex-identification strategies should be selected according to the biological target generated by each mechanism, including heteromorphic sex chromosomes, homomorphic sex-determining regions (SDRs), functional sex-determining genes, sex chromosome turnover, dosage-dependent systems, and environmentally labile sex expression. We further distinguish genetic, developmental, physiological, and phenotypic layers of plant sex, emphasizing that DNA markers and spectral phenotyping provide complementary information. Genomic markers and non-invasive phenotyping are expected to be consistent when genetic sex is stably expressed, but they may become inconsistent when sex expression is developmentally, hormonally, or environmentally modulated. While molecular markers remain the most reliable tools for confirmatory genotyping, Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), hyperspectral imaging, and machine learning may serve as rapid prescreening tools in large breeding populations, although their application remains at the proof-of-concept stage. Finally, we present a mechanism-guided decision framework for integrating genomic markers and non-invasive phenotyping to support early sex screening, propagation planning, planting-material optimization, and marker-assisted improvement in dioecious horticultural plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Propagation and Quality Improvement of Horticultural Plants: From Molecular Foundations to Sustainable Practices)

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Horticulturae, Volume 12, Issue 7 (July 2026) – 144 articles

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