10 pages, 236 KiB  
Article
Optimum Sterilization Method for In Vitro Cultivation of Dimorphic Seeds of the Succulent Halophyte Suaeda aralocaspica
by Yu Si 1,2, Yakupjan Haxim 1,3 and Lei Wang 1,2,*
1 State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Geography and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
3 Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040289 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7690
Abstract
Suaeda aralocaspica is an annual halophyte in the Amaranthaceae in the saline deserts of central Asia. This plant has succulent leaves and grape-like fruits and is a potential horticultural plant. To obtain the efficient sterilization method and optimal culture conditions, two types of [...] Read more.
Suaeda aralocaspica is an annual halophyte in the Amaranthaceae in the saline deserts of central Asia. This plant has succulent leaves and grape-like fruits and is a potential horticultural plant. To obtain the efficient sterilization method and optimal culture conditions, two types of seeds produced from a single plant of S. aralocaspica were treated with 75% ethanol for different time durations first, and then sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or mercury chloride (HgCl2), with five different timing treatments were used for second seed surface sterilization. Sterilized seeds were germinated on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium at different potential hydrogenation (pH) levels, to examine germination and seedling performance. The results showed that the highest germination percentage of brown seeds was 100% and that of black seeds was 17%. Thus, brown seeds were more suitable for further culture experiments than black seeds. For brown seeds, the sterilization effect of NaClO was better than that of HgCl2, based on the results of seed germination, contamination, and seedling survival. Rinsing with 75% ethanol for 60 s, sterilizing with NaClO for 8 min, and cultivating at pH 8.0 MS for 7 days was the best of all sterilization procedures and cultivation methods tested, which has been successfully applied to S. aralocaspica in vitro culture. The optimized protocol described here can be used as the reference for the Suaeda genus. Full article
21 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
Metagenomic Assessment Unravels Fungal Microbiota Associated to Grapevine Trunk Diseases
by Mariana Patanita 1,*, André Albuquerque 1, Maria Doroteia Campos 1, Patrick Materatski 1, Carla M. R. Varanda 1, Joana A. Ribeiro 1 and Maria do Rosário Félix 2,*
1 MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
2 MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & Departamento de Fitotecnia, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040288 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4268
Abstract
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are among the most important problems that affect the longevity and productivity of vineyards in all the major growing regions of the world. They are slow-progression diseases caused by several wood-inhabiting fungi with similar life cycles and epidemiology. The [...] Read more.
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are among the most important problems that affect the longevity and productivity of vineyards in all the major growing regions of the world. They are slow-progression diseases caused by several wood-inhabiting fungi with similar life cycles and epidemiology. The simultaneous presence of multiple trunk pathogens in a single plant together with the inconsistent GTDs symptoms expression, their isolation in asymptomatic plants, and the absence of effective treatments make these diseases extremely complex to identify and eradicate. Aiming to gain a better knowledge of GTDs and search sustainable alternatives to limit their development, the present work studied the fungal community structure associated with GTDs symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines, following a metagenomic approach. Two important cultivars from the Alentejo region with different levels of susceptibility to GTDs were selected, namely, ‘Alicante Bouschet’ and ‘Trincadeira’. Deep sequencing of fungal-directed ITS1 amplicon led to the detection of 258 taxa, including 10 fungi previously described as responsible for GTDs. Symptomatic plants exhibited a lower abundance of GTDs-associated fungi, although with significantly higher diversity of those pathogens. Our results demonstrated that trunk diseases symptoms are intensified by a set of multiple GTDs-associated fungi on the same plant. The composition of fungal endophytic communities was significantly different according to the symptomatology and it was not affected by the cultivar. This study opens new perspectives in the study of GTDs-associated fungi and their relation to the symptomatology in grapevines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Grapevine Trunk Diseases)
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26 pages, 71450 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic Diversity in Wild and Cultivated Date Palm (Phoenix, Arecaceae): Quantitative Analysis Using Information Theory
by Diego Rivera 1,*, Francisco Alcaraz 1, Diego J. Rivera-Obón 2 and Concepción Obón 3
1 Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
2 Université Paris-Sud, L3 Double Licence Mathématiques—Économie, Université Paris-Sud—Campus d’Orsay, 15 Rue Clemenceau, 91405 Orsay, France
3 Departamento Biología Aplicada, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Ctra. Beniel Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040287 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4280
Abstract
The quantitative study of genetic diversity requires tools to describe quantitatively and in parallel the whole phenotypic diversity in order to produce meaningful comparisons. The genus Phoenix offers examples of species with very different levels of diversity or heterogeneity. Within Phoenix, date [...] Read more.
The quantitative study of genetic diversity requires tools to describe quantitatively and in parallel the whole phenotypic diversity in order to produce meaningful comparisons. The genus Phoenix offers examples of species with very different levels of diversity or heterogeneity. Within Phoenix, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a major food crop of global relevance. The concept of information entropy was introduced by Claude Shannon; although initially intended to evaluate data communication systems, it has been used to measure biodiversity in terms of richness, evenness and dominance. In the present work, we will use it to describe heterogeneity within the different taxonomic units in the genus Phoenix. The description of the Phoenix morphological diversity in the present work is based on 596 accessions or populations belonging to 43 mutually exclusive taxonomic units (species, subspecies, varieties, landrace groups and hybrids). As Phoenix is a dioecious palm genus, female and male individuals are described separately. Each accession or sample is described using 116 characters totaling 449 states. The Shannon information entropy index allows the quantitative representation of the different levels of heterogeneity in the various taxonomic units of the genus Phoenix. Morphology, consistency and coloration of fruit and seed, followed by the inflorescences and female flowers, comprise the taxonomic characters that contribute the most to heterogeneity. Vegetative characters contribute less than the characters of the reproductive organs as a whole. Phoenix dactylifera and related Mediterranean and Macaronesian taxa present the maximum heterogeneity. Immediately afterwards we find P. loureiroi and, behind, the group of P. pusilla. At the lower limit of heterogeneity, we find species restricted in their distribution area: P. rupicola, P. theophrasti, P. roebelenii and P. acaulis. Phoenix dactylifera conforms to a complex of landraces and cultivars that coexist as phenotypically well-defined geographical groups with numerous intermediate forms and the long-distance translocation of otherwise local cultivars. This results in high heterogeneity. For the western and eastern groups of Phoenix dactylifera, it is extremely difficult to find a set of well-defined differential characters. However, some of the variables analyzed here allow us to propose a set of their respective syndromes. The high phenotypic heterogeneity in various Phoenix species is related to the genetic diversity, age and ancestry of different taxa, hybridization events and introgressions prior to domestication, and selective pressures after domestication and, again, interspecific crosses after domestication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)
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18 pages, 4104 KiB  
Article
Micropropagation of Plum (Prunus domestica L.) in Bioreactors Using Photomixotrophic and Photoautotrophic Conditions
by Diego Gago 1,2, Conchi Sánchez 1, Anxela Aldrey 1, Colin Bruce Christie 3, María Ángeles Bernal 2 and Nieves Vidal 1,*
1 Misión Biológica de Galicia Sede Santiago de Compostela, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 122, 15780 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
2 Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
3 The Greenplant Company, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040286 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4966
Abstract
In this study, we propagated two old Galician plum varieties in liquid medium using a temporary immersion system with RITA© bioreactors. Environmental variables including culture system, light intensity, CO2 enrichment, immersion frequency and sucrose supplementation were evaluated in relation to in vitro [...] Read more.
In this study, we propagated two old Galician plum varieties in liquid medium using a temporary immersion system with RITA© bioreactors. Environmental variables including culture system, light intensity, CO2 enrichment, immersion frequency and sucrose supplementation were evaluated in relation to in vitro proliferation, physiological status and ex vitro performance. Bioreactors were superior to jars for culturing shoots in photomixotrophic conditions, producing up to 2 times more shoot numbers and up to 1.7 times more shoot length (depending on the genotype) using shoot clusters. The number and quality of shoots were positively influenced by the sucrose concentration in the medium, plus by the light and gaseous environment. For individual apical sections the best response occurred with 3% sucrose, 150 µmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density and 2000 ppm CO2, averaging 2.5 shoots per explant, 26 mm shoot length and 240 mm2 leaf area, while with 50 µmol m−2 s−1 light and ambient CO2 (400 ppm) values decreased to 1.2 shoots per explant, 14 mm of shoot length and 160 mm2 of leaf area. Shoots cultured photoautotrophically (without sucrose) were successfully rooted and acclimated despite of showing limited growth, low photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, phenolic and antioxidant contents during the multiplication phase. Full article
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10 pages, 795 KiB  
Article
Postharvest Conservation of ‘BRS Nubia’ Hybrid Table Grape Subjected to Field Ultra-Fast SO2-Generating Pads before Packaging
by Beatriz Costa Dantas, Maíra Tiaki Higuchi, Aline Cristina de Aguiar, Bruna Evelise Bosso and Sergio Ruffo Roberto *
Agricultural Research Center, State University of Londrina, Celso Garcia Cid Road, km 380, P.O. Box 10.011, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040285 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2979
Abstract
The gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is the main concern for the postharvest conservation of table grapes worldwide, and the use of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the most common practice for its control. The aim of this work was to [...] Read more.
The gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is the main concern for the postharvest conservation of table grapes worldwide, and the use of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the most common practice for its control. The aim of this work was to assess the postharvest conservation of the hybrid table grape ‘BRS Nubia’ by using a new technology known as a field ultra-fast SO2-generating pad before packaging the grapes. The fruits were harvested in the 2021 season from a commercial vineyard located at Marialva, Parana, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with 4 treatments and 4 replications, and each plot consisted of 10 bunches. The treatments included: (a) control; (b) field ultra-fast SO2-generating pad (FUFR) during the 4 h before packaging; (c) dual-release SO2-generating pad (DR) during cold storage; and (d) FUFR pad during the 4 h before packaging in combination with the DR pad during cold storage. The bunches were packaged in 0.5 kg plastic clamshells and placed in carton boxes with a capacity of 10 units each. The treatments were evaluated after 30 and 45 days in cold storage (1 ± 1 °C) by means of the incidence of gray mold, shattered berries, stem browning, bunch mass loss and bleaching. After 45 days, the boxes were removed from cold storage and kept without the pads and liners for 3 days at room temperature (22 ± 1 °C), and the incidence of gray mold, shattered berries and stem browning were assessed. The use of the FUFR pad before packaging and the DR pad during cold storage, combined or not, were efficient at controlling gray mold, keeping the incidence of the disease very low. Both pads were also efficient at preventing the mass loss of grapes, but the percentage of shattered berries was lower when the FUFR pad was used. This allowed grapes to arrive already sanitized to the packing house, and no additional SO2-generating pads were needed, representing savings in economic terms for packaging operations. The stem browning, the chemical properties, and the color attributes of berries were not influenced by any treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)
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20 pages, 2745 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and miRNA Sequencing Provides Insights into the Dynamic Regulations during Flower Morphogenesis in Petunia
by Qiuxiu Yu 1,2, Xiaoling Jin 1,2, Caixian Liu 1,2,* and Yafeng Wen 1,2,*
1 College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
2 Hunan Big Data Engineering Technology Research Centre of Natural Protected Areas Landscape Resources, Changsha 410018, China
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040284 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3634
Abstract
Published genome sequences can facilitate multiple genome sequencing studies of flower development, which can serve as the basis for later analysis of variation in flower phenotypes. To identify potential regulators related to flower morphology, we captured dynamic expression patterns under five different developmental [...] Read more.
Published genome sequences can facilitate multiple genome sequencing studies of flower development, which can serve as the basis for later analysis of variation in flower phenotypes. To identify potential regulators related to flower morphology, we captured dynamic expression patterns under five different developmental stages of petunia flowers, a popular bedding plant, using transcriptome and miRNA sequencing. The significant transcription factor (TF) families, including MYB, MADS, and bHLH, were elucidated. MADS-box genes exhibited co-expression patterns with BBR-BPC, GATA, and Dof genes in different modules according to a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Through miRNA sequencing, a total of 45 conserved and 26 novel miRNAs were identified. According to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, the carbohydrate metabolic process, photosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism were significant at the transcriptomic level, while the response to hormone pathways was significantly enriched by DEmiR-targeted genes. Finally, an miRNA–RNA network was constructed, which suggested the possibility of novel miRNA-mediated regulation pathways being activated during flower development. Overall, the expression data in the present study provide novel insights into the developmental gene regulatory network facilitated by TFs, miRNA, and their target genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))
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19 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Studies on Suppression of Important Plant Pathogens by Using Pomegranate and Avocado Residual Peel and Seed Extracts
by Stefanos Leontopoulos 1,*, Prodromos Skenderidis 1, Konstantinos Petrotos 1, Chrysanthi Mitsagga 2 and Ioannis Giavasis 2
1 Laboratory of Food and Biosystems Engineering, Department of Agrotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
2 Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Department of Food Technology, University of Thessaly, End of N. Temponera Street, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040283 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3151
Abstract
Potential synergistic action of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peel (PP), avocado peel (AP), and avocado seed (AS) wastes isolated by microwave-assisted extraction were assessed in in vitro and in vivo assays as biocontrol agents against several plant pathogenic fungi. The study findings contribute [...] Read more.
Potential synergistic action of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peel (PP), avocado peel (AP), and avocado seed (AS) wastes isolated by microwave-assisted extraction were assessed in in vitro and in vivo assays as biocontrol agents against several plant pathogenic fungi. The study findings contribute to the utilization of a value-added industrial byproduct and provide significant value in advancing the development of new plant protecting compositions that benefit from the synergistic effects between two important plant species that contain several natural bioactive compounds. More specifically, the in vitro results proved that the use of 100%-pure (PP) extracted waste affected the mycelium growth of Penicillium expansum. Furthermore, mycelium growth of Aspergillus niger was decreased by 10.21% compared to control after 7 days of growth in medium agar containing 100% AP and extracted waste. Moreover, mycelium growth of Botrytis cinerea was affected by equal volume of avocado extraction wastes (50% peel and 50% seed) only at the first 3 days of the inoculation, while at the seventh day of the inoculation there was no effect on the mycelium growth. Equal volumes of the examined wastes showed decreased mycelium growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici by 6%, while Rhizoctonia solani mycelium growth was found to be the most sensitive in PP application. In addition, the in vivo assay shown that PP extract suppresses damage of tomato plants caused by R. solani followed by extracted wastes from AP. Based on the research findings, it can be argued that PP and AP extracts can be used as natural antifungals instead of dangerous synthetic antifungals to effectively treat phytopathogens that cause fruit and vegetable losses during cultivation. Full article
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12 pages, 2483 KiB  
Article
A Study of Shoot Growth, Leaf Photosynthesis, and Nutrients in ‘Lingfengjing’ Litchi Grafted onto Seedlings of Different Cultivars
by Yan Fan 1,2, Zhiyuan Li 1, Binxia Xie 1, Xiaowen Liang 1,3 and Xuming Huang 1,*
1 College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
2 Dongguan Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Dongguan 523083, China
3 Guangxi Academy of Specialty Crops, Guilin 541004, China
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040282 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2712
Abstract
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is one of the important fruit crops in southern China. ‘Lingfengnuo’ (LFN) is a new late-maturing litchi variety which has gained great popularity among consumers and growers due to its high quality and reliable productivity. However, there has [...] Read more.
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is one of the important fruit crops in southern China. ‘Lingfengnuo’ (LFN) is a new late-maturing litchi variety which has gained great popularity among consumers and growers due to its high quality and reliable productivity. However, there has been limited research on the graft compatibility of LFN on different rootstocks, which is important for selecting the optimal rootstocks for propagation, and thus application of this new cultivar. In this study, LFN scions were grafted onto one-year-old seedlings from 13 cultivars including ‘Heiye’ (HY), ‘Shakeng’ (SK), ‘Hehuadahongli’ (HHDHL), ‘Maguili’ (MGL), ‘Xiaojinzhong’ (XJZ), ‘Huaizhi’ (HZ), ‘Chenzi’ (CZ), ‘Shangshuhuai’ (SSH), ‘Baitangying’ (BTY), ‘Shuangjianyuhebao’ (SJYHB), ‘Jingganghongnuo’ (JGHN), ‘Baila’ (BL), and ‘Shuidong’ (SD). Graft success, morphology of the graft joint, shoot growth, leaf photosynthetic rate, and nutrients were compared. Graft success was highest for XJZ, HZ, BL and JGHN. Tree vigor, reflected by flush growth, was highest for HZ, followed by JGHN and BTY, but weakest for HY, SD, SJYHB, and XJZ. The stem significantly swelled above the graft joint in trees with rootstocks of HY, SD, and SJYHB seedlings; however, this did not occur in XJZ. Leaf photosynthesis displayed a similar pattern to tree vigor, and was highest for HZ and lowest for HY, SD, and XJZ. These low vigor trees produced flowers the next year after grafting. The result suggested that HZ, JGHN, and BTY seedlings as rootstock are highly compatible with LFN, while those of HY, SD, and SJYHB are poorly compatible. Rootstocks did not significantly influence the leaf N, P, and Fe, but showed significant differences in other minerals. The leaf Ca, Mg, Zn and B were lowest in the trees graft onto HZ seedlings. Based on these results, HZ seedlings are recommended as the best rootstock for the propagation of LFN; however, a supply of Ca, Mg, B and Zn fertilizers a especially needed for LFN trees on HZ seedling rootstock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Tropical Fruit Cultivation and Breeding)
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16 pages, 3594 KiB  
Article
Weather Conditions Influence on Lavandin Essential Oil and Hydrolate Quality
by Milica Aćimović 1, Biljana Lončar 2,*, Jovana Stanković Jeremić 3, Mirjana Cvetković 3, Lato Pezo 4, Milada Pezo 5, Marina Todosijević 6 and Vele Tešević 6
1 Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
2 Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
3 Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
4 Institute of General and Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 10–12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
5 Department of Thermal Engineering and Energy, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
6 Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040281 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4104
Abstract
Lavandula sp. essential oil and hydrolate are commercially valuable in various industry branches with the potential for wide-ranging applications. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of these products obtained from L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ for the first time cultivated on Fruška [...] Read more.
Lavandula sp. essential oil and hydrolate are commercially valuable in various industry branches with the potential for wide-ranging applications. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of these products obtained from L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ for the first time cultivated on Fruška Gora Mt. (Serbia) during three successive seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021). Essential oil extraction was obtained by steam distillation, and the composition and influence of weather conditions were also assessed, using flowering tops. The obtained essential oils and hydrolates were analysed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A linear regression model was developed to predict L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ essential oil volatile compound content and hydrolate composition during three years, according to temperature and precipitation data, and the appropriate regression coefficients were calculated, while the correlation analysis was employed to analyse the correlations in hydrolate and essential oil compounds. To completely describe the structure of the research data that would present a better insight into the similarities and differences among the diverse L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ samples, the PCA was used. The most dominant in L. intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ essential oil and hydrolate were oxygenated monoterpenes: linalool, 1,8-cineole, borneol, linalyl acetate, and terpinene-4-ol. It is established that the temperature was positively correlated with all essential oil and hydrolate compounds. The precipitations were positively correlated with the main compounds (linalool, 1,8-cineole, and borneol), while the other compounds’ content negatively correlated to precipitation. The results indicated that Fruška Gora Mt. has suitable agro-ecological requirements for cultivating Lavandula sp. and providing satisfactory essential oil and hydrolate. Full article
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21 pages, 5044 KiB  
Article
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation by Indigenous Fungal Complexes on the Morpho-Physiological Behavior of Argania spinosa Subjected to Water Deficit Stress
by Imane Ouallal 1, Younes Abbas 2, Houda ElYacoubi 1, Hamada Imtara 3,*, Mashail N. Al Zain 4, Mohemed Ouajdi 5, Younes El Goumi 6, Nurah M. Alzamel 7, Omar Mohammed Noman 8 and Atmane Rochdi 1,*
1 Natural Resources & Sustainable Development Laboratory, “AgroPhysiology, Biotechnology & Environment” Research Unit, Faculty of Science of Kenitra, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
2 Polyvalent Team in R&D Laboratory, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Beni-Mellal, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
3 Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Arab American University Palestine, P.O. Box 240, Jenin 44862, Palestine
4 Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
5 Forestry Research Centre, Rabat 10080, Morocco
6 Polyvalent Team in R&D, Higher School of Technology of Fkih Ben-Salah, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
7 Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
8 Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040280 - 26 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3304
Abstract
Our objective is to test selected mycorrhizal complexes to verify the contribution of mycorrhizal symbiosis as a biological tool promoting the development of the argan tree under hostile conditions. In addition, this study aims to assess the impact of soil drought caused by [...] Read more.
Our objective is to test selected mycorrhizal complexes to verify the contribution of mycorrhizal symbiosis as a biological tool promoting the development of the argan tree under hostile conditions. In addition, this study aims to assess the impact of soil drought caused by stopping watering of young argan plants inoculated with strains of fungal complexes indigenous to the species in comparison to non-inoculated plants. Under conditions of water deficit stress, the most marked reductions in fresh and dry biomass were recorded in non-mycorrhizal plants. The most negative values of leaf water potential Ψf and Ψb were also noted in non-mycorrhizal plants. On the other hand, plants inoculated with mycorrhizal Bouyzakarne inoculum were relatively less affected by watering discontinuation compared to those inoculated with mycorrhizal Argana inoculum. Water stress caused a reduction in potassium and phosphorus content in the leaves and roots of all plants. However, mycorrhizal plants exhibited the highest P and K values compared to non-mycorrhizal ones. Therefore, mycorrhization compensates for the deficit in absorption of inorganic nutrients during drought. Sodium gradually decreased in the leaves but increased in the roots, and this delocalization of Na+ ions under water deficit stress resulted in higher concentrations in the roots than in the leaves of all plants. However, the mycorrhizal plants exhibited relatively lower values of root Na+ compared to the non-mycorrhizal controls. The water deficit reduced the content of chlorophyll a and b in the leaves and the chlorophyll a/b ratio in stressed plants. The lowest chlorophyll values were recorded in non-mycorrhizal plants. The levels of proline and soluble sugars in the leaves and roots of argan plants increased in all plants, especially with the extension of the duration of stress. However, proline accumulation was higher in mycorrhizal plants, with superiority in plants inoculated with the Bouyzakarne complex in comparison with that of Argana. In contrast, the accumulation of soluble sugars was higher in non-mycorrhizal plants than in mycorrhizal plants. We concluded that with a correct choice of the symbiotic fungi complexes, AMF inoculation biotechnology can benefit argan cultivation, especially under stressful conditions in arid regions with structural drought, where native Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi levels are low. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Protected Culture)
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12 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Effects of Plastic Shed Cultivation System on the Properties of Red Paddy Soil and Its Management by Reductive Soil Disinfestation
by Liangliang Liu 1,2,3,4,*, Sha Long 1, Baoping Deng 1, Jiali Kuang 1, Kexin Wen 1, Tao Li 1, Zurong Bai 1 and Qin Shao 1,*
1 College of Life Science and Environmental Resources, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, China
2 School of Geography Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
3 Engineering Technology Research Center of Jiangxi Universities and Colleges for Selenium Agriculture, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, China
4 Zhongke Clean Soil (Guangzhou) Technology Service Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510000, China
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040279 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2507
Abstract
Red paddy soil is widely distributed in the south of China and has become an important production system for food and cash crops. However, the key factors limiting the quality of this soil type under the plastic shed cultivation system and the effective [...] Read more.
Red paddy soil is widely distributed in the south of China and has become an important production system for food and cash crops. However, the key factors limiting the quality of this soil type under the plastic shed cultivation system and the effective management strategies are still unclear. In the present study, the physicochemical and microbial properties of red paddy soil in a plastic shed (PS-Soil) and open-air (OA-Soil) cultivation systems were compared. Subsequently, reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) and organic fertilizer treatment (OF) were used to improve the soil properties in a representative PS-Soil. Results showed that the physicochemical and microbial properties in PS-Soil were significantly altered compared with those in the nearby OA-Soil, and those differences were primarily dominated by the cultivation system rather than the sampling site. Specifically, the electrical conductivity (EC) and available nutrients (NO3-N, NH4+-N, available K, and available P) contents, as well as the abundances of fungi, potential fungal soil-borne pathogens (F. oxysporum and F. solani), and fungi/bacteria were significantly increased in PS-Soil. In addition, the OF treatment could not effectively improve the above-mentioned soil properties, which was mainly reflected by that soil EC and the abundances of potential fungal soil-borne pathogens were considerably increased in the OF-treated soil. In contrast, soil EC and NO3-N content, the abundances of fungi, F. oxysporum, F. solani, and fungi/bacteria were remarkably decreased by 76%, 99%, 98%, 92%, 73%, and 85%, respectively. Moreover, soil pH, the abundance of bacteria, total microbial activity, metabolic activity, and carbon source utilization were significantly increased in the RSD-treated soil. Collectively, red paddy soil is significantly degraded under the plastic shed cultivation system, and RSD rather than OF can effectively improve the quality of this soil type. Full article
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16 pages, 3787 KiB  
Article
Quality Characteristics of Oolong Tea Products in Different Regions and the Contribution of Thirteen Phytochemical Components to Its Taste
by Zhihui Wang 1, Shuang Gan 1, Weijiang Sun 1,* and Zhidan Chen 1,2,*
1 College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
2 Anxi College of Tea Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040278 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 8256
Abstract
Regionality is a term used in the tea industry to describe the particular style of tea produced by a growing region. Determining the characteristics of the tea of specific regions can help growers predict tea plant quality before harvesting and eventually production. As [...] Read more.
Regionality is a term used in the tea industry to describe the particular style of tea produced by a growing region. Determining the characteristics of the tea of specific regions can help growers predict tea plant quality before harvesting and eventually production. As such, in this study, we collected representative Oolong tea samples from 15 regions in 8 countries. Quantitative description analysis (QDA) and a flavor wheel were used to analyze their sensory characteristics. Chemometrics was used to screen the phytochemical components that significantly contribute to the taste of Oolong tea. We preliminarily obtained 35 sensory characteristic descriptors and constructed a flavor wheel for Oolong tea. We found that Oolong tea in each region has unique sensory quality characteristics. The content of thirteen phytochemical components of Oolong tea in different regions widely varied, and the average coefficient of variation was 45.56%. Among of them, we found the largest difference in free amino acids. We identified the relationship between taste sub-attributes, and the thirteen phytochemical components was found through correlation analysis. Finally, we selected phytochemical components with significant effects on five taste sub-attributes that were selected from the thirteen detected phytochemical components. The construction of the Oolong tea flavor wheel can help realize the qualitative and quantitative sensory evaluation of Oolong tea from different origins and contribute to the quality identification and directional improvement of Oolong tea products. Full article
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13 pages, 1052 KiB  
Article
Insight into the Aroma Profile and Sensory Characteristics of ‘Prokupac’ Red Wine Aromatised with Medicinal Herbs
by Svetlana H. Lakićević 1, Ivana T. Karabegović 1, Dragan J. Cvetković 1, Miodrag L. Lazić 1, Rade Jančić 2 and Jelena B. Popović-Djordjević 2,*
1 Faculty of Technology, University in Niš, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia
2 Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040277 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3420
Abstract
Autochthones grape variety of ‘Prokupac’ (Vitis vinifera L.) is being increasingly cultivated in the Republic of Serbia and is one of the predominant varieties in the vineyards of southern Serbia. ‘Prokupac’ grapes are used to produce red wine with specific and distinctive [...] Read more.
Autochthones grape variety of ‘Prokupac’ (Vitis vinifera L.) is being increasingly cultivated in the Republic of Serbia and is one of the predominant varieties in the vineyards of southern Serbia. ‘Prokupac’ grapes are used to produce red wine with specific and distinctive varietal aromatic characteristics. Medicinal herbs can be effectively combined in alcoholic beverages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of medicinal herbs on the aroma profile and sensory characteristics of ‘Prokupac’ red wine. The analysis of the aromatic composition was conducted on ‘Prokupac’ wine (control) and ‘Prokupac’ wine aromatised with selected medicinal herbs: anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). The analysis of volatile aromatic compounds in the wines, performed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method, identified 48 compounds that were classified in the following groups: alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, ethyl esters and terpenes. Sensory analysis of wines was performed including visual, olfactory, gustatory and gustatory-olfactory perceptions. Terpenes were not identified in the ‘Prokupac’ control wine, while the highest content of all identified aromatic compounds was found in wines aromatised with anise, wormwood and cinnamon. The results indicated that selected medicinal herbs affected the composition and content of volatile aromatic compounds, as well as the sensory characteristics of analyzed wines. The unique aroma profile and pleasant taste of the wine aromatised with cinnamon contributed to its differentiation from other wines, and classification as very good wine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grape Secondary Metabolites and Wine Evaluation)
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19 pages, 8039 KiB  
Review
Insights into Factors Controlling Adventitious Root Formation in Apples
by Muhammad Mobeen Tahir 1,†, Jiangping Mao 1,†, Shaohuan Li 1, Ke Li 1, Yu Liu 1, Yun Shao 1, Dong Zhang 1,* and Xiaoyun Zhang 1,2,*
1 College of Horticulture, Yangling Sub-Center of National Center for Apple Improvement, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
2 Agricultural College, The Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization in Xinjiang Production and Construction Group, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040276 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4747
Abstract
Adventitious root (AR) formation is required for the vegetative propagation of economically important horticultural crops, such as apples. Asexual propagation is commonly utilized for breeding programs because of its short life cycle, true-to-typeness, and high efficiency. The lack of AR formation from stem [...] Read more.
Adventitious root (AR) formation is required for the vegetative propagation of economically important horticultural crops, such as apples. Asexual propagation is commonly utilized for breeding programs because of its short life cycle, true-to-typeness, and high efficiency. The lack of AR formation from stem segments is a barrier to segment survival. Therefore, understanding the AR regulatory mechanisms is vital for the prolonged and effective use of biological resources. Several studies have been undertaken to comprehend the molecular and physiological control of AR, which has greatly extended our knowledge regarding AR formation in apples and other crops. Auxin, a master controller of AR formation, is widely used for inducing AR formation in stem cutting. At the same time, cytokinins (CKs) are important for cell division and molecular reprograming, and other hormones, sugars, and nutrients interact with auxin to control excision-induced AR formation. In this review, we discuss the present understandings of ARs’ formation from physiological and molecular aspects and highlight the immediate advancements made in identifying underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of ARs. Despite the progress made in the previous decades, many concerns about excision-induced AR formation remain unanswered. These focus on the specific functions and interactions of numerous hormonal, molecular, and metabolic components and the overall framework of the entire shoot cutting in a demanding environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Fruit Trees)
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15 pages, 3127 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Young Shoot Population, Yield, and Nitrogen Demands of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Harvested under Different Standards
by Lizhi Long, Yuanzhi Shi, Lifeng Ma and Jianyun Ruan *
1 Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Tea Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou 310008, China
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040275 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3348
Abstract
The quality of green tea is greatly influenced by the harvest standards for young shoots. The present field experiment was conducted to characterize the young shoot populations, yields, and nitrogen (N) demands of tea plants subjected to four different harvest standards, i.e., buds [...] Read more.
The quality of green tea is greatly influenced by the harvest standards for young shoots. The present field experiment was conducted to characterize the young shoot populations, yields, and nitrogen (N) demands of tea plants subjected to four different harvest standards, i.e., buds with one, two, or three young expanding leaves (referred to as B1L, B2L, and B3L, respectively) and a combination of B1L and B3L (B1L/B3L) throughout the year. Weight per shoot was closely related to the number of expanding leaves and was greater in B3L than B1L and B2L, and also greater in summer and autumn than in spring, whereas B1L revealed the greatest young shoot density and highest N concentration. Annual shoot yield and shoot N content were largest in B3L and decreased in the following order: B3L > B2L ≈ B1L/B3L > B1L. However, in the early spring the shoot density, yield, and shoot N content of B1L were much higher than those of B3L. The harvest of B3L significantly reduced the biomass of brown roots and its ratio against the above-ground biomass compared to other harvest standards, suggesting a decreased allocation of carbon to the root system due to seasonal removal. The N dilution curve (Nys = a × Yysb, where Nys is the shoot N content and Yys is the shoot yield) of spring tea differed markedly from those of summer and autumn teas, suggesting different coordination properties for shoot growth and N supply among the seasons. The annual harvest index (NHI) measured by 15N traces ranged between 0.18 and 0.23, indicating relatively low N allocation to young shoots, whereby large proportions (58.2–66.9% of the total 15N absorption) remained in the plant at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, the seasonal distribution of the shoot density, weight per shoot, yield, and N demands vary with harvest standards and highlight the importance of N precision management in tea production to be finely tuned to meet the changes in harvest season and requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tea Plant Biology and Tea Quality Regulation)
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