Previous Issue
Volume 5, April
 
 

Crops, Volume 5, Issue 3 (June 2025) – 12 articles

  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
35 pages, 2926 KiB  
Article
The Morphological and Ecogeographic Characterization of the Musa L. Collection in the Gene Bank of INIAP, Ecuador
by Nelly Avalos Poaquiza, Ramiro Acurio Vásconez, Luis Lima Tandazo, Álvaro Monteros-Altamirano, César Tapia Bastidas, Sigcha Morales Franklin, Marten Sørensen and Nelly Paredes Andrade
Crops 2025, 5(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030034 - 3 Jun 2025
Abstract
The genus Musa L. is one of the most important genera worldwide due to its use in food as a source of carbohydrates. A morphological characterization was performed to evaluate the potential of 100 accessions of Musa spp. from the Amazon region of [...] Read more.
The genus Musa L. is one of the most important genera worldwide due to its use in food as a source of carbohydrates. A morphological characterization was performed to evaluate the potential of 100 accessions of Musa spp. from the Amazon region of Ecuador, applying 73 qualitative and quantitative descriptors in addition to the ecogeographic characterization. The multivariate analyses identified four large groups: The first is composed of the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Hartón Plantain” and the “Cuerno Clone”. The second group is composed of the Musa acuminata Colla ecotype “Orito”. The third group is composed of the Musa acuminata ecotype “Malay plantain or red plantain”; and the fourth group is composed of the Musa × paradisiaca L. AAB ecotype “Barraganete” and banana or banana materials and the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Plátano Dominico”. The qualitative descriptors with the highest discriminant value were the shape of the ♂ floret bud, the appearance of the rachis, and the pigmentation of the compound tepal, and the quantitative discriminant characters were the height of the pseudostem, the length of the leaf blade, the width of the leaf blade, and the weight of the raceme. The analysis with CAPFITOGEN of these 100 accessions through the ecogeographic characterization map identified 23 categories, highlighting category 20 with a coverage of 40.35%, which mainly includes the provinces of Orellana, Sucumbíos, part of Napo, Pastaza, and Morona Santiago. This category occurs within an annual temperature range between 21.6 °C and 27 °C, an apparent density of 1.25 to 1.44 g cm−3, and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 4 to 29 Cmol kg−1. The morphological characterization of 100 Musa accessions revealed significant phenotypic variability, with four distinct morphological groups identified through cluster analysis. Key differences were observed in traits such as bunch weight, fruit length, and vegetative vigor. This variability highlights the potential of certain accessions for use in genetic improvement programs. The findings contribute valuable information for the efficient conservation, selection, and utilization of the Musa germplasm in Ecuadorian agroecosystems. The results demonstrate the existence of an important genetic variability in the INIAP Musa Germplasm Bank in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2406 KiB  
Article
The Composition of Essential Oils and the Content of Saponins in Different Parts of Gilia capitata Sims
by Ain Raal, Jaan Liira, Martin Lepiku, Tetiana Ilina, Alla Kovalyova, Pavel Strukov, Andriy Gudzenko and Oleh Koshovyi
Crops 2025, 5(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030033 - 2 Jun 2025
Viewed by 75
Abstract
Bluehead gilia or bluefield gilia (Gilia capitata Sims, Polemoniaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant widely distributed in the western regions of North America but cultivated as an ornamental flower in various regions to support pollinators. The comprehensive chemical composition of this plant [...] Read more.
Bluehead gilia or bluefield gilia (Gilia capitata Sims, Polemoniaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant widely distributed in the western regions of North America but cultivated as an ornamental flower in various regions to support pollinators. The comprehensive chemical composition of this plant has not been previously reported. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained by hydrodistillation from different parts of the gilia plants. The yield of EOs ranged from 0.42 to 1.97 mL/kg, with the largest yields being obtained from the seeds; smaller yields obtained from the flowers, fruits, and leaves; and the lowest quantity obtained from the stems, roots, and shells. Using the GC-MS method, we identified 116 compounds. Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone was dominant in most parts of the G. capitata. The EO of flowers was dominated by hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (19.1%), fruits by hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (18.2%), seeds by hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (15.2%), fruit by (+)-epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (15.4%), leaves by phytol (23.3%), stems by isomanool (8.3%), and roots by (-)-myrtenol (25.7%). Triterpenoid saponins were identified, and 21 compounds were quantified (by HPLC). Saponin levels were high in aerial parts (excluding stems) and the lowest in plant roots. Based on the contents of EO and saponins, the aerial parts of G. capitata may have pharmaceutical properties, but saponins might be the main value of G. capitata. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1282 KiB  
Article
Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc Fertilization on Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Tigray Highlands of Northern Ethiopia
by Mulugeta Sebhatleab, Girmay Gebresamuel, Gebreyohannes Girmay, Yemane Tsehaye and Mitiku Haile
Crops 2025, 5(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030032 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
Wheat is a vital staple crop addressing significant nutritional needs. However, it faces micronutrient deficiencies in Ethiopia, prompting the use of balanced nutrient fertilizers to obtain better yields, nutrient concentration, and nutritional quality. This study investigated the effect of different P and Zn [...] Read more.
Wheat is a vital staple crop addressing significant nutritional needs. However, it faces micronutrient deficiencies in Ethiopia, prompting the use of balanced nutrient fertilizers to obtain better yields, nutrient concentration, and nutritional quality. This study investigated the effect of different P and Zn fertilizer combinations on wheat yield and nutrient use efficiency across three locations in Tigray, Ethiopia. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with four P levels (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg P ha⁻1), and three Zn levels (0, 5, and 10 kg Zn ha⁻1) in three replications. A balanced application of P and Zn fertilizers significantly increased wheat grain and biomass yields, while applying higher rates of both nutrients (i.e., 30 kg P ha⁻1 and 10 kg Zn ha⁻1) reduced yields. The combined application of 20 kg P ha⁻1 and 5 kg Zn ha⁻1 achieved the best yield, which also improved Zn use efficiency. Increasing Zn application (from 5 to 10 kg Zn ha⁻1) while reducing P (from 20 to 10 kg P ha⁻1) enhanced Zn concentration in wheat grain. These findings highlight the importance of carefully managing P and Zn fertilization to optimize grain yield and Zn bioavailability, contributing to improved food security in diverse agro-climatic conditions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1207 KiB  
Article
Can We Teach Machines to Select Like a Plant Breeder? A Recommender System Approach to Support Early Generation Selection Decisions Based on Breeders’ Preferences
by Sebastian Michel, Franziska Löschenberger, Christian Ametz, Herbert Bistrich and Hermann Bürstmayr
Crops 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030031 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Plant breeding is considered to be the science and art of genetically improving plants according to human needs. Breeders in this context oftentimes face the difficult task of selecting among thousands of genotypes for dozens of traits simultaneously. Using a breeder’s selection decisions [...] Read more.
Plant breeding is considered to be the science and art of genetically improving plants according to human needs. Breeders in this context oftentimes face the difficult task of selecting among thousands of genotypes for dozens of traits simultaneously. Using a breeder’s selection decisions from a commercial wheat breeding program as a case study, this study investigated the possibility of implementing a recommender system based on the breeder’s preferences to support early-generation selection decisions in plant breeding. The target trait was the retrospective binary classification of selected versus non-selected breeding lines during a period of five years, while the selection decisions of the breeder were predicted by various machine learning models. The explained variance of these selection decisions was of moderate magnitude (ρSNP2 = 0.45), and the models’ precision suggested that the breeder’s selection decisions were to some extent predictable (~20%), especially when some of the pending selection candidates were part of the training population (~30%). Training machine learning algorithms with breeders’ selection decisions can thus aid breeders in their decision-making processes, particularly when integrating human and artificial intelligence in the form a recommender system to potentially reduce a breeder’s effort and the required time to find interesting selection candidates. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 13365 KiB  
Article
Apple Cultivar Responses to Fungal Diseases and Insect Pests Under Variable Orchard Conditions: A Multisite Study
by Paula A. Morariu, Adriana F. Sestras, Andreea F. Andrecan, Orsolya Borsai, Claudiu Ioan Bunea, Mădălina Militaru, Catalina Dan and Radu E. Sestras
Crops 2025, 5(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030030 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Evaluating cultivar susceptibility to biotic stressors in apple orchards is essential for selecting genotypes adapted to local conditions and for designing effective plant protection strategies. This study conducted a comparative assessment of five apple cultivars (‘Florina’, ‘Jonathan’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Pinova’, and ‘Idared’) in [...] Read more.
Evaluating cultivar susceptibility to biotic stressors in apple orchards is essential for selecting genotypes adapted to local conditions and for designing effective plant protection strategies. This study conducted a comparative assessment of five apple cultivars (‘Florina’, ‘Jonathan’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Pinova’, and ‘Idared’) in response to major fungal diseases (Venturia inaequalis, Podosphaera leucotricha, and Monilinia spp.) and insect pests (Eriosoma lanigerum, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Anthonomus pomorum, Aphis spp., and Cydia pomonella). The cultivars were monitored over a five-year period in six orchards located in Central Transylvania, Romania. Significant differences in phytosanitary behavior were recorded among cultivars and locations. ‘Florina’ consistently showed the highest tolerance to pathogens and pests across all sites and years, while ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ proved highly susceptible, particularly to apple scab, powdery mildew, aphids, and codling moth. Pest incidence was strongly influenced by temperature, while disease occurrence was more closely linked to precipitation patterns. Heritability analysis indicated that genetic factors played a substantial role in shaping cultivar responses to most biotic stressors. The integrated approach to cultivar–location–pathogen and pest interactions offers practical insights for optimizing orchard protection strategies under variable ecological conditions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2083 KiB  
Review
Role of Seaweeds for Improving Soil Fertility and Crop Development to Address Global Food Insecurity
by Ali Rafi Yasmeen, Theivanayagam Maharajan, Ramakrishnan Rameshkumar, Subbiah Sindhamani, Balan Banumathi, Mayakrishnan Prabakaran, Sundararajan Atchaya and Periyasamy Rathinapriya
Crops 2025, 5(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030029 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Seaweeds and their derived products have long been valued in organic agriculture, serving roles in biofertilizers, biostimulants, and soil conditioners due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. With increasing concerns over the negative impacts of synthetic agrochemicals on food security and environmental [...] Read more.
Seaweeds and their derived products have long been valued in organic agriculture, serving roles in biofertilizers, biostimulants, and soil conditioners due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. With increasing concerns over the negative impacts of synthetic agrochemicals on food security and environmental health, seaweeds offer a sustainable alternative for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This review synthesizes recent findings on the use of seaweeds to enhance soil physicochemical properties, stimulate beneficial microbial activity, and improve nutrient availability. Furthermore, it highlights how seaweed applications can mitigate various abiotic stresses, such as droughts, salinity, and nutrient deficiency, by enhancing antioxidant defenses and promoting physiological and biochemical resilience in plants. Key agronomic benefits include improved seed germination, root development, photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and yield performance. By acting as natural soil amendments, seaweeds support sustainable soil management and contribute to long-term agricultural resilience. This review emphasizes the urgent need for standardized application strategies and integrated research to unlock the full potential of seaweed-based solutions in sustainable farming systems. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 10515 KiB  
Article
Fipexide Rapidly Induces Callus Formation in Medicago sativa by Regulating Small Auxin Upregulated RNA (SAUR) Family Genes
by Wenxuan Zhao, Siyang Li, Bo Lan, Yunpeng Gai, Fang K. Du and Kangquan Yin
Crops 2025, 5(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030028 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
The small-molecule compound fipexide (FPX) has been shown to promote callus formation in several plants, but its effects on forage crops remain unexplored, and its molecular mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, we evaluated FPX-induced callus formation from seeds for [...] Read more.
The small-molecule compound fipexide (FPX) has been shown to promote callus formation in several plants, but its effects on forage crops remain unexplored, and its molecular mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, we evaluated FPX-induced callus formation from seeds for up to four weeks in four elite cultivars of Medicago sativa, finding it to be faster than the classical 2,4-D/6-BA treatment for the first two weeks. Notably, the cellular organization of FPX-induced calli differed from those induced by 2,4-D/6-BA by showing almost no conducting tissues. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed dynamic gene expression changes during the early and late stages of callus induction, such as multicellular organism development and response to auxin. Interestingly, in both M. sativa and Arabidopsis, FPX regulates a group of small auxin upregulated RNA (SAUR) family genes, which are known to fine-tune growth in response to internal and external signals. This suggests a potential evolutionary conserved molecular mechanism underlying FPX-induced callus formation across plant species. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 1810 KiB  
Article
Zeolite and Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Performance, Lint Yield, and Fiber Quality of Cotton Cultivated in the Mediterranean Region
by Ioannis Roussis, Antonios Mavroeidis, Panteleimon Stavropoulos, Konstantinos Baginetas, Panagiotis Kanatas, Konstantinos Pantaleon, Antigolena Folina, Dimitrios Beslemes and Ioanna Kakabouki
Crops 2025, 5(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030027 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
The continuous provision of nitrogen (N) to the crop is critical for optimal cotton production; however, the constant and excessive application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse impacts on soil, plants, animals, and human health. The current study focused on the short-term effects (one-year [...] Read more.
The continuous provision of nitrogen (N) to the crop is critical for optimal cotton production; however, the constant and excessive application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse impacts on soil, plants, animals, and human health. The current study focused on the short-term effects (one-year study) of adding different rates of clinoptilolite zeolite, as part of an integrated nutrient management plan, and different rates of inorganic N fertilizer to improve soil and crop performance of cotton in three locations (ATH, MES, and KAR) in Greece. Each experiment was set up according to a split-plot design with three replications, three main plots (zeolite application at rates of 0, 5, and 7.5 t ha−1), and four sub-plots (N fertilization regimes at rates of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1). The results of this study indicated that increasing rates of the examined factors increased cotton yields (seed cotton yield, lint yield, and lint percentage), with the greatest lint yield recorded under the highest rates of zeolite (7.5 t ha−1: 1808, 1723, and 1847 kg ha−1 in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively) and N fertilization (200 kg N ha−1: 1804, 1768, and 1911 kg ha−1 in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively). From the evaluated parameters, most soil parameters (soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, and total porosity), root and shoot development (root length density, plant height, leaf area index, and dry weight), fiber maturity traits (micronaire, maturity, fiber strength, and elongation), fiber length traits (upper half mean length, uniformity index, and short fiber index), as well as color (reflectance and spinning consistency index) and trash traits (trash area and trash grade), were positively impacted by the increasing rates of the evaluated factors. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggest that increasing zeolite and N fertilization rates to 7.5 t ha−1 and 200 kg N ha−1, respectively, improved soil properties (except mean weight diameter), stimulated crop development, and enhanced cotton and lint yield, as well as improved the fiber maturity, length, and color parameters of cotton grown in clay-loam soils in the Mediterranean region. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4054 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Nutritional, Physicochemical, Technological–Functional, and Structural Properties and Antioxidant Compounds of Corn Kernel Flours from Native Mexican Maize Cultivated in Jalisco Highlands
by Luis Alfonso Hernández-Villaseñor, Salvador Hernández-Estrada, Víctor Manuel Gómez-Rodríguez, Humberto Ramírez-Vega, Zuamí Villagrán, Araceli Ortega-Martínez, Efigenia Montalvo-González, José Martín Ruvalcaba-Gómez, Napoleón González-Silva and Luis Miguel Anaya-Esparza
Crops 2025, 5(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030026 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Maize plays a crucial role in global nutrition and food security, with Mexico making a significant contribution through its diverse native corn genotypes. However, research on flours derived from these native maize genotypes remains limited, hindering their potential applications in food manufacturing. This [...] Read more.
Maize plays a crucial role in global nutrition and food security, with Mexico making a significant contribution through its diverse native corn genotypes. However, research on flours derived from these native maize genotypes remains limited, hindering their potential applications in food manufacturing. This study aimed to determine the nutritional, physicochemical, techno-functional, structural, and antioxidant properties of corn kernel flours from nine native Mexican maize accessions cultivated in the highlands of Jalisco. Enough cobs for each maize accession were randomly selected to yield 1000 g of corn kernels. Data analysis was conducted by analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests (α = 0.05). Moreover, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were performed. Native corn kernel flour (NCKF) demonstrated higher protein and fat content compared to white hybrid corn flour (WHF). While both flours showed similar pH, titratable acidity, and water activity levels, NCKF exhibited higher total soluble solids. Additionally, NCKF showed superior techno-functional properties, including water solubility, water absorption index, swelling power, emulsifying capacity, and foaming capacity, while its oil absorption index was comparable to that of WHF. Moreover, NCKF contained higher levels of bioactive compounds, such as soluble phenols, condensed tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, along with enhanced antioxidant properties, as measured by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. FTIR analysis revealed that all NCKF samples exhibited patterns similar to those of WHF with differences in transmittance intensities. Notably, spectral differences were identified by PCA, while HCA demonstrated that corn flours exhibited similitudes and differences among them, which can be categorized into four groups based on their nutritional, physicochemical, and technological–functional properties, as well as antioxidant compound contents. Overall, the evaluated corn flours displayed nutritional, physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties for the potential development of functional or nutraceutical food and beverage products. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1634 KiB  
Communication
The Impact of Planting Density and Intermediate Skips on Grain Sorghum Yields
by Ifekristi Benson, Josh Lofton, Josie Rice and Brenna Cannon
Crops 2025, 5(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030025 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 199
Abstract
Planting density can influence the growth and potential yield of grain sorghum systems, particularly in resource-limited environments. Therefore, documenting the sorghum’s response to different planting densities is essential for understanding crop behavior in relation to optimal yields. A study was conducted in Lahoma [...] Read more.
Planting density can influence the growth and potential yield of grain sorghum systems, particularly in resource-limited environments. Therefore, documenting the sorghum’s response to different planting densities is essential for understanding crop behavior in relation to optimal yields. A study was conducted in Lahoma and Perkins, Oklahoma, in 2019 and 2020 to assess the impact of varying planting densities and within-row planting in-row gaps. Planting density varied from 43,225 to 223,500 plants ha−1. Three additional treatments were implemented at 148,000 plants ha−1 with 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m gaps. An increase in plant density resulted in higher yields at Lahoma in 2019. However, at Perkins in 2019 and 2020, yields were optimized at 148,000 and 111,000 plants ha−1, respectively, and decreased as planting densities diminished. In-row gaps of 0.3 and 0.6 m did not significantly affect yields across all site-years; however, at Perkins, the 0.9 m gap significantly reduced yields compared to stands without gaps in both years. Overall, a direct relationship was observed between sorghum yields and planting density. Further evaluation of in-row gaps and how planting management should be adjusted is warranted based on the presented information. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 3741 KiB  
Article
Proximate Composition and Nutritional Indices of Fenugreek Under Salinity Stress: The Role of Biocyclic Vegan and Other Organic Fertilization Systems in Forage Quality
by Antigolena Folina, Ioanna Kakabouki, Panteleimon Stavropoulos, Antonios Mavroeidis, Eleni Tsiplakou and Dimitrios Bilalis
Crops 2025, 5(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030024 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an emerging forage crop known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, making it a promising alternative in sustainable livestock feeding systems in the Mediterranean region. A field experiment was established at the [...] Read more.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an emerging forage crop known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, making it a promising alternative in sustainable livestock feeding systems in the Mediterranean region. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the growing season 2020–2021 in a split-plot design with five fertilization treatments (Biocyclic-Vegan Humus Soil; BHS, Farmyard Manure; FMA, Organic Compost; OCP, Inorganic Fertilizer; IFZ, and No Treatment Control; CTRL, and two main salinity treatments (High Salinity Level; HSL, and Normal Salinity Level; NSL). The Forage Quality Index (FQI) was the highest under BHS at NSL (45) and lowest under CTRL at HSL (32), emphasizing the positive impact of organic fertilization. Crude ash (CA) was higher under NSL (9.7%), with OCP and IFZ performing best, while salinity reduced CA under CTRL. Crude fiber (CF) increased under salinity, particularly with OCP and IFZ, whereas BHS and FMA at NSL showed the lowest CF (15.8%), enhancing digestibility. Total fat (TF) was the highest under BHS and FMA at NSL (5.8%) and lowest under IFZ and CTRL at HSL (4.0%), underscoring the importance of balanced fertilization in maintaining fat content. These results highlight the potential of organic amendments to improve nutrient availability, digestibility, and overall feed value. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1187 KiB  
Article
Effect of Plant Biostimulants on Beetroot Seed Productivity, Germination, and Microgreen Quality
by Nadezhda Golubkina, Vladimir Zayachkovsky, Maria Markarova, Mikhail Fedotov, Andrey Alpatov, Lyubov Skrypnik, Sergei Nadezhkin, Otilia Cristina Murariu, Alessio Vincenzo Tallarita and Gianluca Caruso
Crops 2025, 5(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5030023 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Seed productivity and quality are the bases of modern agriculture. To determine the optimal conditions in terms of seed production and quality, the effect of foliar plant biostimulant treatments (at the beginning and in the middle of the peduncle formation phase and at [...] Read more.
Seed productivity and quality are the bases of modern agriculture. To determine the optimal conditions in terms of seed production and quality, the effect of foliar plant biostimulant treatments (at the beginning and in the middle of the peduncle formation phase and at the beginning of flowering) based on amino acids (Multimolig M and Aminosil), silicon (Si) (Siliplant), selenium (nano-Se), a Rhodotorula glutinis soil yeast formulation, and a fertilizer (Wuxal Macromix), plus an untreated control (only water-sprayed plants), were assessed on Beta vulgaris seed plants grown in an open field in the Moscow region in 2022–2023. Silicon and nano-Se foliar supply led to the highest seed production and viability, as well as positively affecting the yield and quality of the microgreens produced from the latter seeds. Despite the stability of the size distribution of small- and large-sized seeds, only the application of Si increased the occurrence of the large-sized seed class by up to 53%, while R. glutinis fostered a homogenous distribution of seeds among the different diameter classes. The application of all of the biostimulants, except R. glutinis, provided a decrease in oxidative stress in the seeds (reflected in a significant reduction in proline levels), especially for the small-sized seed class, with the highest beneficial effects being caused by Aminosil and Siliplant. All of the treatments were beneficial in terms of chlorophyll and betalain pigment accumulation but did not significantly affect the microgreens’ antioxidant status. The beneficial effect of the biostimulants revealed provides the basis for beetroot seed production and quality improvements to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations aiming to fight hunger and improve human health and well-being. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Previous Issue
Back to TopTop