Horticulturae

17 pages, 3778 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Masculinization of Female Cannabis sativa L.: Impacts on Pollen Viability and Feminized Seed Production

by Ted M. Fitzgerald, John Wyatt Brown, Scott Steinmaus, Jim Prince, Rita Bhandari and Jose F. Da Cunha Leme Filho

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111286 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Cannabis is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Cultivators prioritize the use of female plants because their flowers contain a higher density of glandular trichomes, the primary source of cannabinoids, compared to male flowers. Feminized seeds, which give rise [...] Read more.

Cannabis is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Cultivators prioritize the use of female plants because their flowers contain a higher density of glandular trichomes, the primary source of cannabinoids, compared to male flowers. Feminized seeds, which give rise exclusively to female plants, are highly valued in the cannabis industry. These seeds are produced by crossing a natural female plant with another female plant that has been masculinized to generate pollen. Masculinization is achieved by inhibiting ethylene and/or applying gibberellins prior to flower initiation in female plants. Currently, silver thiosulfate (STS) is the most common treatment used in the cannabis industry, though environmental concerns arise from silver applications. This study compared STS with three other ethylene-inhibiting agents: aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), cobalt nitrate (CBN), and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Some STS and CBN treatments also included gibberellic acid as a synergist. STS-treated plants displayed the most effective masculinization and pollen dispersal, compared to plants treated with AVG. Only STS and AVG generated sufficient pollen for collection. This pollen was initially tested for germination potential and subsequently stored for up to five weeks at 22.2 °C, 7.2 °C, or 1.1 °C.Germination rates ranged from 2.2% to 5.8%, underscoring the influence of storage conditions and highlighting the need to refine preservation methods to enhance agricultural viability. Pollen from plants treated with AVG remained viable for three weeks at 1.1 °C, although there were concerns about a high risk of phytotoxicity. STS-treated pollen also remained viable for three weeks at the same temperature. Neither CBN nor 1-MCP treatments were effective in inducing masculinization. No clear synergistic effect of gibberellic acid combined with STS or AVG was observed; however, growth stunting led to increased mortality. Due to pollen viability and phytotoxicity problems with AVG, STS remains the best treatment to masculinize female cannabis plants when breeding for feminized seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)

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23 pages, 3575 KB

Open AccessArticle

Performance-Guided Aggregation for Federated Crop Disease Detection Across Heterogeneous Farmland Regions

by Yiduo Chen, Ruohong Zhou, Chongyu Wang, Mafangzhou Mo, Xinrui Hu, Xinyi He and Min Dong

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111285 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

A region-aware federated learning framework (RAFL) is proposed to address the non-IID heterogeneity in multi-regional crop disease recognition while reducing communication and computation costs. RAFL integrates three complementary modules: a region embedding module that captures region-specific representations, a cross-region feature alignment module that [...] Read more.

A region-aware federated learning framework (RAFL) is proposed to address the non-IID heterogeneity in multi-regional crop disease recognition while reducing communication and computation costs. RAFL integrates three complementary modules: a region embedding module that captures region-specific representations, a cross-region feature alignment module that aligns semantic distributions across regions on the server, and an attention-based aggregation module that dynamically weights client updates based on performance through Transformer attention. Without sharing raw images, RAFL achieves efficient and privacy-preserving collaboration among heterogeneous farmlands. Experiments on datasets from Bayan Nur, Zhungeer, and Tangshan demonstrate substantial improvements: a classification accuracy of

89.4 %

, an F1-score of

88.5 %

, an AUC of

0.948

, while the detection performance reaches

m A P @ 50 = 62.5

. Compared with FedAvg, RAFL improves accuracy and F1 by over

5 %

, and converges faster with reduced communication overhead (total 2822 MB over 95 rounds). Ablation studies verify that the three modules act synergistically—regional embeddings enhance local discriminability, feature alignment mitigates cross-domain drift, and attention-based aggregation stabilizes training—resulting in a robust and deployable solution for large-scale, privacy-preserving agricultural monitoring. Furthermore, the framework enables regional-level economic analysis by correlating disease incidence with yield reduction and estimating potential economic losses, providing a data-driven reference for agricultural policy and resource allocation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Artificial Intelligence in Digital Horticulture: Practices and Innovations)

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17 pages, 999 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Endogenous, Flavor-Enhancing TRV/Agrobacterium System for Edible Tomato Fruits with the Sweet Protein Thaumatin II

by Jiachun Chen, Qizheng Liu, Siyuan Guo, Yitong Li, Ruohan Chen, Kexin Li, Guangbin An, Yuanrun Liu, Zhengyue Hong, Beixin Mo, Xuedong Liu and Weizhao Chen

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111284 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

The rise in diabetes and obesity worldwide has created an urgent demand for low-sugar, nutrient-dense foods with appealing flavors. This study established an endogenous and “rapid validation–stable production” platform to enhance the flavor of edible tomato fruits by integrating two key technologies in [...] Read more.

The rise in diabetes and obesity worldwide has created an urgent demand for low-sugar, nutrient-dense foods with appealing flavors. This study established an endogenous and “rapid validation–stable production” platform to enhance the flavor of edible tomato fruits by integrating two key technologies in the MicroTom cherry tomato: (1) TRV viral vector-mediated transient expression and (2) Agrobacterium-mediated stable genetic transformation. We employed the human sweet taste receptor TAS1R2 for in vitro functional validation and objectively demonstrated that tomato-derived recombinant thaumatin II exhibits receptor-binding activity equivalent to that of the native protein, overcoming the limitations of traditional sensory evaluation. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis (covering 1236 metabolites) confirmed that thaumatin II expression did not significantly alter the profiles of sugars, organic acids, or key flavor compounds in tomato fruits. This provides safety data supporting the development of “ready-to-eat sugar-substitute fruits.” Our strategy offers a solution and theoretical technical support for the development of low-sugar, high-nutrient foods. Full article

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

20 pages, 2074 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Monitoring of Postharvest Hydration in Cucumber Fruit Using Visible-Light Color Analysis and Machine-Learning Models

by Theodora Makraki, Georgios Tsaniklidis, Dimitrios M. Papadimitriou, Amin Taheri-Garavand and Dimitrios Fanourakis

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111283 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Water loss during storage is a major cause of postharvest quality deterioration in cucumber, yet existing methods to monitor hydration are often destructive or require expensive instrumentation. We developed a low-cost, non-destructive approach for estimating fruit relative water content (RWC) using visible-light color [...] Read more.

Water loss during storage is a major cause of postharvest quality deterioration in cucumber, yet existing methods to monitor hydration are often destructive or require expensive instrumentation. We developed a low-cost, non-destructive approach for estimating fruit relative water content (RWC) using visible-light color imaging combined with an ensemble machine-learning model (Random Forest). A total of 1200 fruits were greenhouse-grown, harvested at market maturity, and equally divided between optimal and ambient storage temperature (10 and 25 °C, respectively). Digital images were acquired at harvest and at 7 d intervals during storage, and color parameters from four standard color systems (RGB, CMYK, CIELAB, HSV) were extracted separately for the neck, mid, and blossom regions as well as for the whole fruit. During storage, fruit RWC decreased from 100% (fully hydrated condition) to 15.3%, providing a broad dynamic range for assessing color–hydration relationships. Among the 16 color features evaluated, the mean cyan component (μC) of the CMYK space showed the strongest relationship with measured RWC (R² up to 0.70 for whole-fruit averages), reflecting the cyan region’s heightened sensitivity to dehydration-induced changes in pigments, cuticle properties and surface scattering. The Random Forest regression model trained on these features achieved a higher predictive accuracy (R² = 0.89). Predictive accuracy was also consistently higher when μC was calculated over the entire fruit surface rather than for individual anatomical regions, indicating that whole-fruit color information provides a more robust hydration signal than region-specific measurements. Our findings demonstrate that simple visible-range imaging coupled with ensemble learning can provide a cost-effective, non-invasive tool for monitoring postharvest hydration of cucumber fruit, with direct applications in quality control, shelf-life prediction and waste reduction across the fresh-produce supply chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Non-Destructive Detection Techniques in Horticultural Plants)

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30 pages, 1847 KB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Climate Change on Eastern European Viticulture: A Review of Smart Irrigation and Water Management Strategies

by Alina Constantina Florea, Dorin Ioan Sumedrea, Steliana Rodino, Marian Ion, Vili Dragomir, Anamaria-Mirabela Dumitru, Liliana Pîrcalabu and Daniel Grigorie Dinu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111282 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to viticulture worldwide, with Eastern European vineyards experiencing increased water stress due to rising temperatures, irregular precipitation patterns, and prolonged drought periods. These climatic shifts hurt vine phenology, grape quality, and overall productivity. In response, adaptive irrigation strategies [...] Read more.

Climate change poses significant challenges to viticulture worldwide, with Eastern European vineyards experiencing increased water stress due to rising temperatures, irregular precipitation patterns, and prolonged drought periods. These climatic shifts hurt vine phenology, grape quality, and overall productivity. In response, adaptive irrigation strategies such as Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) have gained attention for optimizing water use while preserving grape quality. Concurrently, the adoption of smart agriculture technologies—including soil moisture sensors, automated weather stations, remote sensing, and data-driven decision support systems—enables precise monitoring and real-time management of vineyard water status. This review synthesizes recent studies from Eastern Europe, emphasizing the necessity of integrating climate adaptation measures with intelligent irrigation management to enhance vineyard resilience and sustainability under increasing climate variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Climate Change on Grapevines, Berries, Wine: Present and Future)

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17 pages, 3781 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Fruit Shape Differences and Size Characteristics Using Elliptical Fourier Descriptors

by Bahadır Sayıncı, Sinem Öztürk Erdem, Muhammed Hakan Özdemir, Merve Karakoyun Mutluay, Cihat Gedik and Mustafa Çomaklı

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111281 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

The objective of this research endeavor is to present engineering data pertaining to the size and shape characteristics of strawberries, which have a wide range of applications in industry, and to obtain the data necessary for the development and design of product processing [...] Read more.

The objective of this research endeavor is to present engineering data pertaining to the size and shape characteristics of strawberries, which have a wide range of applications in industry, and to obtain the data necessary for the development and design of product processing systems. In this study, standard strawberry varieties were utilized, and analyses were conducted by means of an image-processing method. The projection area (601.5–762.0 mm²), length (34.0 mm), width (28.6 mm) and surface area (28.6 cm²) of the strawberry samples were measured in the horizontal and vertical orientation, in order to ascertain their size characteristics. Furthermore, the sphericity (86.1%) and roundness (1.039–1.087) parameters were calculated for the shape characteristics, accordingly. The findings of the correlation analysis suggested that the size parameters of the fruits exerted no influence on fruit shape characteristics. In the elliptic Fourier analysis performed to reveal the shape differences in the fruit, the contour geometry of each fruit sample was extracted, the principal component (PC) scores describing the shape were obtained and the shape categories of the fruit were determined. Following the analysis of the PCs, it was determined that 90.77% of the total shape variance was explained by the first seven components. Consequently, the shape of the strawberry fruit was defined as a spherical cone. Following the implementation of a discriminant analysis in conjunction with a clustering process, which categorized the samples into seven distinct shape categories employing the k-means algorithm, an accuracy rate of 94.1% was achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)

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14 pages, 1989 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stimulation of Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis by Ethylene with Suppressive Action of MiR396 in Postharvest Strawberry Fruits

by Renchi Chen, Yuhua Yan, Weiliang Guan and Zhihai Huang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111280 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Both abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene play essential roles in the ripening process of strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). In this study, the crosstalk between ABA and ethylene involved in strawberry fruit ripening was investigated. The results showed that ethylene triggered [...] Read more.

Both abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene play essential roles in the ripening process of strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). In this study, the crosstalk between ABA and ethylene involved in strawberry fruit ripening was investigated. The results showed that ethylene triggered a 1.30-fold increase in ABA levels by suppressing the expression of miR396. Meanwhile, the silencing of miR396 (STTM396 reporter) demonstrated that miR396 acts as a negative regulatory factor of ABA biosynthesis by repressing FaNCED2 expression. Additionally, dual-luciferase assays indicated a 0.56-fold suppression of FaNCED2 promoter activity by miR396. These findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism in which ethylene promotes ABA biosynthesis through the suppression of miR396 expression in postharvest strawberry fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Quality Characteristics and Storage Life of Horticultural Products)

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22 pages, 2967 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of a Greenhouse Adapted to the Ecuadorian Coastal Climate on Pest Dynamics in Tomato Crops

by Maria Esmeralda Cuzco, Amalia Marisol Vera, Jenny Patricia Quiñonez, Lenin Francisco Mera and Maria Teresa Lao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111279 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Integrated pest management (IPM) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on the Ecuadorian coast represents a critical challenge, given that pest persistence has led producers to abandon the crop, generating significant losses. This study compared pest population fluctuations in greenhouse and open field [...] Read more.

Integrated pest management (IPM) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on the Ecuadorian coast represents a critical challenge, given that pest persistence has led producers to abandon the crop, generating significant losses. This study compared pest population fluctuations in greenhouse and open field conditions under realistic management conditions and free infestation, considering the influence of environmental factors and applications of biorational, semisynthetic, and synthetic pesticides. In open fields, infestations were high and sustained, exceeding treatment thresholds, while in greenhouses, levels were lower, attributable to the protection of the aphid netting. Product efficacy depended on the pest and the level of infestation: Azadirachta indica, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Beauveria bassiana were effective in low infestations; spinetoram and abamectin reached efficacies between 80 and 100% in moderate infestations; neonicotinoids had variable efficacy, ranging from 47.8% to 89.9%. Since the system determines the type of pest and the level of infestation, monitoring becomes a key tool for timely decision-making. The findings show that the greenhouse limits the entry of the main pest, Prodiplosis longifila. While it does not prevent the presence of smaller pests, such as thrips and white mites, the combination of physical barriers and low-toxicity pesticides significantly reduces populations, minimizing the number of applications and the use of more toxic insecticides. The proposed strategy provides solid evidence for the effective implementation of a greenhouse to reduce pest pressure and promote IPM in protected coastal systems in Ecuador. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pest Diagnosis and Control Strategies for Fruit and Vegetable Plants)

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22 pages, 5742 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anther Ontogeny and Pollen Development in Southern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

by José María Recalde, Miguel Fernando Garavello, Paula Alayón Luaces and Ana María González

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111278 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Southern highbush blueberry (SHB, Vaccinium corymbosum, Ericaceae) enables production in warm, low-chill regions, where breeding success depends on precisely timed pollinations. To support breeding in non-traditional environments, we characterized floral staging, anther wall ontogeny, tubule formation, and pollen development in two SHB [...] Read more.

Southern highbush blueberry (SHB, Vaccinium corymbosum, Ericaceae) enables production in warm, low-chill regions, where breeding success depends on precisely timed pollinations. To support breeding in non-traditional environments, we characterized floral staging, anther wall ontogeny, tubule formation, and pollen development in two SHB cultivars (‘Emerald’, ‘Snowchaser’) grown in commercial orchards. Floral development was divided into seven stages: dormant buds (db), five successive floral-bud stages (botA–botE), and anthesis, based on bud size, corolla exposure and pigmentation, and anther/tubule coloration. Internal events were documented by light, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. External cues reliably separated stages and tracked male-gametophyte phases: meiosis at botB; callose-encased tetrads at botC; permanent tetrahedral tetrads after callose dissolution at botD; bicellular tetrads from botE to anthesis, released intact via poricidal dehiscence. Anther-wall differentiation followed a consistent sequence and lacked a fibrous, lignified endothecium. We therefore propose a new Ericaceous pattern for blueberry anthers, defined by a transient non-lignified subepidermal stratum. Tubules originated apically as solid outgrowths, hollowed centrifugally to a beveled pore, developed a dorsal supportive zone, and mediated poricidal release of permanent tetrads. No qualitative cultivar differences were detected. The staging framework defines operational windows for pollination, emasculation, and pollen handling in low-chill systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Structure to Function: Anatomical and Reproductive Studies in Native and Cultivated Horticultural Plants)

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18 pages, 5185 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Pollen Morphology and Cluster of Different Pummelo Germplasms

by Dongxing Zhao, Guorui Feng, Zixiang Yang, Guanglin Bi, Hongyuan Wei, Ying Sun, Linyang Chen, Yongzhi Yang, Wanyun Li, Yonghui Li, Chun Li and Hualin Yi

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111277 - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

The pollen morphological characteristics of 16 pummelos and 4 other citrus germplasms from Vietnam, Thailand, and China were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observations included equatorial view, polar view, and exine ornamentation. The results showed that the pollen of all tested materials [...] Read more.

The pollen morphological characteristics of 16 pummelos and 4 other citrus germplasms from Vietnam, Thailand, and China were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observations included equatorial view, polar view, and exine ornamentation. The results showed that the pollen of all tested materials was monads, prolate, or subprolate. The average polar axis length of the pollen ranged from 29.121 to 37.043 µm, and that of the equatorial axis ranged from 19.861 to 25.911 µm. A t-test revealed that the polar axis of pollen from Chinese pummelo germplasms was significantly longer than that of varieties from Southeast Asia, indicating certain geographical differentiation. The apertures were all colporate type, predominantly with four to five colpi (75% of grains); only four colpi were observed in the remainder (25%). The pollen exine ornamentation of pummelo germplasms was perforated, whereas that of other citrus types was reticulate. Pummelos exhibited a smaller pori diameter (0.264–0.673 µm) and wider distance between pori (0.581–1.118 µm), while other citrus species had larger lumina (1.253–1.684 µm) and narrower muri (0.443–0.664 µm). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed based on pollen traits, and two principal component factors were extracted. The pummelo germplasms were divided into two subgroups: sweet pummelo and red pummelo, which demonstrated a correlation among their pollen morphology, flesh color, and flesh flavor. The phenotypic diversity of pollen among different pummelo germplasms may provide a valuable auxiliary reference for the identification and systematic classification of pummelos. Full article

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

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22 pages, 7005 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis: Potential Mechanisms of Aroma Accumulation in Rhododendron fortunei Lindl Under Gibberellin Treatment

by Danyidie Zhang, Yi Qin, Haichao Hu, Lingling Hu, Qianqian Zheng, Jiangbing Chen, Gaoyuan Hu, Xiaohong Xie and Yueyan Wu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111276 - 23 Oct 2025

Abstract

Aroma is a crucial quality trait in ornamental flowers; however, the molecular mechanisms by which hormones regulate fragrance in Rhododendron remain poorly understood. In this study, Gibberellin (GA₃)-treated petals of Rhododendron fortunei Lindl were used as experimental materials to integrate volatile [...] Read more.

Aroma is a crucial quality trait in ornamental flowers; however, the molecular mechanisms by which hormones regulate fragrance in Rhododendron remain poorly understood. In this study, Gibberellin (GA₃)-treated petals of Rhododendron fortunei Lindl were used as experimental materials to integrate volatile metabolomics with RNA-seq analysis, aiming to investigate aroma changes and their underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. We cloned and characterized RfHMGR1, which encodes a key enzyme in the Mevalonate (MVA) pathway, and verified its function. Subcellular localization analysis showed that the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) signal of the RfHMGR1-GFP fusion protein was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Transient overexpression of RfHMGR1 in petals of two Rhododendron species (R. fortunei and Rhododendron hybrida) significantly increased the accumulation of the terpenoid linalool, whereas gene silencing reduced linalool accumulation. Furthermore, the purified recombinant RfHMGR1 protein exhibited HMGR-specific reductase activity in vitro. Our results confirmed that GA₃ regulates the terpenoid fragrance of R. fortunei by targeting the MVA pathway gene RfHMGR1. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the fragrance regulation mechanisms in R. fortunei and identify molecular targets for breeding strategies aimed at improving floral scent. Full article

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

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17 pages, 11511 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Mechanisms Underlying Different Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Affecting Floral Color of Impatiens balsamina

by Jiayao Bian, Mengxue Xia, Aoxiang Ning, Xiuzhen Guo, Lin Peng, Yanjun Zhang, Jinping Deng, Bin Dong and Yiguang Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111275 (registering DOI) - 23 Oct 2025

Abstract

Impatiens balsamina is a widely distributed ornamental plant known for its attractive floral colors and significant pharmaceutical value. Anthocyanins are responsible for the floral coloration of I. balsamina. However, the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the various colors of I. balsamina [...] Read more.

Impatiens balsamina is a widely distributed ornamental plant known for its attractive floral colors and significant pharmaceutical value. Anthocyanins are responsible for the floral coloration of I. balsamina. However, the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the various colors of I. balsamina flowers remain unclear. In this study, we combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis of five groups of I. balsamina with white, pink, red, purple, and magenta flowers. The metabolome analysis identified anthocyanidins, including cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, peonidin, petunidin, and malvidin, in the petals of I. balsamina. Lower total anthocyanin levels were detected in white and pink flowers compared to red, purple, and magenta flowers. The red coloration was attributed to high concentrations of pelargonidin glucosides, while purple coloration was due to malvidin glucosides. Magenta flowers contained a high percentage of both malvidin and pelargonidin glucosides. Differentially expressed structural genes such as IbCHS1, IbF3H, IbF3′H, IbF3′5′H1, IbF3′5′H2, IbDFR1, IbOMT1, IbOMT2 and IbOMT3 were identified through transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, co-expression analysis identified candidate transcription factors correlated with these structural genes. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in I. balsamina, and offers a theoretical basis for the directed breeding of varieties with new floral colors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulation of Flowering and Development in Ornamental Plants)

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16 pages, 1533 KB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of a Core Collection for Morchella Based on Phenotypic Traits from China

by Xuelian Cao, Ying Chen, Lixu Liu, Jie Tang, Shishi Liu, Liyuan Xie and Yiping Li

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111274 - 23 Oct 2025

Abstract

To rationally utilize Morchella germplasm resources, this study investigated 13 phenotypic traits in 231 Chinese Morchella germplasm accessions. Accessions were stratified by cap color and subjected to comparative analyses using four sampling methods, five sampling intensities, two genetic distance metrics, and four hierarchical [...] Read more.

To rationally utilize Morchella germplasm resources, this study investigated 13 phenotypic traits in 231 Chinese Morchella germplasm accessions. Accessions were stratified by cap color and subjected to comparative analyses using four sampling methods, five sampling intensities, two genetic distance metrics, and four hierarchical clustering algorithms to determine the optimal strategy for core collection construction. The optimal sampling strategy for core collection construction was identified using six evaluation. Phenotypic traits of the core collection were evaluated using genetic diversity eigenvalues, t-tests, F-tests, and systematic clustering, with confirmation via principal component analysis. The results indicate that the logarithmic ratio method yielded the smallest differences in group proportions, making it the optimal sampling method. A 15% sample intensity proved optimal, with Euclidean distance outperforming Mahalanobis distance. The longest-distance method was determined to be the optimal clustering approach. Within the optimal sampling strategy combination, the CR value reached its maximum (97.77%). Ultimately, 34 Morchella germplasm resources were extracted, accounting for 14.72% of the total germplasm (original germplasm). The mean values, standard deviations, and genetic diversity of phenotypic traits were similar between the original germplasm and the core collection. However, the coefficient of variation for quantitative traits showed significant differences. In the t-test, only the maturity period showed a significant difference. In the F-test, only the cap length/width and maturity period showed significant differences. Cluster analysis grouped the germplasm resources of the core collection and the original germplasm into relatively consistent clusters. In principal component analysis, the eigenvalues and cumulative contribution rates of the first four principal components were higher for the core collection than for the original germplasm. This indicates that the core collection eliminated most genetic redundancy while preserving the genetic diversity of the original germplasm. The core collection selection is representative and can be effectively utilized as breeding material. This study provides a reference for the effective utilization and germplasm innovation of Morchella germplasm resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Propagation and Cultivation of Mushroom)

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23 pages, 11949 KB

Open AccessArticle

MDAS-YOLO: A Lightweight Adaptive Framework for Multi-Scale and Dense Pest Detection in Apple Orchards

by Bo Ma, Jiawei Xu, Ruofei Liu, Junlin Mu, Biye Li, Rongsen Xie, Shuangxi Liu, Xianliang Hu, Yongqiang Zheng, Hongjian Zhang and Jinxing Wang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111273 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Accurate monitoring of orchard pests is vital for green and efficient apple production. Yet images captured by intelligent pest-monitoring lamps often contain small targets, weak boundaries, and crowded scenes, which hamper detection accuracy. We present MDAS-YOLO, a lightweight detection framework tailored for smart [...] Read more.

Accurate monitoring of orchard pests is vital for green and efficient apple production. Yet images captured by intelligent pest-monitoring lamps often contain small targets, weak boundaries, and crowded scenes, which hamper detection accuracy. We present MDAS-YOLO, a lightweight detection framework tailored for smart pest monitoring in apple orchards. At the input stage, we adopt the LIME++ enhancement to mitigate low illumination and non-uniform lighting, improving image quality at the source. On the model side, we integrate three structural innovations: (1) a C3k2-MESA-DSM module in the backbone to explicitly strengthen contours and fine textures via multi-scale edge enhancement and dual-domain feature selection; (2) an AP-BiFPN in the neck to achieve adaptive cross-scale fusion through learnable weighting and differentiated pooling; and (3) a SimAM block before the detection head to perform zero-parameter, pixel-level saliency re-calibration, suppressing background redundancy without extra computation. On a self-built apple-orchard pest dataset, MDAS-YOLO attains 95.68% mAP, outperforming YOLOv11n by 6.97 percentage points while maintaining a superior trade-off among accuracy, model size, and inference speed. Overall, the proposed synergistic pipeline—input enhancement, early edge fidelity, mid-level adaptive fusion, and end-stage lightweight re-calibration—effectively addresses small-scale, weak-boundary, and densely distributed pests, providing a promising and regionally validated approach for intelligent pest monitoring and sustainable orchard management, and offering methodological insights for future multi-regional pest monitoring research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest Management)

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14 pages, 1735 KB

Open AccessArticle

Maturity Classification of Blueberry Fruit Using YOLO and Vision Transformer for Agricultural Assistance

by Ikuma Esaki, Satoshi Noma, Takuya Ban, Rebeka Sultana and Ikuko Shimizu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101272 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for classifying the maturity levels of blueberry fruit from camera images as part of a cultivation support system. Following the five-stage maturity classification, the proposed approach first detects individual blueberry regions in an image and subsequently classifies each [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a method for classifying the maturity levels of blueberry fruit from camera images as part of a cultivation support system. Following the five-stage maturity classification, the proposed approach first detects individual blueberry regions in an image and subsequently classifies each region into one of the five levels. The method leverages a Transformer-based model to extract features from local fruit regions that include contextual background, enabling the learning of spatial relationships both within and beyond the fruit boundaries. A dedicated dataset was constructed by capturing images of blueberry fruits alongside a color chart representing maturity levels. Experimental evaluations involving multiple deep learning models under three training–testing configurations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, achieving an average classification accuracy of 93.7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of the Mechanization of Works for Horticultural Crops)

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22 pages, 661 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on the Effect of Grafting Technology on Disease Resistance and Stress Resistance of Watermelon

by Xuena Liu, Shikai La, Chang Chen, Ainong Shi, Mingjiao Wang, Yingying Zhang, Jinghua Guo and Lingdi Dong

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101271 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that significantly enhances disease resistance and stress tolerance in watermelon. This review systematically summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and analyzes the effects of grafting on plant responses to biotic stresses, such as viral [...] Read more.

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that significantly enhances disease resistance and stress tolerance in watermelon. This review systematically summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and analyzes the effects of grafting on plant responses to biotic stresses, such as viral and fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes infections, and abiotic stresses, including drought, temperature extremes, and salinity. Furthermore, it discusses the changes in fruit quality and explores the underlying mechanisms associated with graft-induced resistance. By synthesizing recent research advances, this review aims to offer valuable insights and practical references for improving resistance and promoting sustainable production in cucurbit and other vegetable crops through grafting. As a sustainable cultivation strategy, grafting demonstrates considerable potential for enhancing watermelon resilience and yield; however, optimizing fruit quality remains a critical focus for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Rootstock in Horticultural Crops and Its Influence on Growth and Development)

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24 pages, 12703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Sucrose Phosphate Synthase, Sucrose Synthase, and Invertase Gene Families of Longan in Relation to On-Tree Preservation

by Meiying He, Liang Shuai, Yijie Zhou, Mubo Song, Feilong Yin and Yunfen Liu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101270 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

As a typical sucrose-accumulating fruit, longan commonly experiences sugar receding during on-tree preservation, leading to quality deterioration. To investigate the mechanism of sucrose degradation in longan fruit, we conducted genome-wide identification and analysis of key genes involved in sucrose synthesis and catabolism based [...] Read more.

As a typical sucrose-accumulating fruit, longan commonly experiences sugar receding during on-tree preservation, leading to quality deterioration. To investigate the mechanism of sucrose degradation in longan fruit, we conducted genome-wide identification and analysis of key genes involved in sucrose synthesis and catabolism based on the ‘Shixia’ (SX) genome. The results revealed that longan contained 8 sucrose synthases (SUSs), 4 sucrose phosphate synthases (SPSs), and 26 invertases (INVs). Notably, members of the longan SUS, SPS, and cell wall invertase (CWINV) families all contained the motif 10 sequence, while cytoplasmic invertase (CINV) members exhibited diverse motif combinations. Similarity analysis revealed that sequence similarity was reliable only when the sequence lengths of the compared genes were comparable. Cis-acting elements and miRNA prediction showed that these genes were enriched in MYB elements and regulated by miR156/827/171. Additionally, the expansion of SUS, SPS, and INV genes was driven by segmental duplication events under purifying selection. Furthermore, the ‘Chuliang’ (CL) cultivar exhibited slower on-tree sucrose degradation than SX, with sucrose accounting for 72.2% of total sugars at maturity, which is 33.4% higher than SX. Enzyme activity assay during the sucrose decline stage revealed that SUS, SPS, and INV activities were generally higher in SX pulp than in CL. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the activities of AINV and A/N-INV were both significantly negatively correlated with TSS and sucrose content, respectively. Additionally, the expression of DlCWINV10 exhibited a negative correlation with TSS (p < 0.05) and sucrose content (r = −0.6, p = 0.07), suggesting that DlCWINV10 may play an important role in the sucrose degradation process. In summary, this study elucidates the characteristics of SUS, SPS, and INV gene families in longan and their potential roles in sucrose metabolism, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding the on-tree sucrose degradation mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Fruit Ripening and Senescence)

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16 pages, 7364 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of H3K27me3 in Eggplant’s Early Defense Against Frankliniella occidentalis

by Yueqin Zheng, Lanyan Huang, Houjun Tian, Qianxia Liu and Hui Wei

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101269 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications are emerging as key regulators of plant stress responses. However, their role in eggplant (Solanum melongena)–western flower thrips (WFTs; Frankliniella occidentalis) interactions remains elusive. WFTs cause substantial economic losses in eggplant cultivation worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying [...] Read more.

Epigenetic modifications are emerging as key regulators of plant stress responses. However, their role in eggplant (Solanum melongena)–western flower thrips (WFTs; Frankliniella occidentalis) interactions remains elusive. WFTs cause substantial economic losses in eggplant cultivation worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying eggplants’ defense is critical for developing resistant varieties. We investigated the function of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in modulating the early transcriptional reprogramming of eggplants during WFT infestation. We performed ChIP-seq and RNA-seq on eggplant leaves at an early stage of WFT infestation to elucidate the epigenetic landscape and associated gene expression alterations. ChIP-seq analysis showed that genome-wide enrichment of H3K27me3 was mainly at the transcription start sites, with a notable decrease in WFT-infested plants. Concurrently, RNA-seq analysis identified 2822 genes that were upregulated following WFT infestation. Many of these genes associated with abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid pathways were upregulated, underscoring their central role in early plant defense. Integrated analysis revealed six genes with decreased H3K27me3 levels and concurrent upregulation, potentially involved in ABA and JA signaling. Thus, removal of the repressive H3K27me3 mark may facilitate the transcriptional activation of early defense genes in eggplants that are crucial in their response to insect herbivory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Stress Responses of Horticultural Plants: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1143 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Cucumber Response to Low-Temperature Stress

by Yixuan Zhang, Huimin He, Mengwen Song, Anjun Chen, Meng Chen, Wenhui Lin, Jiamei Yang, Dujin Luo, Jiabao Ye and Feng Xu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101268 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

Cucumis sativus L. is a globally important vegetable crop that occupies a significant position in protected agriculture due to its high nutritional value, short cultivation cycle, and considerable economic benefits. As a cold-sensitive plant, however, cucumber is highly susceptible to low-temperature stress. which [...] Read more.

Cucumis sativus L. is a globally important vegetable crop that occupies a significant position in protected agriculture due to its high nutritional value, short cultivation cycle, and considerable economic benefits. As a cold-sensitive plant, however, cucumber is highly susceptible to low-temperature stress. which can severely inhibit growth and development, hinder seed germination, and reduce photosynthetic efficiency. Under low-temperature stress, cucumber plants typically incur damage to cellular membrane structures, experience an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), exhibit a disruption in hormonal homeostasis, and suffer from the inhibition of pivotal metabolic pathways. In response, cucumber plants activate an array of resistance mechanisms, encompassing osmotic adjustment, reinforcement of the antioxidant system, and modulation of cold-responsive gene expression. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying cucumber’s response to low-temperature stress, aiming to provide effective strategies for improving abiotic stress resistance. The main findings are as follows: (1) Low-temperature stress damages cucumber cell membranes, suppresses photosynthesis and respiration, suppresses water and nutrient uptake/transport, and suppresses growth retardation. (2) Cucumber counters these adverse effects by orchestrating the accumulation of osmoregulators (e.g., soluble sugars, proline), activating activation defenses (e.g., SOD, CAT), and rebalancing its phytohormone network (e.g., ABA, GA, SA, ethylene). (3) At the molecular level, cucumber activates low-temperature-responsive genes (e.g., COR, GoIS) through transcription factors such as CBF, MYB, and WRKY, thereby enhancing cold tolerance. (4) Application of exogenous protectants (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, melatonin, oligosaccharides) significantly improves cucumber’s low-temperature tolerance by modulating the antioxidant system, promoting osmoregulatory substances accumulation, and regulating hormone signaling pathways. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular regulatory network in cucumber under low-temperature stress and developing gene editing with multi-omics techniques to advance the development of cold-resistant cultivars and cultivation practices. This study offers a scientific foundation for research on cucumber cold tolerance and proposes potential solutions to agricultural challenges in the context of global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress Response, Development, and Quality Regulation in Horticultural Plants)

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