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Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop...
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Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 10854

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Grażyna Podolska

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Guest Editor
Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8 St., 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
Interests: production technology; cereals; yield; baking quality; cultivars; diseases; stress; mycotoxins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anna Szafrańska

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Guest Editor
Department of Grain Processing and Bakery, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: wheat; crop quality; food quality; starch damage; rheological properties; Mixolab
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutritious and safe food is essential for societal health. Today, consumers seek food that is nutrient-rich and health-promoting. However, ensuring food safety is the primary challenge. The quality of raw materials is crucial, as it directly impacts the final product. Therefore, cultivation technology for each plant species are vital. Proper crop management can increase nutrient levels and obtain suitable raw materials, while poor management may result in chemical contamination (e.g., pesticide residues) and physical contamination (e.g., heavy metals, nitrates). Fungal diseases can also reduce quality, producing harmful mycotoxins. Due to climate change, urbanization, and other human activities, concerns over these contaminants in foods are rising. Recently, biotechnology and genome editing have gained attention as strategies to enhance nutritional value and improve resistance to pests and adverse conditions like drought.

This Special Issue is a continuation of the previous Special Issue and still focuses on the role that soil quality, agrotechnology (tillage, forecrop, fertilization, crop protection, harvesting), and varieties play in the production of high-quality food. For this reason, high-quality interdisciplinary research results from different research fields, including genetics, new genomic techniques and breeding, agriculture, food technology, and ecology, are welcome. Original scientific and review papers will be accepted.

Prof. Dr. Grażyna Podolska
Dr. Anna Szafrańska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agrotechnology
  • cultivars
  • soil quality
  • crops
  • nutrients
  • technological quality
  • health-promoting foods
  • food security
  • sustainable agriculture
  • crop protection

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3018 KB  
Article
Structural Characteristics and Phenolic Composition of Maize Pericarp and Their Relationship to Susceptibility to Fusarium spp. in Populations and Inbred Lines
by Yolanda Salinas-Moreno, Norma Y. Zacamo-Velázquez, María Berenit Mendoza-Garfias, Javier Ireta-Moreno and Miguel Ángel Martínez-Ortiz
Agriculture 2025, 15(21), 2240; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15212240 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1739
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, with multiple uses, including its role as a staple food for humans, as animal feed, and as a key industrial raw material. Its production is threatened by [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, with multiple uses, including its role as a staple food for humans, as animal feed, and as a key industrial raw material. Its production is threatened by Fusarium spp., a widespread fungal pathogen that causes significant yield losses and contaminates grain with harmful toxins that constitute a health risk for consumers and animals. Among the grain characteristics reported as relevant for tolerance to this pathogen are pericarp thickness and composition, although results remain inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the structural characteristics and phenolic composition of the pericarp in diverse native pigmented grain maize populations (NPMP) and inbred lines, and their relationship with susceptibility to Fusarium spp. Pigmented maize populations (EOGro, CTlax, EC149Pue, MGto, and ECMex) and inbred lines (B-50, B-50R, B-49 B-4A and B-5A) were used. All materials were grown at the same location, and tolerance to Fusarium spp. was assessed under natural and assisted infection using incidence (IN, %) and severity of infection (SI, %) as indicators. The phenolic composition (total soluble phenolics, phenolic acid fractions, insoluble phenolics, and phlobaphenes) and structural characteristics of the pericarp were determined, and proanthocyanidin content was quantified in the grain. Both IN and SI varied among genetic materials, with NPMP showing greater susceptibility than inbred lines, which had a thicker pericarp. Pericarp thickness was not correlated with IN, but it was relevant for SI, in both NPMP and inbred lines. Insoluble phenolics content was 31.4% higher in inbred lines compared with NPMP. High levels of proanthocyanidins and phlobaphenes were associated with greater tolerance to Fusarium spp. in some maize populations. Tolerance to Fusarium spp. was associated with pericarp thickness in inbred lines, whereas in native pigmented maize populations, it was linked to the accumulations of pigmented phenolics in pericarp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2202 KB  
Article
The Use of Selected Essential Oils as an Alternative Method of Controlling Pathogenic Fungi, Weeds and Insects on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
by Jakub Danielewicz, Joanna Horoszkiewicz, Ewa Jajor, Marek Korbas, Joanna Zamojska, Daria Dworzańska, Paweł Węgorek, Monika Grzanka, Łukasz Sobiech, Robert Idziak, Jan Bocianowski, Kinga Stuper-Szablewska and Maciej Buśko
Agriculture 2025, 15(21), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15212214 - 24 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 519
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 3754 KB  
Article
Performance of Georgian Grapevine Varieties in a Vineyard Infected by Flavescence Dorée Phytoplasma in Piedmont, Northwestern Italy
by Letizia Portaccio, Maria Alessandra Paissoni, Simone Giacosa, Alessandro Passera, Camilla Barbieri, David Maghradze, Luca Rolle, Vincenzo Gerbi, Osvaldo Failla, Piero Attilio Bianco and Fabio Quaglino
Agriculture 2025, 15(18), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15181988 - 21 Sep 2025
Viewed by 788
Abstract
In Europe, Flavescence dorée (FD), the only epidemic disease within the phytoplasma-associated grapevine yellows complex (GY), reduces productivity and has a negative impact on berry composition and wine quality. Recent studies have shown that Georgian Vitis vinifera L. varieties have low susceptibility to [...] Read more.
In Europe, Flavescence dorée (FD), the only epidemic disease within the phytoplasma-associated grapevine yellows complex (GY), reduces productivity and has a negative impact on berry composition and wine quality. Recent studies have shown that Georgian Vitis vinifera L. varieties have low susceptibility to Bois noir (BN), another GY disease. This study investigated the performance of some Georgian grapevine varieties in a highly FD-affected area in Piedmont (northwestern Italy), exploring their susceptibility to FD and testing their oenological potential through berry and wine quality analyses. Activities, conducted in a case-study vineyard containing central–western European, Georgian, and PIWI (fungus-resistant grape varieties) varieties, included field surveys and molecular analyses. Mortality and infection percentage index were significantly higher in Georgian and central–western European varieties, respectively. All Georgian varieties exhibited none or mild symptoms without a reduction in the number of symptomless berries. Only the FD phytoplasma (FDp) genotype M54 was identified in infected grapevines, suggesting that differences in symptom severity were related to a variety-specific response to infection. Despite infection, Georgian varieties maintained stable berry and wine quality parameters, showing no significant changes in acidity, sugar content, and flavor profile. Thus, Georgian varieties had great oenological potential and responded well to both FDp infection and local agroecosystem conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 5547 KB  
Article
High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Fungal Microbiome of Apricots Grown Under Organic and Integrated Pest Management Systems
by Milan Navrátil, Dana Šafářová, Radek Čmejla, Martin Duchoslav and Jiří Sedlák
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1825; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171825 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 886
Abstract
Apricots are affected by many abiotic and biotic factors that could negatively impact their vitality and yield, leading to branch and tree dieback. Knowledge of the microbiome composition is key to choosing the optimal measurement strategy. The effect of the two different growing [...] Read more.
Apricots are affected by many abiotic and biotic factors that could negatively impact their vitality and yield, leading to branch and tree dieback. Knowledge of the microbiome composition is key to choosing the optimal measurement strategy. The effect of the two different growing systems, i.e., organic (ORG) and integrated pest management (IPM), on the apricot fungal microbiome was studied. The inner bark was used to isolate DNA, and the present fungi were analyzed using a metagenomics high-throughput sequencing (HTS) profiling approach of the data obtained based on the Illumina sequencing of the ITS1-ITS2 amplicons of the 18S rRNA gene. Of the 20 analyzed samples, Ascomycota was the dominant phylum, and Dothiomycetes was the most abundant. Basidiomycota was the less frequent, with Tremellomycetes being the predominant within this phylum. PCA analysis showed the complete separation of the samples obtained from the orchards grown under the ORG and IPM systems. Cladosporia, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, and Visniacozyma were detected in all samples, but they dominated the IPM samples. Filobasiadiales were recognized as an indicator species for ORG management, while Caliciales, Lecanorales, Lichinales, Mycosphaerellales, Myriangiales, Phacidiales, Teloschistales, and Thelebolales were identified as indicator species for IPM management. Based on the order and genus levels, a significantly higher fungal microbiome richness was detected in the ORG samples. This could be connected to the environmentally beneficial growing system applied in the orchard, but it is impossible to assess the risk of trunk disease development or premature apricot tree decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 2697 KB  
Article
Different Responses to Salinity of Pythium spp. Causing Root Rot on Atriplex hortensis var. rubra Grown in Hydroponics
by Emiliano Delli Compagni, Bruno Bighignoli, Piera Quattrocelli, Irene Nicolini, Marco Battellino, Alberto Pardossi and Susanna Pecchia
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151701 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 4140
Abstract
Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (red orache, RO) is a halotolerant species rich in nutraceutical compounds, which makes it a valuable crop for human nutrition. This plant could also be exploited for phytoremediation of contaminated soil and wastewater, and for saline aquaponics. A root [...] Read more.
Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (red orache, RO) is a halotolerant species rich in nutraceutical compounds, which makes it a valuable crop for human nutrition. This plant could also be exploited for phytoremediation of contaminated soil and wastewater, and for saline aquaponics. A root rot disease was observed on hydroponically grown RO plants, caused by Pythium deliense and Pythium Cluster B2a sp. Identification was based on morphology, molecular analysis (ITS and COI), and phylogenetic analysis. We assessed disease severity in plants grown in a growth chamber with nutrient solutions containing different NaCl concentrations (0, 7, and 14 g L−1 NaCl). In vitro growth at different salinity levels and temperatures was also evaluated. Both Pythium species were pathogenic but showed different responses. Pythium deliense was significantly more virulent than Pythium Cluster B2a sp., causing a steady reduction in root dry weight (RDW) of 70% across all salinity levels. Pythium Cluster B2a sp. reduced RDW by 50% at 0 and 7 g L−1 NaCl while no symptoms were observed at 14 g L−1 NaCl. Pythium deliense grew best at 7 and 14 g L−1 NaCl, while Pythium Cluster B2a sp. growth was reduced at 14 g L−1 NaCl. Both pathogens had an optimum temperature of 30 °C. This is the first report of Pythium spp. causing root rot on RO grown hydroponically. The effective use of halophytic crops must consider pathogen occurrence and fitness in saline conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 3888 KB  
Article
Agronomic Biofortification: Enhancing the Grain Nutritional Composition and Mineral Content of Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Through Foliar Nutrient Application Under Different Soil Tillage Methods
by Amare Assefa Bogale, Zoltan Kende, István Balla, Péter Mikó, Boglárka Bozóki and Attila Percze
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151668 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 857
Abstract
Enhancing the nutritional content of crops is crucial for safeguarding human health and mitigating global hunger. A viable method for attaining this goal is the planned implementation of various agronomic practices, including tillage and nutrient provision. A field experiment was executed at the [...] Read more.
Enhancing the nutritional content of crops is crucial for safeguarding human health and mitigating global hunger. A viable method for attaining this goal is the planned implementation of various agronomic practices, including tillage and nutrient provision. A field experiment was executed at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő in the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. The study aimed to assess the effects of foliar nutrient supply and soil tillage methods on the grain nutritional composition and mineral content of winter barley. Employing a split-plot design with three replications, the experiment included four nutrient treatments (control, bio-cereal, bio-algae, and MgSMnZn blend) and two soil tillage types (i.e., plowing and cultivator). The results indicated that while protein content was not influenced by the main effects of nutrients and tillage, the levels of β-glucan, starch, crude ash, and moisture content were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the nutrient treatments and by growing year, treated as a random factor. Notably, bio-algae and bio-cereal nutrients, combined with cultivator tillage, enhanced β-glucan content. All applied nutrient treatments increased the level of starch compared to the control. With regard to grain mineral content, the iron and zinc content responded to the nutrient supply, tillage, and growing year. However, applying a multiple-nutrient composition-based treatment did not increase iron and zinc levels, suggesting that individual applications may be more effective for increasing the content of these minerals in grains. Cultivator tillage improved iron and zinc levels. Moreover, manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were predominantly affected by nutrient availability and by growing seasons as a random factor. Therefore, to improve grain quality, this study emphasizes the significance of proper nutrient and tillage methods by focusing on the intricate relationships between agronomic techniques and environmental factors that shape barley’s nutritional profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 919 KB  
Article
The Grain Protein Content of Polish Cereals Other than Wheat: Can It Be Increased by Combining a Crop Sequence System, Cultivar Selection, and Plant Protection?
by Marta K. Kostrzewska and Magdalena Jastrzębska
Agriculture 2025, 15(9), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15091016 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 1204
Abstract
After legumes, cereals are the most important source of protein for humans and livestock worldwide. One way to meet growing nutritional demands is to increase the grain protein content (GPC) of cereals. Breeding advances in this regard should be supported by optimized agricultural [...] Read more.
After legumes, cereals are the most important source of protein for humans and livestock worldwide. One way to meet growing nutritional demands is to increase the grain protein content (GPC) of cereals. Breeding advances in this regard should be supported by optimized agricultural practices. The GPCs of winter rye, winter triticale, spring barley, and spring oats grown in 2018–2022 in northeast Poland were evaluated to determine the influence of the crop sequence system (continuous monocropping, crop rotation), cultivar (two for each species), plant protection level (control treatment, herbicide, herbicide, and fungicide), and interactions among these factors. The cultivar selection was a significant GPC determinant in all cereals. Growing triticale in crop rotation after a legume increased its GPC compared to continuous monocropping, but decreased the GPC of rye and had no effect on the GPCs of spring cereal that followed non-legume crops. Using herbicides and herbicides combined with fungicides promoted the GPC of rye and oats, but not of triticale and barley. The heterogeneity of the interaction effects of the studied agricultural practices on the GPCs of the individual cereals prevents the identification of a universal combination that would ensure the highest GPC levels. The inter-annual weather variability played a significant role in shaping the GPCs of cereals and in modifying the influence of the controlled factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species—2nd Edition)
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