The Influence of Light, Temperature and Irrigation on Crop Production and Quality

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 1967

Special Issue Editors


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Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: fruit tree abiotic stresses; fruit tree propagation; fruit quality and functional properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: fruit tree abiotic stress tolerance; fruit tree propagation; fruit tree cultivation management; cultural practices on fruit tree yield, quality and functional properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: plant nutrition and fertilization; abiotic stresses (nutrient deficiencies, drought, salinity, waterlogging, etc.); sexual and asexual propagation of fruit tree species; evaluation of fruit tree cultivars and rootstock; effect of various cultural practices on tree yield and fruit quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In order to fulfill the expanding demands of the global population, the necessity to produce safe and high-quality food has grown dramatically. The influence of light, temperature, and irrigation on crop productivity and product quality underscores the intricate relationship between environmental factors and agricultural science. Light serves as the primary driver of photosynthesis, impacting carbohydrate synthesis and, consequently, crop growth and development. Optimal light conditions, encompassing intensity, duration, and spectral quality, are crucial for maximizing photosynthetic efficiency and, thereby, crop yield and nutritional value. Temperature also plays a pivotal role, as each plant species exhibits an optimal temperature range for key physiological processes. Extreme temperatures can disrupt these processes, leading to reduced yields and compromised quality. Efficient irrigation management is equally essential, influencing soil moisture and nutrient uptake. Inadequate or excessive irrigation can result in water stress, nutrient deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to diseases, all contributing to yield losses and diminished crop quality. Modern farming practices often incorporate technological solutions, such as colored nets, precision agriculture and smart irrigation systems, to monitor and manage these environmental variables effectively.

By understanding and manipulating these factors, farmers can enhance crop productivity, improve product functional properties, and promote overall crop resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

The primary aim of this Special Issue is to delve into the nuanced understanding of how light, temperature, and irrigation, along with their interactions, impact the crop productivity, nutritional content, and sustainability of farm systems. Therefore, all types of articles, such as original research, short communications, opinions and reviews dealing with aspects of the prementioned factors are all welcome.

Dr. Nikoleta-Kleio Denaxa
Dr. Peter A. Roussos
Dr. Ioannis E. Papadakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • photosynthesis
  • heat stress
  • water stress
  • flood, irrigation systems
  • nets
  • plants’ yield
  • nutritional value

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 5941 KiB  
Article
Lighting Patterns Regulate Flowering and Improve the Energy Use Efficiency of Calendula Cultivated in Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting
by Maitree Munyanont, Na Lu, Dannisa Fathiya Rachma, Thanit Ruangsangaram and Michiko Takagaki
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122208 - 3 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Calendula is an edible flower with highly beneficial bioactive compounds for human health. Environmental factors such as light influence flower yield and quality. Calendula is cultivated under controlled environments in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), which enhance its productivity. However, electricity is [...] Read more.
Calendula is an edible flower with highly beneficial bioactive compounds for human health. Environmental factors such as light influence flower yield and quality. Calendula is cultivated under controlled environments in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), which enhance its productivity. However, electricity is the main operating cost, with fees based on the time of use in some countries. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lighting patterns on calendula growth and yield. Two varieties of calendula seedlings were cultivated in a PFAL and subjected to six different lighting patterns, i.e., 6 h/6 h, 12 h/12 h, 6 h/2 h, and 18 h/6 h (light/dark) and two continuous lighting patterns with varying light intensities (24 h-200 and 24 h-400). The results indicated that plants cultivated under the 6 h/2 h, 18 h/6 h, 24 h-200, and 24 h-400 conditions showed a more rapid appearance of the first flower bud than those cultivated under the 6 h/6 h and 12 h/12 h conditions. The number of flowers and the fresh and dried weights tended to increase with a longer photoperiod. Interestingly, the total carotenoid content (TCC) of “Citrus Orange” increased under 6 h/6 h and 12 h/12 h conditions compared with the others. For “Orange Gem”, continuous lighting (24 h) increased the total phenolic content (TPC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in flowers compared with the 6 h/6 h 12 h/12 h, and 6 h/2 h treatments. The energy use efficiency (EUE) under the 24 h-200 condition was the highest in terms of flower yield and secondary metabolite production. These results suggest that lighting patterns can be used to modulate the growth and flowering of calendula and to maximize EUE. Full article
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19 pages, 4328 KiB  
Article
Effect of Photoperiod on Dry Matter Accumulation and Partitioning in Potato
by Liwei Wen, Meilian Meng, Kunyu Liu, Qionglin Zhang, Tingting Zhang, Youjun Chen and Hongwei Liang
Agriculture 2024, 14(7), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14071156 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 929
Abstract
To explore the effect of the photoperiod on the accumulation and distribution of dry matter in potato, a pot experiment was carried out in 2021 and 2022 with two varieties (Atlantic and Hezuo 88). The varieties were used as the main plot, and [...] Read more.
To explore the effect of the photoperiod on the accumulation and distribution of dry matter in potato, a pot experiment was carried out in 2021 and 2022 with two varieties (Atlantic and Hezuo 88). The varieties were used as the main plot, and light treatments (short-day and long-day) were used as the subplot. The results showed that extended hours of light delayed tuber formation in Hezuo 88, however, the effect was not obvious for the Atlantic. Comprehensive analyses were carried out using the potato developmental process, dynamic equation fitting of the tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation, and the dry matter accumulation and distribution rate of each organ of the two varieties under two photoperiods. The two photoperiods had different effects on the parameters of rapid tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation: the starting point of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (t1), the duration period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Δt), and the average growth rate of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Vmean). According to comprehensive analysis, tuber dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the short-day condition, while Hezuo 88 showed the lowest tuber dry matter accumulation under the long-day condition and was the latest to enter the rapid tuber dry matter accumulation period. The whole-plant dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the long-day condition and lowest in Hezuo 88; meanwhile, Hezuo 88 was the latest to enter the rapid whole-plant dry matter accumulation period. In terms of the dry matter accumulation and dry matter partitioning ratio of various organs, Hezuo 88 had the lowest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and partitioning ratio under the long-day condition but the highest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. On the contrary, Atlantic had the highest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and portioning ratio under the short-day condition but the lowest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. It was concluded that different varieties of potato respond differently to the photoperiod. In the case of Hezuo 88, prolonging the photoperiod affected the dynamics and distribution of dry matter accumulation; increased the stem, leaf, root, and underground stem dry matter partitioning ratio; and decreased the tuber dry matter partitioning ratio, which resulted in a decrease in tuber dry matter accumulation and consequently delayed the emergence of the equilibrium period between the aboveground and underground dry matter. Full article
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