Agronomy

14 pages, 4328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment of a Breeding Approach Combined with Gamma Ray Irradiation and Tissue Regeneration for Highbush Blueberry

by Xuan Yu, Haidi Yuan, Yihong Jin, Chuizheng Xia, Jiani Zhu, Jiali Che, Jiao Yang, Xiaofei Wang, Bingsong Zheng, Shufang Yang, Cristian Silvestri, Fuqiang Cui and Jianfang Zuo

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010217 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Blueberries are a relatively recently domesticated species, primarily bred through hybridization. Mutation breeding, which uses chemical or physical treatment to increase plant mutation, has not yet been applied to blueberries. This study introduces a mutation breeding strategy for the highbush blueberry cultivar Vaccinium [...] Read more.

Blueberries are a relatively recently domesticated species, primarily bred through hybridization. Mutation breeding, which uses chemical or physical treatment to increase plant mutation, has not yet been applied to blueberries. This study introduces a mutation breeding strategy for the highbush blueberry cultivar Vaccinium corymbosum. We established a high-efficiency regeneration protocol, which was applied to leaves and stems exposed to gamma irradiation using ⁶⁰Co-γ rays at doses of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 gray (Gy), to increase the efficiency of mutated cells to develop into adventitious shoots. We determined that the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was approximately 56 Gy for leaf explants and 80 Gy for stem explants. Phenotypic variations, including changes in leaf color and growth characteristics, which may be due to altered plant response to environmental factors, were successfully observed in the first-generation (M1) plants. The height of M1 plants quantitatively decreased with increasing irradiation doses. To evaluate the mutants induced by each irradiation dose, whole-genome resequencing was conducted on individuals from each dose group, revealing significant genomic alterations at the 80 Gy dose. This approach provides a valuable reference for future blueberry breeding programs aimed at enhancing genetic diversity and improving cultivar performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Fruit Tree Breeding: Exploring Cutting-Edge Techniques in Genome Editing, Genetic Transformation, and In Vitro Culture)

13 pages, 3082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological and Molecular Characterization of Moroccan Isolates of Spiroplasma citri

by Tourya Sagouti, Ikram Legrifi, Naima Rhallabi, Zineb Belabess, Moussa El Jaroudi, Said Amiri, Essaid Ait Barka, Abdessalem Tahiri and Rachid Lahlali

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010216 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Spiroplasma citri, a bacterium from the class Mollicutes, is the causative agent of citrus stubborn disease, a serious threat to Moroccan citrus crops, with yield losses reaching 45%. Despite its long-standing presence since 1949 and regulations mandating disease-free citrus plants, data on [...] Read more.

Spiroplasma citri, a bacterium from the class Mollicutes, is the causative agent of citrus stubborn disease, a serious threat to Moroccan citrus crops, with yield losses reaching 45%. Despite its long-standing presence since 1949 and regulations mandating disease-free citrus plants, data on S. citri in Morocco remain scarce. This study investigates the pathogenicity and symptom variability of Moroccan S. citri isolates using biological indexing and genetic mapping based on the Spiralin and P58 genes. Biological indexing through reverse inoculation revealed that seven out of ten isolates caused moderate to intense symptoms within 8 to 10 weeks, with symptom severity varying across citrus cultivars and regions. These findings suggest variations in pathogen titer. Molecular analysis showed that Moroccan isolates (27GH, 3GH, 8GH, 56MK, 16MK, 60MK, 2GLK, 13SS, and 30S1) exhibited complete (100%) sequence similarity with each other and the reference strain R2-A8. Furthermore, these isolates displayed a high degree of similarity (99.75%) to a Corsican isolate (U13995) and a 94% similarity to an Iranian isolate (KP666137). Analysis of the P58 gene confirmed a high level of homogeneity with Moroccan reference strain R8-A2, closely aligning (99.75%) with the American BR3-3X strain, and 98% similarity to isolates from Syria and Iran. This study lays a foundational insight into the molecular characterization of S. citri in Morocco and provides a groundwork for future research into managing citrus stubborn disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue In-Depth Investigation and Integrated Management of Fruit Crop Diseases)

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16 pages, 1650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Year Study of Forchlorfenuron’s Effects on Physical Fruit Quality Parameters in A. chinensis var. chinensis

by Giovanni Mian, Michele Consolini, Antonio Cellini, Andrea Strano, Tommaso Magoni, Marco Mastroleo, Irene Donati and Francesco Spinelli

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010215 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

CPPU, N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea, is a synthetic cytokinin extensively used to enhance fruit size and overall quality in several crops, including kiwifruit. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three different CPPU application strategies (2.3, 3.0, and 4.6 ppm) and two crop load levels [...] Read more.

CPPU, N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea, is a synthetic cytokinin extensively used to enhance fruit size and overall quality in several crops, including kiwifruit. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three different CPPU application strategies (2.3, 3.0, and 4.6 ppm) and two crop load levels on key fruit quality parameters at harvest, as well as on post-harvest storage performance. Our results demonstrate that two applications of CPPU (4.6 ppm) significantly increased fruit weight, especially under standard crop-load conditions, likely due to more efficient resource allocation. Additionally, fruit firmness improved with two or three CPPU applications, probably because of enhanced cell wall development. Crop load consistently influenced fruit firmness, with lower loads resulting in softer fruits. The soluble solids content was not significantly affected by the two CPPU applications; however, it was notably influenced by crop load, with fruits from the standard crop load showing higher sugar accumulation. A similar trend was observed in fruit dry weight, where CPPU had a greater impact under standard crop loads. Regarding post-harvest performance, CPPU applications showed a limited effect on maintaining fruit firmness during the first five months of storage. Overall, CPPU can be a potential strategy to enhance fruit quality, but its effectiveness depends heavily on field management practices. Therefore, controlling field variables is essential to fully realize the benefits of CPPU and to avoid interference with the plant’s physiological responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

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15 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Low Light on Photosynthetic Characteristics, Antioxidant Activity, and Yield of Brassica napus L

by Yue Hu, Hafiz Hassan Javed, Li Liu, Yalong Liu, Xiaohui Yang, Feifei Xu, Ying Liu, Xiao Peng and Yongcheng Wu

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010214 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Low light is an abiotic stress that has a significant impact on crop growth. However, the impact of low light on rapeseed yield has not been well documented. Our study aims to examine the potential effects of low light on the photosynthesis antioxidant [...] Read more.

Low light is an abiotic stress that has a significant impact on crop growth. However, the impact of low light on rapeseed yield has not been well documented. Our study aims to examine the potential effects of low light on the photosynthesis antioxidant capacity and yield composition of leaves by simulating low light environments. According to the study results, low light reduces key photosynthetic enzymes and sucrose synthase activity in rapeseed leaves, leading to a decrease in leaf carbohydrate accumulation. The reduced number of pods per plant and the number of pods per grain are the direct factors leading to the decrease in rapeseed grain yield, while the increase in grain weight compensates for some of the yield loss. In addition, low light increased the content of malondialdehyde in leaves and altered the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Low light inhibits photosynthesis in leaves, reduces leaf productivity, and leads to a decrease in yield. High-yielding varieties have stronger antioxidant capacity and lower production of malondialdehyde. By revealing the effects of low light on the photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity of rapeseed leaves, this studyprovide new insights into the composition of low light affecting rapeseed grain yield and explain significant guidance for the planting and management of different rapeseed varieties in low light areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Climate Change on Crops and Natural Ecosystems, 2nd Volume)

19 pages, 1387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Detection of Verticillium Wilt in Cotton by Using Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Recurrence Plots

by Fei Tan, Xiuwen Gao, Hao Cang, Nianyi Wu, Ruoyu Di, Jingkun Yan, Chengkai Li, Pan Gao and Xin Lv

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010213 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Cotton is susceptible to Verticillium wilt (VW) during its growth. Early and accurate detection of VW can facilitate targeted pesticide treatment and reduce the potential spread of the disease. However, accurately detecting VW in cotton before symptoms appear (the asymptomatic period) after infection [...] Read more.

Cotton is susceptible to Verticillium wilt (VW) during its growth. Early and accurate detection of VW can facilitate targeted pesticide treatment and reduce the potential spread of the disease. However, accurately detecting VW in cotton before symptoms appear (the asymptomatic period) after infection by Verticillium dahliae remains challenging. This study proposes an early detection method for cotton wilt disease using hyperspectral imaging and recurrence plots (RP) combined with machine learning techniques. First, spectral curves were collected and analyzed under three conditions of cotton plants: healthy, asymptomatic, and symptomatic. Then, the one-dimensional spectral curve was transformed into two-dimensional recurrence plots to enhance the detail differences in the original spectral curve of cotton plants in various states. Hyperspectral recurrence plots contain rich texture information; fifteen texture features were extracted from the spectral recurrence plots using the Gray-Level Gradient Co-occurrence Matrix (GLGCM). Eleven of these texture features showed a strong correlation with the class labels of the cotton plants. In order to reduce redundant information between features, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the first five principal components, which explained 99.02% of the information from the 11 features. The final principal component dataset was then input into KNN, SVM, ELM, and XGBoost classifiers to assess the accuracy of early detection of VW in cotton. The results showed that the XGBoost model, based on the first five principal components obtained from the texture features, achieved accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of 96.3%, 95.6%, 96%, and 95.8%, demonstrating a high classification capability. The results of this study confirm the feasibility of converting spectral curves into recurrence plots and extracting image texture features for the accurate identification of VW in cotton during the asymptomatic period. This method also provides a new strategy for early disease detection of cotton and other plants in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

17 pages, 1349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring the Maize Canopy Chlorophyll Content Using Discrete Wavelet Transform Combined with RGB Feature Fusion

by Wenfeng Li, Kun Pan, Yue Huang, Guodong Fu, Wenrong Liu, Jizhong He, Weihua Xiao, Yi Fu and Jin Guo

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010212 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

To evaluate the accuracy of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) in monitoring the chlorophyll (CHL) content of maize canopies based on RGB images, a field experiment was conducted in 2023. Images of maize canopies during the jointing, tasseling, and grouting stages were captured using [...] Read more.

To evaluate the accuracy of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) in monitoring the chlorophyll (CHL) content of maize canopies based on RGB images, a field experiment was conducted in 2023. Images of maize canopies during the jointing, tasseling, and grouting stages were captured using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing to extract color, texture, and wavelet features and to construct a color and texture feature dataset and a fusion of wavelet, color, and texture feature datasets. Backpropagation neural network (BP), Stacked Ensemble Learning (SEL), and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) models were employed to develop CHL monitoring models for the maize canopy. The performance of these models was evaluated by comparing their predictions with measured CHL data. The results indicate that the dataset integrating wavelet features achieved higher monitoring accuracy compared to the color and texture feature dataset. Specifically, for the integrated dataset, the BP model achieved an R² value of 0.728, an RMSE of 3.911, and an NRMSE of 15.24%; the SEL model achieved an R² value of 0.792, an RMSE of 3.319, and an NRMSE of 15.34%; and the GBDT model achieved an R² value of 0.756, an RMSE of 3.730, and an NRMSE of 15.45%. Among these, the SEL model exhibited the highest monitoring accuracy. This study provides a fast and reliable method for monitoring maize growth in field conditions. Future research could incorporate cross-validation with hyperspectral and thermal infrared sensors to further enhance model reliability and expand its applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Machine Learning and Remote Sensing in Crop and Vegetation Monitoring)

25 pages, 3078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resulting Key Physiological Changes in Triticum aestivum L. Plants Under Drought Conditions After Priming the Seeds with Conventional Fertilizer and Greenly Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Corn Wastes

by Roquia Rizk, Mostafa Ahmed, Donia Abdul-Hamid, Mostafa Zedan, Zoltán Tóth and Kincső Decsi

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010211 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

This research study investigated the production and properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles derived from corn husks and their priming effects on wheat plant proliferation and antioxidant mechanisms compared to the nutri-priming technique under regular irrigation and drought-stressed conditions. Transmission and scanning electron [...] Read more.

This research study investigated the production and properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles derived from corn husks and their priming effects on wheat plant proliferation and antioxidant mechanisms compared to the nutri-priming technique under regular irrigation and drought-stressed conditions. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and X-ray diffraction confirmed the nanoparticles’ hexagonal morphology and typical dimensions of 51 nm. The size and stability of these nanoparticles were assessed through the size distribution and zeta potential analysis, indicating reasonable stability. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detected the newly formed functional groups. This study emphasized the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phenolic compounds in plant responses to nanoparticle treatment, particularly in detoxifying harmful radicals. The research also examined the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR), in alleviating stress caused by oxidation while subjected to various treatments, including micronutrient seed priming with DR GREEN fertilizer. Some biochemical compounds, such as total phenolics (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFCs), and total hydrolysable sugars, were estimated as well to show the effect of the different treatments on the wheat plants. The findings suggested that ZnO nanoparticles can enhance antioxidant enzyme activity under certain conditions while posing phytotoxic risks, underscoring the complexity of plant–nanoparticle interactions and the potential for improving crop resilience through targeted micronutrient applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)

18 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Sustainability of Wheat–Maize System with a Long-Term Fertilization Experiment

by Yun Shao, Jiahui An, Xueping Wang, Shouchen Ma, Ye Meng, Yang Gao and Shoutian Ma

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010210 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

In light of the issue concerning excessive fertilization that prevails in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, through conducting a 13-year long-term positioning experiment, the sustainability of a wheat and maize double-cropping soil system under different fertilization strategies is evaluated using the triangular area method. The [...] Read more.

In light of the issue concerning excessive fertilization that prevails in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, through conducting a 13-year long-term positioning experiment, the sustainability of a wheat and maize double-cropping soil system under different fertilization strategies is evaluated using the triangular area method. The objective is to establish a theoretical basis for the development and implementation of appropriate fertilization practices in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. In the protracted long-term experiment, chemical fertilizer (F) was taken as the control (CK) and three distinct treatments combining organic and inorganic fertilizers were used: chemical fertilizer with straw mulching (FS), chemical fertilizer with cow dung (FM), and chemical fertilizer with cow dung and straw mulching (FMS). Between 2018 and 2019, a non-fertilization treatment was concurrently incorporated in parallel on the foundation of each existing fertilization treatment. The results indicated that following prolonged fertilization, the soil nutrient content, enzyme activity, and crop yield of each organic fertilizer treatment were significantly greater than those of the chemical fertilizer treatment alone, resulting in a more stable yield. After two years of discontinuation of fertilizer cultivation, the soil fertility indexes of each treatment exhibited a notable decline. However, the rate of decrease in soil fertility indexes for the three organic fertilizer treatments was lower compared to that of the single application of chemical fertilizer treatment, suggesting that long-term allocation of organic + inorganic fertilizers contributes to better preservation of soil fertility. Through an assessment of the soil system’s sustainability under various treatments, it becomes evident that following a two-year cessation of fertilization, the sustainability indexes of the soils subjected to three long-term organic + inorganic fertilizer treatments (1.26, 1.29, and 1.27) exceeded that of the soil treated solely with chemical fertilizer (1.00). These findings provide further evidence supporting the notion that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can enhance the soil system’s capacity for sustainable production in wheat–maize farmland within the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Management in Water-Limited Cropping Systems)

19 pages, 3051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Thermal Plasma-Activated Water Enhances Nursery Production of Vegetables: A Species-Specific Study

by Silvia Locatelli, Stefano Triolone, Marina De Bonis, Giampaolo Zanin and Carlo Nicoletto

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010209 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) has found widespread applications across several fields, including agriculture. Researchers have explored the use of NTP to improve plant growth and increase agricultural product quality using plasma-activated water (PAW). This technology has shown potential benefits in boosting seed germination, [...] Read more.

Non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) has found widespread applications across several fields, including agriculture. Researchers have explored the use of NTP to improve plant growth and increase agricultural product quality using plasma-activated water (PAW). This technology has shown potential benefits in boosting seed germination, promoting plant growth, as an effective defense against plant pathogens, and increasing systemic plant resistance. An experiment was set up over three different cultivation cycles to investigate the benefits of PAW administration on nursery production. Plasma-activated water was generated using two NTP intensities (PAW-HI = 600 mV; PAW-LI = 450 mV; CTR = tap water control) and manually applied to plants under greenhouse conditions. The species considered in the current study were tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Longifolia). The following morphological traits were measured at the end of each cycle and for each species: plant height (PH, cm), collar diameter (CD, mm), biomass (g), nutritional status (SPAD index), dry matter (DM, %), and chemical composition. The sturdiness index (SI) was determined by the PH-to-CD ratio. Results indicated a species-specific response to both PAW treatments compared to CTR. The plant height significantly increased in tomato (+11.9%) and cabbage (+5%) under PAW-HI treatment. In contrast, PAW-HI treatment negatively affected the PH in lettuce and basil (−18% and −9%, respectively). Swiss chard showed no significant response to either PAW-LI or PAW-HI treatments. Regarding DM, no significant differences were observed between the PAW treatments and CTR. However, an increase in total N content was detected in plant tissues across all species, except for basil, where no change was observed. The results suggest that PAW treatment has the potential to enhance vegetable nursery production, with species-specific responses observed in crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Voltage Plasma Applications in Agriculture)

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17 pages, 2956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Promotion of Dark Septate Endophytes on the Performance and Active Ingredients Accumulation of Dendranthema morifolium Under Cd Stress

by Meiling Wu, Gen Li, Simiao Wang, Ziteng Wang, Longfei Li and Li Han

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010208 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) may facilitate plant growth and stress tolerance in stressful ecosystems. However, little is known about the response of medicinal plants to DSE, especially under heavy metal stress. This study aimed to investigate how DSE affects the growth of Dendranthema [...] Read more.

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) may facilitate plant growth and stress tolerance in stressful ecosystems. However, little is known about the response of medicinal plants to DSE, especially under heavy metal stress. This study aimed to investigate how DSE affects the growth of Dendranthema morifolium in medicinal plants under cadmium (Cd) stress. In this investigation, the sterile and non-sterile inoculations were carried out to evaluate the effect of three DSE strains on D. morifolium stressed with Cd. For the root, DSE15 sterile or non-sterile inoculation resulted in enhanced root biomass, root volume, the Cd content of roots, and the indoleacetic acid (IAA) levels in D. morifolium under Cd stress. DSE7 non-sterile inoculation significantly enhanced the Cd content of roots at 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg soil. Regarding impact stems and leaves, under sterile conditions, DSE7 and DSE15 effectively regulated the shoot biomass, plant height, chlorophyll level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content. Under sterile conditions, DSE15 positively influenced shoot biomass and plant height, while DSE7 had no significant effect on them when subjected to Cd stress. For effects on flowers under non-sterile conditions, DSE7 and DSE15 significantly increased the flower biomass under Cd stress, while DSE7 reduced the Cd transfer coefficient of flowers at 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg soil. Importantly, at 1 mg Cd/kg soil, DSE7 and DSE15 non-sterile inoculations promoted the 1, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid content by 18.29% and 21.70%. The interaction between DSE and soil factors revealed that DSE species had significant effects on soil organic carbon and available nitrogen in D. morifolium non-sterile soil. The DSE15 inoculation enhanced soil organic carbon content, while the inoculation of DSE7 and DSE15 reduced soil available nitrogen content under Cd stress. These results contribute to a better understanding of DSE-plant interactions in habitats contaminated by heavy metals and demonstrate the potential utility of DSE strains for cultivating medicinal plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessReview

Novel Breeding Techniques and Strategies for Enhancing Greenhouse Vegetable Product Quality

by Julia Weiss and Nazim S. Gruda

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010207 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

With its controlled environment, protected cultivation is advantageous and effective for breeding programs. This distinct setting also guarantees that fresh vegetables meet high quality standards. The controlled environment allows for precise monitoring and tuning of breeding efforts, a critical factor in continuously improving [...] Read more.

With its controlled environment, protected cultivation is advantageous and effective for breeding programs. This distinct setting also guarantees that fresh vegetables meet high quality standards. The controlled environment allows for precise monitoring and tuning of breeding efforts, a critical factor in continuously improving the quality of fresh vegetable production. Classical breeding strategies include hybridization, pedigree selection, backcrossing, recombination, and marker-assisted breeding. However, advanced techniques like phenomics and genome editing are revolutionizing the field. These methods accelerate phenotyping and aid in identifying traits and genetic variants linked to quality characteristics. Modern biotechnological tools, specifically genetic engineering and gene editing methods like CRISPR/Cas, have enhanced a wide array of traits in numerous vegetable species. These technological advancements have the potential to effectively address challenges associated with stress resistance, product quality, and shelf-life, thereby presenting promising prospects for the advancement of agriculture. The protracted process of developing new vegetable cultivars with reduced physiological issues through contemporary techniques is an enduring endeavor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conventional vs. Modern Techniques in Horticultural Crop Breeding)

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25 pages, 6689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Control Effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C4 Wettable Powder on Potato Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum

by Zhixiang Xing, Dan Liu, Meng Luo, Zelin Yang, Wenyuan Pang, Yexing Feng, Jiani Yan, Fumeng He, Xu Feng, Qiang Yuan, Yingnan Wang and Fenglan Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010206 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Potatoes are one of the most important food crops worldwide, but their growth and development are often seriously threatened by potato bacterial wilt. The wettable powder produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C4 under optimized fermentation conditions effectively inhibits potato bacterial wilt. In this study, [...] Read more.

Potatoes are one of the most important food crops worldwide, but their growth and development are often seriously threatened by potato bacterial wilt. The wettable powder produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C4 under optimized fermentation conditions effectively inhibits potato bacterial wilt. In this study, lipopeptide antibiotics were identified via PCR and MALDI-TOF-MS, and their antibacterial activity was determined. The optimal formulation of C4 wettable powder was optimized via a single-factor experiment combined with a response surface. The effect of C4 wettable powder on potato bacterial wilt was evaluated. In the antibacterial activity test, surfactin showed better inhibition ability. After determining the optimal liquid fermentation conditions and wettable powder formula, the surfactin activity increased to 540.15 mg/L, and the C4 wettable powder activity reached 69.67 × 10⁸ cfu/g. The results of the pot experiment showed that the best cost-effectiveness was achieved under 500 times dilution and spraying, with a control effect of 79.05 ± 24.79%. The physiological and biochemical results showed that C4 wettable powder could induce rapid defense enzyme responses in leaves and enhance plant resistance to pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that C4 wettable powder effectively controlled potato bacterial wilt, and its application method was determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

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21 pages, 11846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Winter Wheat Yield Prediction Using Satellite Remote Sensing Data and Deep Learning Models

by Hongkun Fu, Jian Lu, Jian Li, Wenlong Zou, Xuhui Tang, Xiangyu Ning and Yue Sun

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010205 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Accurate crop yield prediction is crucial for formulating agricultural policies, guiding agricultural management, and optimizing resource allocation. This study proposes a method for predicting yields in China’s major winter wheat-producing regions using MOD13A1 data and a deep learning model which incorporates an Improved [...] Read more.

Accurate crop yield prediction is crucial for formulating agricultural policies, guiding agricultural management, and optimizing resource allocation. This study proposes a method for predicting yields in China’s major winter wheat-producing regions using MOD13A1 data and a deep learning model which incorporates an Improved Gray Wolf Optimization (IGWO) algorithm. By adjusting the key parameters of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with IGWO, the prediction accuracy is significantly enhanced. Additionally, the study explores the potential of the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) in yield prediction. The research utilizes data collected from March to May between 2001 and 2010, encompassing vegetation indices, environmental variables, and yield statistics. The results indicate that the IGWO-CNN model outperforms traditional machine learning approaches and standalone CNN models in terms of prediction accuracy, achieving the highest performance with an R² of 0.7587, an RMSE of 593.6 kg/ha, an MAE of 486.5577 kg/ha, and an MAPE of 11.39%. The study finds that April is the optimal period for early yield prediction of winter wheat. This research validates the effectiveness of combining deep learning with remote sensing data in crop yield prediction, providing technical support for precision agriculture and contributing to global food security and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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19 pages, 1900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Saving Technologies and Practices in Facility Agriculture in Cold Regions

by Ningning Li, Weiyao Xu, Yue Zhang, Wenchuan Ma and Yanjie Ren

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010204 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

With the growth of the global population, energy demand continues to rise, making cross-regional energy transportation less viable as a sustainable solution. As a result, the construction of facilities for agriculture in cold regions has become increasingly important in the development of modern [...] Read more.

With the growth of the global population, energy demand continues to rise, making cross-regional energy transportation less viable as a sustainable solution. As a result, the construction of facilities for agriculture in cold regions has become increasingly important in the development of modern agriculture. However, cold region facility agriculture faces significant energy and environmental challenges, necessitating the advancement and application of energy saving technologies. This study addresses the high energy consumption in cold region facility agriculture by experimentally evaluating the integrated effects of geothermal heat pumps, solar collectors, intelligent light control systems, LED plant lamps, and smart ventilation systems in saving energy. The focus is on analyzing the technical adaptability and economic feasibility of these technologies under extremely cold conditions in Heilongjiang. The research findings indicate an overall energy saving rate of 17.8%, with energy savings in heating, lighting, and ventilation systems being 17.6%, 18.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. Economic analysis shows that geothermal heat pumps and high efficiency insulation materials have a short investment payback period and are suitable for widespread adoption, while solar collectors and intelligent light control systems are more appropriate for long-term application. This study demonstrates that intelligent and integrated energy saving technologies have significant potential in cold region facility agriculture, providing both data support and technical references for the efficient, low-carbon development of agriculture in cold climates. This study not only provides scientific evidence for the sustainable development of cold region facility agriculture but also highlights the practical implications of these technologies for reducing energy consumption and promoting low-carbon agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Crops in Sustainable Agriculture)

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20 pages, 3891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Analysis of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) SHMT Gene Family Members and Their Functional Studies on Tolerance to Low-Temperature Stress

by Yanmin Liu, Dandan He, Yizhou Wu, Kangqi Zhao, Changyi Yang, Yulu Zhong, Liuyang Yang, Haiyue Niu and Sushuang Liu

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010203 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a significant cash crop globally and is cherished for its sweet and flavorful fruits, as well as its high nutritional values. However, its yield and quality are limited by various factors, including drought, salinity, and low temperatures. [...] Read more.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a significant cash crop globally and is cherished for its sweet and flavorful fruits, as well as its high nutritional values. However, its yield and quality are limited by various factors, including drought, salinity, and low temperatures. Low temperatures are one of the primary factors influencing the growth and development of melons, diminishing the viability, germination, and growth rate of melon seeds. Concurrently, low temperatures also reduce light absorption efficiency and fruit yields, thereby affecting melon growth and development. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), a conserved phosphopyridoxal-dependent enzyme, plays a crucial role in plant resistance to abiotic stressors. In this study, eight CmSHMT family genes were identified from the melon genome. We predicted their chromosomal locations, physicochemical properties, gene structures, evolutionary relationships, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements of promoters, and tissue-specific expression patterns. The expression levels of CmSHMT family genes in response to low-temperature stress was then analyzd using qRT-PCR. The phylogenetic results indicated that these CmSHMT genes were classified into four subfamilies and were unevenly distributed across five chromosomes, with relatively high conservation among them. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the promoter regions of the CmSHMT family genes contain many cis-acting elements related to phytohormones, growth, and various stress responses. The relative expression levels of CmSHMT3, CmSHMT4, CmSHMT6, and CmSHMT7 were higher under low-temperature stress compared to the control group. Notably, the promoter region of CmSHMT3 contains cis-acting elements associated with low-temperature response (LTR) and abscisic acid response (ABRE). It is suggested that the mechanism through which CmSHMT3 responds to low-temperature stress treatments may be associated with hormonal regulation. These findings provide a foundation for the further exploration of CmSHMT family genes in melon and their functional roles in response to low-temperature stress, and they provide a theoretical basis for the targeted breeding of superior melon varieties with enhanced tolerance to low temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Horticultural Crops—from Genotype to Phenotype—2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 2080 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Elevated CO₂ on Maize Physiological and Biochemical Processes

by Pirzada Khan, Tariq Aziz, Rahmatullah Jan and Kyung-Min Kim

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010202 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays) is a critical global crop, serving as a source of food, livestock feed, and industrial raw materials. Climate changes, driven by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, have substantial effects on maize physiology, growth, and nutrient [...] Read more.

Maize (Zea mays) is a critical global crop, serving as a source of food, livestock feed, and industrial raw materials. Climate changes, driven by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, have substantial effects on maize physiology, growth, and nutrient content. This review investigates the impact of elevated CO₂ on maize, with a particular focus on photosynthesis enhancement as it improves water use efficiency (WUE), which can lead to increased biomass production. Despite this, elevated CO₂ results in a decreased concentration of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and folate. The reduction in folate, which is vital for both plant development and human nutrition, poses challenges, especially for population heavily reliant on maize. Additionally, biofortification through traditional breeding and genetic engineering is proposed as a strategy to enhance folate level in maize to mitigate nutritional deficiencies. Elevated CO₂ stimulates lignin production, improving stress resistance and carbon sequestration capacity. However, the increase in guaiacyl-rich lignin may negatively affect biomass degradability and efficiency in biofuel production. The findings emphasize the importance of balancing maize’s stress resilience, nutrient profile, and lignin composition to address future climate challenges. This balance is essential for optimizing maize cultivation for food security, biofuel production, and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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15 pages, 3723 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Renaissance of Polyamines: New Roles in Crop Yield and Quality Properties in Freshly Fruit

by Jenifer Puente-Moreno, Fernando Garrido-Auñón, María E. García-Pastor, Daniel Valero and María Serrano

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010201 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

Polyamines (PAs) are low-molecular-weight compounds that contain amino groups. PAs are present in a variety of organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms. In plants, the main PAs are putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM). They play crucial physiological roles in plant development, [...] Read more.

Polyamines (PAs) are low-molecular-weight compounds that contain amino groups. PAs are present in a variety of organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms. In plants, the main PAs are putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM). They play crucial physiological roles in plant development, including flowering, fruit set, growth, ripening and metabolic processes. In addition, PAs are components of the diet and have a role in health and disease. Furthermore, PAs have been demonstrated to help overcome the negative effects of adverse environmental factors of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, the main objective of this review was to examine the recent literature regarding the mentioned effects of PAs apart from the impact of preharvest PAs treatments, applied at different stages of fruit development, on fresh fruit crop yield and fruit quality properties at harvest, and in their maintenance during storage, with a special emphasis on the fruit content in bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. Moreover, this review addressed the impact of PAs on other physiological processes affecting crop yield such as flowering and fruit set. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation of Crops to the Environment under Climate Change: Physiological and Agronomic Strategies—3rd Edition)

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17 pages, 5386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DualTransAttNet: A Hybrid Model with a Dual Attention Mechanism for Corn Seed Classification

by Fei Pan, Dawei He, Pengjun Xiang, Mengdie Hu, Daizhuang Yang, Fang Huang and Changmeng Peng

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010200 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

Varietal purity is a critical quality indicator for seeds, yet various production processes can lead to the mixing of seeds from different varieties. Consequently, seed variety classification is an essential step in seed production. Existing classification algorithms often suffer from limitations such as [...] Read more.

Varietal purity is a critical quality indicator for seeds, yet various production processes can lead to the mixing of seeds from different varieties. Consequently, seed variety classification is an essential step in seed production. Existing classification algorithms often suffer from limitations such as reliance on single information sources, constrained feature extraction capabilities, time consumption, low accuracy, and the potential to cause irreversible damage to seeds. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a fast and non-destructive classification method for corn seeds, named DualTransAttNet, based on multi-source image information and hybrid feature extraction. High-resolution hyperspectral images of various corn varieties were collected, and a sliding sampling approach was employed to capture feature information across all spectral bands, resulting in the construction of a hyperspectral dataset for corn seed classification. Hyperspectral and RGB image data were then integrated to complement one another’s information and mitigate the insufficient feature diversity caused by single-source data. The proposed method leverages the strengths of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers to extract both local and global features, effectively capturing spectral and image characteristics. The experimental results demonstrate that the DualTransAttNet model can achieve a compact size of only 1.758 MB and an inference time of 0.019 ms. Compared to typical machine learning and deep learning models, the proposed model exhibits superior performance with an overall accuracy, F1-score, and Kappa coefficient of 90.01%, 88.9%, and 88.4%, respectively. The model’s rapid inference capability and low parameter count make it an excellent technical solution for agricultural automation and intelligent systems, thereby enhancing the efficiency and profitability of agricultural production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Use of NIR Spectroscopy in Smart Agriculture)

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18 pages, 4213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Selenium Application Methods and Timing Enhance Grain Yield, Minimize Cadmium Bioaccumulation, and Optimize Selenium Fortification in Triticum aestivum L.

by Dazhong Zhang, Jiajia Liu, Tingting Cheng, Hongyi Wang, Yongzhen Zhou, Zhengwu Gong and Tiezhu Hu

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010199 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

Based on previous research, we hypothesized that an SeVI and SeMet combined application at different growth stages could increase the yield and Se concentration and decrease Cd concentration in wheat grains. To verify this hypothesis, we designed a pot experiment throughout the wheat [...] Read more.

Based on previous research, we hypothesized that an SeVI and SeMet combined application at different growth stages could increase the yield and Se concentration and decrease Cd concentration in wheat grains. To verify this hypothesis, we designed a pot experiment throughout the wheat growth period and investigated the effects of SeIV, SeVI, and SeMet applied individually or in combination at different growth stages on yield traits; Cd absorption and transport; and Se content under Cd stress. The results indicated that grain yield was the highest under the SeVI individual application treatment and the SeVI (at the seedling, jointing, and heading stages) and SeMet (at the filling stage) combined application treatment (3 + 1 treatment), showing a more than 42% increase compared with the Cd-only control treatment (CK). Under the 5 mg/kg Cd stress, the grain Cd content in the 3 + 1 treatment was 34.1% lower than that in CK and over 14.1% lower than those in Se individual treatments. Furthermore, grain Se content was the highest under the 3 + 1 treatment, being 160.8%, 99.7%, and 39.5% higher than those in the SeIV, SeVI, and SeMet individual treatments under 5 mg/kg Cd stress. This may be attributed to early SeVI application in the 3 + 1 treatment, which enhanced yield traits and effectively promoted the retention of Cd in the middle and lower organs, reducing its transport to the grains. Furthermore, the SeMet application enhanced Se translocation to the grains, further reducing Cd content and increasing the Se concentration. In conclusion, the combined application of SeVI (at the seedling, jointing, and heading stages) and SeMet (at the filling stage) helped achieve the desired outcomes of high grain yield, low Cd content, and Se enrichment under Cd stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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