Crops

Yellow (stripe) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a devastating disease of common wheat worldwide. The virulence variability of Pst isolates from common wheat was studied in geographically distant Russian regions (the North Caucasus, North-West, Volga, and Urals), which differ in climatic and environmental conditions, types of cultivated wheat (winter vs. spring wheat), and genotypes of commercial cultivars. A total of 95 isolates were tested for virulence on a differential set comprising 12 Avocet near-isogenic lines and 15 supplemental wheat varieties. In total, 38 distinct Pst pathotypes were identified: seven of them were detected in two regions, while a single pathotype was shared by three regions. Most pathotypes from the North Caucasus and North-West were clearly distinct from pathotypes in the Volga and Ural regions. The regional Pst collections were clearly divided into two major clusters: the first comprising the North-West and North-Caucasian collections (Dagestan, Krasnodar, and Rostov), and the second comprising the Volga and Ural collections. No virulence was detected to Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr24, and the Moro variety. Isolates virulent to Yr17 were identified in the North Caucasus (Dagestan, Krasnodar, and Rostov) and Urals; however, no virulence to Yr17 was observed in the North-West and Volga regions. Full article

Practical application rates of liquid manure-derived biofertilizers (biols) are poorly documented during tropical grass establishment. This study evaluated dry matter yield, nutritive value, and energy estimates of Cayman Blend (Urochloa hybrid) and Miyagui (Megathyrsus maximus) under bovine- and rabbit-manure biols at 400 or 800 L ha⁻¹, chemical fertilization (60-60-00 kg ha⁻¹ N-P₂O₅-K₂O), and an unfertilized control. A split-plot randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. Treatments were applied once at 35 days after sowing, and grasses were harvested at 88 days. Chemical and biol treatments were not nutrient-equivalent. Grass × fertilization interactions were significant for yield (p = 0.0401) and all nutritive and energy variables (p < 0.0001). Chemical fertilization produced the greatest yields (7.38 and 7.10 t ha⁻¹ for Cayman Blend and Miyagui, respectively). In Cayman Blend, chemical fertilization improved crude protein, digestibility, and energy estimates, whereas Bov800 improved digestibility and energy-related variables without increasing yield. In Miyagui, Rab400 and Rab800 increased yield relative to the control, while chemical fertilization reduced digestibility and energy estimates. Overall, responses depended on grass and treatment, and the tested biol rates did not match the yield obtained with chemical fertilization. Full article

Olive leaf biomass, generated as a residue of olive cultivation, represents a readily available source of phenolic compounds with recognized nutraceutical potential. However, the composition of these bioactive compounds is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cultivar and sampling period on the biophenolic composition and mineral nutrient content of olive leaves from six cultivars maintained under comparable environmental conditions in central Dalmatia, Croatia. Leaves were collected during the harvest and pruning periods. Phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC and mineral nutrients by ICP-MS, FAAS, and UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Significant cultivar-dependent differences were observed for most analyzed phenolic compounds and mineral nutrients. Cultivar ‘Leccino’ exhibited the highest concentrations of several phenolic compounds and total phenols during the pruning period, while distinct accumulation patterns were recorded among cultivars. Ten of the thirteen individual phenolic compounds showed a significant sampling-period effect; nine were higher during the pruning period, whereas apigenin was higher at harvest. Seven of the ten mineral nutrients were significantly affected by sampling period, all of them decreasing towards pruning. Multivariate analysis identified cultivar as the dominant source of variation in both fractions, and the phenolic and mineral profiles were congruent among cultivars within each sampling period. Higher phenolic accumulation during the pruning period differed in magnitude among cultivars for 15 of the 24 variables. These findings support the potential valorization of olive leaves as a source of bioactive compounds and highlight cultivar and sampling period as important considerations for their targeted utilization. Full article

The Texas High Plains (THP) is a major cotton-producing region facing challenges from continuous cotton monoculture, which has increased weed pressure and reduced system sustainability. Over 90% of cotton acreage relies on herbicides, accelerating the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed development. Declining Ogallala Aquifer water levels and erratic rainfall further stress the system, highlighting the need for diversified, drought-resilient cropping systems. Sorghum, known for its drought tolerance and allelopathic properties, offers an effective rotational crop to suppress weeds and improve water-use efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of sorghum–cotton rotation on weed dynamics, crop growth, and yield. A two-year field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted at the Quaker Research Farm, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, using a split-plot design with crop rotations [sorghum–cotton (S–C), sorghum–sorghum (S–S), and cotton–cotton (C–C)] as main plots and weed management treatments (weeded and unweeded) as subplots, with four replications. Results showed that the C–C system had 41% higher weed density and 57% greater early-season biomass than S–C; cotton growth improved in S–C with 17–22% taller plants and 36–90% more biomass compared to cotton monoculture. Under weeded conditions, lint yield increased by 53% and seed yield by 30% compared with cotton monoculture. Under unweeded conditions, yields were 21% to 41% greater in the S–C system due to lower weed density, biomass and reduced competition. Overall, integrating sorghum into cotton-based systems reduced weed pressure, increased cotton plant height and biomass, improved lint and seed yield, and minimized yield losses under limited weed control, supporting more sustainable production in the THP. Full article

Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) is an underutilized leafy vegetable with recognized tolerance to environmental stresses, yet comprehensive characterization of its morpho-physiological and biochemical responses to contrasting water stress conditions remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses of waterleaf to continuous drought and waterlogging stress, and to examine trait interrelationships under each stress using correlation analyses, providing exploratory insights into coordinated stress responses. The experiment was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design. Plants were subjected to three watering regimes: well-watered control, continuous flooding, and severe drought (≤10% field capacity). Drought stress induced more severe growth suppression than waterlogging, with reductions of 3.8-fold in leaf area and 5.5-fold in flower production compared to control. Net photosynthetic rate declined by 5.7-fold under drought and 3.1-fold under waterlogging, accompanied by corresponding reductions in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Proline accumulation was substantially enhanced under drought (3.6-fold increase), while soluble sugars increased by 1.7-fold. Total phenolics and flavonoids increased by 1.8-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively, under drought stress, with more moderate increases under waterlogging. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (3.4-fold increase) and hydrogen peroxide (2.9-fold increase), were significantly elevated under drought compared to waterlogging. Correlation analyses revealed stronger and more numerous interrelationships among traits under drought stress, indicating a more coordinated and integrated stress response. The findings demonstrate that waterleaf exhibits differential sensitivity to drought and waterlogging, with drought imposing more severe constraints on growth, photosynthesis, and reproductive output. The stress-induced accumulation of phenolic compounds and enhanced antioxidant capacity suggests that controlled water stress may influence the phytochemical profile of waterleaf, presenting opportunities for further research to optimize irrigation practices for balancing yield and quality in sustainable production systems. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a key staple crop in Kenya, where plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most damaging yield constraints for smallholder farmers. This study evaluated fluopyram-treated banana fibre paper, a biodegradable carrier for targeted delivery of ultra-low nematicide doses, under on-farm conditions in Nyandarua County over three consecutive cropping seasons across properly and poorly managed fields. Seventeen nematode genera were identified, with Helicotylenchus and Globodera (potato cyst nematode, PCN) recording the highest population densities. Fluopyram-treated banana paper significantly suppressed Globodera juvenile densities and reduced total nematode reproductive factors by ≥26% and PCN cyst multiplication factors, the effects most pronounced under poor management. No significant nematode suppression was observed under good management. Total yield in fluopyram treatment approximately doubled in well-managed plots and increased by ~50% in poorly managed plots relative to untreated controls. Fluopyram-treated plots also produced a higher proportion of large-grade tubers under proper management, improving marketable yield. These findings demonstrate that banana fibre technology can effectively manage nematode pests under variable real-world smallholder conditions, with yield benefits amplified by good agronomic practices. The technology offers a practical, climate-smart, and sustainable nematode management tool, with potential for wide adoption across sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Water deficit stress poses significant challenges to chickpea production, affecting plant growth, physiological parameters, and overall crop yield. This study aimed to identify drought-tolerant chickpea genotypes and evaluate the potential of grape by-product amendments to alleviate water deficit stress. Two trials were conducted. The first one investigated the agronomic evaluation of eight chickpea genotypes (G1–G8) cultivated in three different soils to identify drought-tolerant genotypes and the poorest soil. Three chickpea cultivars, G2 (Nour), G3 (Rebha), and G4 (Bochra), were selected for their identified moderate drought tolerance and their status as widely available commercial genotypes in Tunisia. In the second trial, two grape by-product amendments were tested for their ability to enhance the drought tolerance of the selected chickpea genotypes in the poorest-performing soil. Under water deficit conditions, the stalk amendment increased the relative water content (RWC) of the drought-tolerant genotype Nour by approximately 61% compared with the non-amended treatment and a 90% improvement in SPAD chlorophyll readings in Nour under water deficit conditions. Among the tested genotypes, Nour maintained the highest photosynthetic efficiency under drought, with Fv/Fm reaching approximately 0.62 following stalk amendment, indicating improved preservation of PSII functionality. Polyphenol profiling indicated that both drought stress and soil amendments modulated the accumulation of phenolic compounds. Enhanced polyphenol levels, particularly under stalk amendment and water deficit, suggest activation of antioxidant and protective metabolic pathways involved in plant stress defense. Thus, grape by-products, especially stalk residues, demonstrate potential as sustainable soil amendments to mitigate drought stress effects in chickpea through improvements in plant–water status, photosynthetic efficiency, and stress-responsive metabolism. Full article

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cv. BRS Anahí is a promising crop for agricultural diversification in the Brazilian semi-arid region, although saline irrigation can limit its development and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological and productive responses of sesame irrigated with brackish water under different fertilization treatments. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Ceará, using a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. These corresponded to four fertilization treatments (F1: HomeBiogas liquid biofertilizer from CAGECE; F2: HomeBiogas from food waste; F3: shrimp biofertilizer; and F4: mineral fertilization—NPK) and two irrigation water salinity levels (0.8 and 3.0 dS m⁻¹). Irrigation with 3.0 dS m⁻¹ significantly reduced the analyzed variables; however, the intensity of these effects varied according to the fertilization treatment. Treatment F1 promoted greater physiological activity under saline conditions, partially mitigating saline stress. At low salinity, treatments F1 and F3 showed productivity performance similar to F4, while at high salinity, F3 was less effective. The results highlight the potential of the selected biofertilizers to improve sesame performance under saline irrigation. Full article

Seaweed-derived biostimulants are promising tools for improving crop performance and fruit quality in sustainable horticulture. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of a liquid Sargassum spp. extract on the commercial quality, nutraceutical attributes, and antioxidant response of melon fruit (Cucumis melo L. cv. ‘Cruiser’). Four extract concentrations (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%, v/v) were applied in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Compared with the control, the 1.5% treatment increased (p ≤ 0.05) fruit firmness (33.5%), total soluble solids (25.4%), flesh thickness (16.5%), and ascorbic acid content (51.2%). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents also increased by 22.9% and 22.4%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities increased in a concentration-dependent manner (p ≤ 0.05), highlighted by a 207.1% increase in catalase activity at 4.5% with catalase. In contrast, the highest concentration reduced carbohydrate content by 49.3% (p ≤ 0.05), while fruit yield remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Overall, 1.5% provided the best balance between commercial and nutraceutical quality while avoiding the adverse biochemical responses observed at 4.5%. These findings suggest the potential use of Sargassum spp. extract as a biostimulant for sustainable melon production under the conditions of this study. Full article

Pepper fruits contain diverse primary and secondary metabolites, including ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids, which contribute to nutritional quality, antioxidant capacity, coloration, and consumer acceptance. Chilaca chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a Mexican cultivar valued for its distinctive flavor and pungency, representing a valuable resource for studying fruit quality and sustainable crop improvement. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth, physiological responses, antioxidant activity, and fruit quality traits. Twelve treatments in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial designs were evaluated for chlorophyll, soluble solids, biomass, APX and LOX activities, and vitamin C and capsaicin contents at three ripening stages (green, mid-red, and red). Enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically, and bioactive compounds were quantified from methanolic fruit extracts. Microbial inoculation primarily improved fruit physiological quality rather than vegetative growth. Biomass and growth traits showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05), whereas biochemical responses exhibited distinct ripening-dependent patterns. APX activity, vitamin C, and capsaicin increased from green to mid-red stages and declined at full ripeness. Bacillus sp.-based treatments (T1 and T2) produced a significant transient increase in LOX activity during mid-ripening, while T7 showed a similar but weaker response. AMF progressively enhanced LOX activity and capsaicin accumulation in green fruits. PGPR effects were strain-dependent, with Bacillus sp. promoting early capsaicin accumulation and A. deleyi favoring higher levels during advanced ripening. Overall, AMF and PGPR differentially regulate antioxidant metabolism, vitamin C accumulation, and capsaicinoid biosynthesis while interacting with mineral fertilization to improve fruit quality. These findings support beneficial microorganisms as sustainable tools for enhancing nutrient-use efficiency and fruit nutritional and functional value without replacing mineral fertilization. Full article

Cannabis sativa is a multi-use crop with applications in food, fiber, construction, and medicinal industries. Cannabis plants with low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations (industrial hemp) have recently been legalized for industrial cultivation by multiple nations across the globe. This crop has been traditionally ignored and lags behind established crops like wheat, corn, and cotton in breeding and the development of novel traits. We employed chemical mutagenesis to develop novel traits in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). We used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) as the chemical mutagen and determined the lethal dose (LD50) to be 2% (v/v) for 5 h for the heat-tolerant (HT) (diploid, 2n) accession and 2% (v/v) for 8 h for the 4x (tetraploid, 2n = 4x = 40) accession. The variations in seed germination percentages among mutagen treatments were found to be highly significant (p < 0.05). The parental generation (M0) seeds were treated with the LD50 dosage of the mutagen to produce mutant M1 populations. The first mutant generation (M1) and second mutant generation (M2) plants displayed a wide array of phenotypes such as dwarf plants, twin seedlings, leaf variegation, fasciation, purple anthocyanins, hard/leathery leaf texture, trifoliate leaves, bushy stature, and unusual leaf shape, which is a testament to the effectiveness and accuracy of the LD50 dosage calibration results. Full article

Salinity is a major constraint on rice production, and reliable screening methods are needed to identify germplasm with favorable responses across different stress levels. This study evaluated seedling-stage salinity responses in 210 rice accessions exposed to 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% NaCl under hydroponic conditions. Total length, shoot length, root length, dry weight, and visual salt-injury score were measured, and accession-specific regression coefficients were calculated to quantify concentration-dependent responses. Increasing NaCl concentrations progressively reduced all growth traits and increased visible injury. At 0.75% NaCl, total length, shoot length, root length, and dry weight decreased by 38.8, 34.3, 49.4, and 43.6%, respectively, relative to the control. Root length showed the greatest proportional reduction among the growth traits. The mean regression coefficients were −2.48 for total length, −2.03 for shoot length, −2.84 for root length, −2.31 for dry weight, and 3.25 for salt-injury score, revealing substantial variation among accessions. Principal component analysis of the five response coefficients retained two principal components that together explained 66.20% of the total variation. PC1 mainly represented overall growth maintenance, whereas PC2 reflected root-growth maintenance and slower progression of visible injury. Hierarchical clustering of PC1 and PC2 scores produced an exploratory three-group classification consisting of 29 relatively sensitive, 107 intermediate-response, and 74 relatively tolerant accessions. Although internal validation favored a broader two-group structure, the three-group solution was useful for describing contrasting multivariate response profiles. The reference accessions IR29 and Pokkali were assigned to the relatively sensitive and relatively tolerant groups, respectively. Several additional accessions from diverse origins and genetic backgrounds were included in the relatively tolerant group. These accessions should be regarded as putative seedling-stage salt-tolerance candidates requiring further physiological, reproductive-stage, and field validation. Overall, the combined use of regression analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical clustering provided a practical framework for characterizing salinity-response variation in a large rice germplasm panel. Full article

The genus Agastache comprises aromatic and medicinal plants of increasing interest for the diversification of high-value crops. Among them, Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze and Agastache mexicana Lint. et Epling represent two contrasting yet complementary models of multipurpose medicinal and aromatic species. This review critically compares both species with respect to taxonomy, origin, domestication, agronomic performance, phytochemical diversity, biological activities, quality standardization, safety, regulatory status, and industrial applications. Current evidence indicates that A. foeniculum is well adapted to temperate cultivation systems and represents a valuable source of essential oils and polyphenol-rich biomass, whereas A. mexicana offers considerable potential for the development of standardized nutraceutical, cosmetic, and phytopharmaceutical products. Nevertheless, the broader commercialization of both species remains constrained by pronounced chemotype variability, limited multi-site agronomic validation, insufficient clinical evidence, safety concerns associated with certain volatile constituents, and an evolving regulatory framework. The available evidence underscores the need to move beyond descriptive studies toward integrated crop development strategies that combine metabolomics-based chemotype classification, genomic and transcriptomic analyses, breeding for stable and safe phytochemical profiles, polyploidy-assisted improvement, climate-smart cultivation practices, and standardized post-harvest processing. Collectively, these approaches will facilitate the sustainable exploitation of both species and support their transition from promising medicinal and aromatic plants to commercially viable, high-value multipurpose crops for sustainable agriculture. Full article

The phenological responses of different progenies to the effect of ambient temperature on the duration of the fruit ripening cycle in Coffea arabica L. remain poorly understood. In this study, the ripening cycle in the coffee progenies of the Cenicafé 1 variety was recorded using the number of growing degree days during the main and secondary harvests. Concurrently, variables such as the number of fruits per node, firmness, diameter, volume, fresh mass, dry mass of the pericarp and bean, and the fruit respiration rate were measured. A semiparametric repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess inferential components, and Spearman’s multiple correlations were used to examine the associations between variables. No significant differences were observed between the progenies for any variable. However, we detected differences between harvests in terms of the number of growing degree days, number of fruits per node, fruit firmness, fruit diameter, fruit fresh mass, and pericarp and grain dry mass. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that the physical characteristics of the fruit exhibited the strongest associations among themselves. The absence of significant differences in the ripening cycle and fruit characteristics among the progenies may be attributed to their shared genetic origin. Finally, the observed change in the number of fruits per node between harvests directly influenced the physical characteristics of the fruits (diameter, volume, fresh mass, and pericarp dry mass), as the reduced physical space available for individual fruit growth when the node fruit load was higher limited their development. Full article

This study evaluated the long-term effects of soil tillage systems on weed dynamics and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in the Transylvanian Plain, Romania, over an eight-year period (2018–2025). A long-term field experiment was established under a split-plot design with four tillage systems: conventional tillage (CS), minimum tillage with chisel (MTC), minimum tillage with disk (MTD) and no-tillage (NT). Results indicated that reduced soil disturbance significantly increased total weed density, with a clear shift in community structure toward perennial species under conservation tillage systems. Weed infestation ranged from 8 to 9 plants m⁻² in CS to 18–25 plants m⁻² in NT. Maize yield showed a progressive decline with decreasing tillage intensity, from 7283 kg ha⁻¹ in CS to 4725 kg ha⁻¹ in NT. ANOVA results confirmed highly significant effects of tillage system (F = 2451.15; p < 0.001) and year (F = 79.62; p < 0.001), as well as a significant tillage × year interaction (F = 2.15; p < 0.05), indicating temporal variability in treatment responses under changing climatic conditions. Under the specific pedoclimatic conditions of the Transylvanian Plain, reduced tillage systems showed lower maize productivity compared with conventional tillage, indicating that the balance between soil conservation and yield performance depends on local environmental and management conditions. Full article

Rice is highly vulnerable to concurrent drought-heat stress, which intensifies the disruption of plant growth and can cause high seedling mortality. Limited genetic diversity further constrains breeding for combined stress adaptation. Thus, mutation breeding has emerged as a solution for inducing beneficial variability in rice genomes. Based on this solution, this study aimed to identify rice mutants tolerant to drought and heat through artificial screening combined with multi-trait index analysis. Experiments were conducted from April to August 2025 at Hasanuddin University in two sequential phases: seedling screening in a controlled stress chamber and pot evaluation under semi-controlled conditions. Mutants were derived from the seeds of the double haploid (DH) rice line HS1-28-1-5, which was previously developed through anther culture and exhibited potential abiotic stress adaptability. DH seeds were exposed to gamma irradiation (200–1000 Gy) as the M1 population. Based on radiosensitivity evaluation, 200 and 400 Gy were selected and used in the present study as the M2 populations. Rice M2 evaluation results indicated that 200 Gy irradiation enhanced phenotypic variability with improved performance, whereas M2 400 Gy resulted in broader but less stable variation. Yield components were strongly associated with weight per clump, with panicle length being the primary direct contributor and weight per panicle mediating indirect effects. Principal component analysis accounted for 89.13% of the total variation, which was predominantly driven by yield traits. Integrated weighted average absolute score–tolerance score analysis classified genotypes into tolerance groups, identifying 33 putative tolerant mutants, with M2 200 Gy mutants demonstrating superior adaptability to drought-heat stress. These findings suggest that moderate irradiation coupled with multi-trait index selection provides a reproducible framework for identifying putative drought-heat-tolerant rice candidates at early stages while retaining relevance to subsequent yield recovery. Full article

This study was conducted to understand the reinfection pattern of cocoa swollen shoot disease (CSSD) in rehabilitated plots in the cocoa landscape of the Nawa region (Soubré) in Côte d’Ivoire. CSSD was monitored over time on a sample of 200 farms randomly selected from 1200 rehabilitated cocoa farms. Disease epidemiological parameters were assessed through field observations and molecular diagnostic analysis at farm and landscape levels. The results of this study showed that reinfection occurred earlier than expected, with a high disease incidence estimated at 6.95% from 2020 to 2022. Grafting with clones on mature cocoa trees was more susceptible to reinfection than grafting on seedlings and hybrids. The use of PCR as a molecular diagnostic tool indicated missed infections in the current removal strategy when considering the buffer zone recommended in the cutting out process currently in place. Recommendations for the efficient protection of rehabilitated farms after cutting out campaigns are highlighted. Full article

In this study, the growth of tomatoes, basil, lettuce and courgette in aeroponic versus traditional soil-based cultivation revealed key differences in mineral nutrient content, antioxidant molecules, and antioxidant activity. The aeroponic system yielded comparable or higher concentrations of P (in basil), K (in lettuce and basil), Ca and Mg (in all species), Fe (in tomatoes), Mn (in basil, courgette and tomatoes), and Cu and Zn (in courgette). Aeroponic cultivation enhanced or maintained the antioxidant content, with the highest flavonoid levels in basil (75.84 mg QE g⁻¹ DW), followed by lettuce (65.97 mg QE g⁻¹ DW). Consistent with these findings, total antioxidant activity assays were highest in aeroponically grown basil (91.27 ARA%). However, responses varied by crop and maturity stage: DPPH radical-scavenging activity was greater in soil-grown lettuce (92.30 ARA%), while FRAP values were highest in basil in both aeroponic and soil-grown cultures (197.02 and 195.3 mg FeSO⁴ g⁻¹ DW, respectively). However, the interspecific differences indicate that aeroponic systems cannot be applied uniformly; rather, each species could maximize productivity and quality under appropriate conditions. Overall, aeroponic cultivation proved to be a resource-efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional soil farming, providing comparable or superior nutritional quality and reducing water consumption. Full article

Mung bean sprouts are widely consumed for their nutritional value; however, the temporal dynamics of their key nutrients and bioactive compounds during germination remain underexplored, limiting evidence-based strategies for optimizing harvest time and cultivar selection. This study investigated the accumulation patterns of crude protein, crude starch, vitamin C, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, D-chiro-inositol, vitexin, and isovitexin in two new cultivars (Zhonglv 26 and Zhonglv 27) over a 168 h germination period. Our results revealed that germination consistently enhances protein, vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, and D-chiro-inositol, while reducing starch, vitexin, and isovitexin. Notably, each nutrient reached its maximum at distinct time points—polyphenols at 132–144 h, flavonoids and D-chiro-inositol at 156 h, and protein and vitamin C at 168 h—enabling tailored harvest schedules for specific nutritional goals. Among the cultivars, Zhonglv 27 exhibited higher levels of most measured components, suggesting it may be a more suitable candidate for sprout production aimed at bioactive compound enrichment. These findings establish a time-resolved nutritional framework and may offer useful guidance for producing sprouts with enhanced bioactive content, potentially contributing to the development of value-added sprout products. Full article