Crops

Plant breeding is considered to be the science and art of genetically improving plants according to human needs. Breeders in this context oftentimes face the difficult task of selecting among thousands of genotypes for dozens of traits simultaneously. Using a breeder’s selection decisions from a commercial wheat breeding program as a case study, this study investigated the possibility of implementing a recommender system based on the breeder’s preferences to support early-generation selection decisions in plant breeding. The target trait was the retrospective binary classification of selected versus non-selected breeding lines during a period of five years, while the selection decisions of the breeder were predicted by various machine learning models. The explained variance of these selection decisions was of moderate magnitude (${\mathsf{\rho }}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{P}}^2$ = 0.45), and the models’ precision suggested that the breeder’s selection decisions were to some extent predictable (~20%), especially when some of the pending selection candidates were part of the training population (~30%). Training machine learning algorithms with breeders’ selection decisions can thus aid breeders in their decision-making processes, particularly when integrating human and artificial intelligence in the form a recommender system to potentially reduce a breeder’s effort and the required time to find interesting selection candidates. Full article

Evaluating cultivar susceptibility to biotic stressors in apple orchards is essential for selecting genotypes adapted to local conditions and for designing effective plant protection strategies. This study conducted a comparative assessment of five apple cultivars (‘Florina’, ‘Jonathan’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Pinova’, and ‘Idared’) in response to major fungal diseases (Venturia inaequalis, Podosphaera leucotricha, and Monilinia spp.) and insect pests (Eriosoma lanigerum, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Anthonomus pomorum, Aphis spp., and Cydia pomonella). The cultivars were monitored over a five-year period in six orchards located in Central Transylvania, Romania. Significant differences in phytosanitary behavior were recorded among cultivars and locations. ‘Florina’ consistently showed the highest tolerance to pathogens and pests across all sites and years, while ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ proved highly susceptible, particularly to apple scab, powdery mildew, aphids, and codling moth. Pest incidence was strongly influenced by temperature, while disease occurrence was more closely linked to precipitation patterns. Heritability analysis indicated that genetic factors played a substantial role in shaping cultivar responses to most biotic stressors. The integrated approach to cultivar–location–pathogen and pest interactions offers practical insights for optimizing orchard protection strategies under variable ecological conditions. Full article

Seaweeds and their derived products have long been valued in organic agriculture, serving roles in biofertilizers, biostimulants, and soil conditioners due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. With increasing concerns over the negative impacts of synthetic agrochemicals on food security and environmental health, seaweeds offer a sustainable alternative for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This review synthesizes recent findings on the use of seaweeds to enhance soil physicochemical properties, stimulate beneficial microbial activity, and improve nutrient availability. Furthermore, it highlights how seaweed applications can mitigate various abiotic stresses, such as droughts, salinity, and nutrient deficiency, by enhancing antioxidant defenses and promoting physiological and biochemical resilience in plants. Key agronomic benefits include improved seed germination, root development, photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and yield performance. By acting as natural soil amendments, seaweeds support sustainable soil management and contribute to long-term agricultural resilience. This review emphasizes the urgent need for standardized application strategies and integrated research to unlock the full potential of seaweed-based solutions in sustainable farming systems. Full article

The small-molecule compound fipexide (FPX) has been shown to promote callus formation in several plants, but its effects on forage crops remain unexplored, and its molecular mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, we evaluated FPX-induced callus formation from seeds for up to four weeks in four elite cultivars of Medicago sativa, finding it to be faster than the classical 2,4-D/6-BA treatment for the first two weeks. Notably, the cellular organization of FPX-induced calli differed from those induced by 2,4-D/6-BA by showing almost no conducting tissues. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed dynamic gene expression changes during the early and late stages of callus induction, such as multicellular organism development and response to auxin. Interestingly, in both M. sativa and Arabidopsis, FPX regulates a group of small auxin upregulated RNA (SAUR) family genes, which are known to fine-tune growth in response to internal and external signals. This suggests a potential evolutionary conserved molecular mechanism underlying FPX-induced callus formation across plant species. Full article

The continuous provision of nitrogen (N) to the crop is critical for optimal cotton production; however, the constant and excessive application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse impacts on soil, plants, animals, and human health. The current study focused on the short-term effects (one-year study) of adding different rates of clinoptilolite zeolite, as part of an integrated nutrient management plan, and different rates of inorganic N fertilizer to improve soil and crop performance of cotton in three locations (ATH, MES, and KAR) in Greece. Each experiment was set up according to a split-plot design with three replications, three main plots (zeolite application at rates of 0, 5, and 7.5 t ha⁻¹), and four sub-plots (N fertilization regimes at rates of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). The results of this study indicated that increasing rates of the examined factors increased cotton yields (seed cotton yield, lint yield, and lint percentage), with the greatest lint yield recorded under the highest rates of zeolite (7.5 t ha⁻¹: 1808, 1723, and 1847 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively) and N fertilization (200 kg N ha⁻¹: 1804, 1768, and 1911 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively). From the evaluated parameters, most soil parameters (soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, and total porosity), root and shoot development (root length density, plant height, leaf area index, and dry weight), fiber maturity traits (micronaire, maturity, fiber strength, and elongation), fiber length traits (upper half mean length, uniformity index, and short fiber index), as well as color (reflectance and spinning consistency index) and trash traits (trash area and trash grade), were positively impacted by the increasing rates of the evaluated factors. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggest that increasing zeolite and N fertilization rates to 7.5 t ha⁻¹ and 200 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, improved soil properties (except mean weight diameter), stimulated crop development, and enhanced cotton and lint yield, as well as improved the fiber maturity, length, and color parameters of cotton grown in clay-loam soils in the Mediterranean region. Full article

Maize plays a crucial role in global nutrition and food security, with Mexico making a significant contribution through its diverse native corn genotypes. However, research on flours derived from these native maize genotypes remains limited, hindering their potential applications in food manufacturing. This study aimed to determine the nutritional, physicochemical, techno-functional, structural, and antioxidant properties of corn kernel flours from nine native Mexican maize accessions cultivated in the highlands of Jalisco. Enough cobs for each maize accession were randomly selected to yield 1000 g of corn kernels. Data analysis was conducted by analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests (α = 0.05). Moreover, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were performed. Native corn kernel flour (NCKF) demonstrated higher protein and fat content compared to white hybrid corn flour (WHF). While both flours showed similar pH, titratable acidity, and water activity levels, NCKF exhibited higher total soluble solids. Additionally, NCKF showed superior techno-functional properties, including water solubility, water absorption index, swelling power, emulsifying capacity, and foaming capacity, while its oil absorption index was comparable to that of WHF. Moreover, NCKF contained higher levels of bioactive compounds, such as soluble phenols, condensed tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, along with enhanced antioxidant properties, as measured by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. FTIR analysis revealed that all NCKF samples exhibited patterns similar to those of WHF with differences in transmittance intensities. Notably, spectral differences were identified by PCA, while HCA demonstrated that corn flours exhibited similitudes and differences among them, which can be categorized into four groups based on their nutritional, physicochemical, and technological–functional properties, as well as antioxidant compound contents. Overall, the evaluated corn flours displayed nutritional, physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties for the potential development of functional or nutraceutical food and beverage products. Full article

Planting density can influence the growth and potential yield of grain sorghum systems, particularly in resource-limited environments. Therefore, documenting the sorghum’s response to different planting densities is essential for understanding crop behavior in relation to optimal yields. A study was conducted in Lahoma and Perkins, Oklahoma, in 2019 and 2020 to assess the impact of varying planting densities and within-row planting in-row gaps. Planting density varied from 43,225 to 223,500 plants ha⁻¹. Three additional treatments were implemented at 148,000 plants ha⁻¹ with 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m gaps. An increase in plant density resulted in higher yields at Lahoma in 2019. However, at Perkins in 2019 and 2020, yields were optimized at 148,000 and 111,000 plants ha⁻¹, respectively, and decreased as planting densities diminished. In-row gaps of 0.3 and 0.6 m did not significantly affect yields across all site-years; however, at Perkins, the 0.9 m gap significantly reduced yields compared to stands without gaps in both years. Overall, a direct relationship was observed between sorghum yields and planting density. Further evaluation of in-row gaps and how planting management should be adjusted is warranted based on the presented information. Full article

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an emerging forage crop known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, making it a promising alternative in sustainable livestock feeding systems in the Mediterranean region. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the growing season 2020–2021 in a split-plot design with five fertilization treatments (Biocyclic-Vegan Humus Soil; BHS, Farmyard Manure; FMA, Organic Compost; OCP, Inorganic Fertilizer; IFZ, and No Treatment Control; CTRL, and two main salinity treatments (High Salinity Level; HSL, and Normal Salinity Level; NSL). The Forage Quality Index (FQI) was the highest under BHS at NSL (45) and lowest under CTRL at HSL (32), emphasizing the positive impact of organic fertilization. Crude ash (CA) was higher under NSL (9.7%), with OCP and IFZ performing best, while salinity reduced CA under CTRL. Crude fiber (CF) increased under salinity, particularly with OCP and IFZ, whereas BHS and FMA at NSL showed the lowest CF (15.8%), enhancing digestibility. Total fat (TF) was the highest under BHS and FMA at NSL (5.8%) and lowest under IFZ and CTRL at HSL (4.0%), underscoring the importance of balanced fertilization in maintaining fat content. These results highlight the potential of organic amendments to improve nutrient availability, digestibility, and overall feed value. Full article

Seed productivity and quality are the bases of modern agriculture. To determine the optimal conditions in terms of seed production and quality, the effect of foliar plant biostimulant treatments (at the beginning and in the middle of the peduncle formation phase and at the beginning of flowering) based on amino acids (Multimolig M and Aminosil), silicon (Si) (Siliplant), selenium (nano-Se), a Rhodotorula glutinis soil yeast formulation, and a fertilizer (Wuxal Macromix), plus an untreated control (only water-sprayed plants), were assessed on Beta vulgaris seed plants grown in an open field in the Moscow region in 2022–2023. Silicon and nano-Se foliar supply led to the highest seed production and viability, as well as positively affecting the yield and quality of the microgreens produced from the latter seeds. Despite the stability of the size distribution of small- and large-sized seeds, only the application of Si increased the occurrence of the large-sized seed class by up to 53%, while R. glutinis fostered a homogenous distribution of seeds among the different diameter classes. The application of all of the biostimulants, except R. glutinis, provided a decrease in oxidative stress in the seeds (reflected in a significant reduction in proline levels), especially for the small-sized seed class, with the highest beneficial effects being caused by Aminosil and Siliplant. All of the treatments were beneficial in terms of chlorophyll and betalain pigment accumulation but did not significantly affect the microgreens’ antioxidant status. The beneficial effect of the biostimulants revealed provides the basis for beetroot seed production and quality improvements to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations aiming to fight hunger and improve human health and well-being. Full article

This study investigated if the foliar application of wood distillate (WD, a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, containing bioactive compounds, including organic acids and phenols) influences some key parameters (fresh weight, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant compounds, stress-related biochemical markers, and mineral content) of basil plants, used as a model crop, grown under water-limited conditions. The experimental setup included control and WD treatments (applied via foliar application at 0.2%) under three drought levels: no stress, moderate, and high stress. The results indicated that the application of WD contributed to improving the fresh weight, chlorophyll, reduced oxidative stress, and stable levels of essential nutrients across varying drought intensities. These outcomes highlight the potential of WD as an effective biostimulant for enhancing drought tolerance in basil plants under water deficiency. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a major fungal pathogen causing significant economic losses in grapevines worldwide. To address the environmental concerns associated with overreliance on synthetic fungicides, this study investigated the antifungal efficacy of varying concentrations of pyroligneous acid (PA) (0, 2, and 4%) compared to a commercial fungicide (Switch^®) against B. cinerea in grapevines (Vitis vinifera ‘Himrod’), as well as its physiological and biochemical responses. Our preliminary in vitro assays using the poisoned food method showed that PA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited B. cinerea mycelial growth by approximately 0.70-, and 1-fold, respectively, compared to the 0% PA during the three weeks of observation. The results also demonstrated that the 2% PA and 4% PA treatments, as well as the Switch^® application, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced average lesion length by 0.19-, 0.52-, and 0.85-fold, respectively, compared to the untreated plants with Botrytis alone. Both the 4% PA and Switch^® significantly (p < 0.05) increased the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystems II (F_v/F_m) and potential photosynthetic capacity (F_v/F_o) by approximately 0.02-fold and 0.1-fold, respectively, compared to the untreated plants with Botrytis alone. The 2 and 4% PA treatments also increased total carotenoids and flavonoids. Further molecular studies are recommended to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed physiological and biochemical changes. Full article

Soybeans are the most widely produced oilseed and the fifth most cultivated crop in the world. However, their growth and yield are significantly influenced by weather conditions. In Southern Brazil’s subtropical climate, farmers employ a double-cropping system, planting corn from late winter to early summer, followed by soybeans, which are sown after the corn harvest—typically in January—and harvested in autumn. This study argues that climate change has benefited late-sown soybeans in Rio Grande do Sul and will continue improving their growing conditions. The aim is to identify climate change’s past and future impacts on late-sowing soybean crop yields in this region. We evaluated the effects of climate on soybean yields using the HadGEM2-CC model (CMIP-5) for two scenarios (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) and for two time periods (mid-and late-century). Additionally, the CSM-CERES-Maize model within DSSAT was also used to simulate corn yields under these climatic conditions. Our climatic analysis indicates an increase in rainfall and temperature, particularly in minimum temperatures, alongside significant rises in both minimum and maximum temperature extremes, and a reduction in frost days. Furthermore, higher atmospheric CO₂ levels are projected to enhance net photosynthesis, likely leading to increases in potential yield (Py) with rising CO₂ concentrations. Notably, the largest increases in achievable yield (Ay) are anticipated for early sowing dates under the mid- and late-century scenarios of RCP 4.5. Past climate changes have already improved the growth and yield potential of late-sown soybeans in Southern Brazil, a trend expected to continue as climate change further optimizes temperature and rainfall conditions. In conclusion, the late growing season for soybeans is predicted to be extended. Full article

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) reduce the yield and quality of cereal crops in Australia. Eleven of the ~90 species characterised are present in Australia, with those determined as economic pests of broadacre agriculture costing an estimated AUD 250 million annually. Two species, P. curvicauda and P. quasitereoides, recently re-described, were isolated from fields located in the grainbelt of Western Australia, but little is known about their distribution in the region surveyed in this study. To investigate this and possible co-infestations with other Pratylenchus spp., we surveyed seven commercial wheat, barley, and oat farms near Katanning, Cancanning, Kenmare, Duranillin, Darkan, and a barley seed-bulk nursery near Manjimup, all in the southwest grainbelt of Western Australia. Morphological and molecular characterisation of Pratylenchus spp. extracted from soil and plant roots indicated all fields surveyed were infested. Both P. quasitereoides and P. curvicauda were present as single or mixed populations with P. penetrans and/or P. neglectus, although they were not found in the same field. Analyses of the D2–D3 sequences of the identified nematodes indicated that the species found in Australia were distinct, particularly P. quasitereoides and P. curvicauda. This work suggests P. curvicauda is likely to be present more widely in the WA grainbelt. Expanding molecular diagnostic testing for Pratylenchus species in the region to account for both nematodes is urgently needed so effective management can be implemented. Full article

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a vital oilseed crop, but its sustainable production is increasingly challenged by climate change. Characterizing genotypic variation in root morphological traits in canola provides a basis for breeding new varieties with root traits that enhance soil nutrient uptake, water use efficiency, and adaptation to stress. This study evaluated genotypic variation in 25 root morphological traits and 2 shoot traits across 173 canola genotypes using a semi-hydroponic phenotyping platform under controlled conditions. Large genotypic variation was observed in the majority of root traits. Nineteen traits with a coefficient of variation greater than 0.3 were selected for further analysis. Principal component analysis identified five components with eigenvalues > 1, collectively accounting for 87.9% of the total variability. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the 173 genotypes into five distinct clusters. The broad genotypic variations in root morphological traits among genotypes offer significant potential for future research aimed at identifying molecular markers and genes associated with key morphological traits. This study provides a strong foundation for the genetic improvement of canola to enhance resource-use efficiency and tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought and heat stress. Full article

Organic fertilizers are a revolutionary concept in coconut farming as they provide a package for sustainable coconut production. This review examines the multiple advantages of organic fertilization methods and types of organic fertilizers, which include compost, vermicompost, livestock manure, green manure, crop residues, and biofertilizers. The review focuses on the best practices, application methods, time of application, frequency and rate of application of nutrients for coconut palm at various developmental stages. The study provides a detailed and systematic review of the environmental, economic and social impacts of organic fertilization. Benefits include enhanced soil health, biodiversity promotion, carbon sequestration, cost effectiveness, quality improvement of the yield, food security and possibilities of creating rural income. Issues including resource accessibility difficulties, nutrient deficiencies, and intensive labor requirements are explored in detail, as well as future trends that focus on advanced technologies, new research areas, and policy approaches. Thus, the study reviews organic fertilization as a coherent concept that can be applied to coconut production and other goals of environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development of agriculture. Full article

The key objective of this study was to determine the yield and chemical composition of eight commercial samples and one collected sample of common vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) herb essential oil (EO) originating from seven different countries, and subsequently, to assess its potential for treating anxiety and depression. According to GC-MS analysis, 90 compounds were identified, 49 of which were discovered for the first time in V. officinalis EO. The plants with the highest oil content are from Greece (4.7 mL/kg) and South Carolina, USA (5.2 mL/kg). The chemical markers for the studied chemotypes of EO of V. officinalis are the terpenoids o-cymene, p-cymene, L-carvone, thymol, carvacrol, α-curcumin, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, phytol, (E)-β-ionone, and phenylpropene anethole. The chemotype from the UK demonstrated the greatest affinity to the continuum under study; it has the highest levels of similarity—85.2% with the chemotype from Greece, 69.4% with the chemotype from the USA, 68.2% with the chemotype from Estonia (2), 58.7% with the chemotype from Germany, and 58.6% with the chemotype from Hungary. The chemotypes identified have the potential for use in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Full article

Among heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is shown to have adverse consequences for plants. Due to its harmful nature and ability to move through the soil–plant system, it is a very worrying element for soil experts and plant physiologists. In this work, we designed a pot experiment to study the influence of three soil concentrations of cadmium (0, 15, and 30 mg/kg) to explore its physiological impacts, and its portioning in the whole plant of three hulless barley varieties. Our findings demonstrated marked Cd accumulation in roots, leaves, and stems under severe Cd stress (30 mg/kg). Cd stress was also shown to reduce photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and transpiration rates (E). The application of Cd in the soil increased the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) enzymes, as well as the levels of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and proline. These results reflect the negative effects of cadmium on morpho-physiological traits in barley genotypes. However, the principal component analysis indicated a significant correlation between oxidative stress indicators and enzymatic activities, along with different levels of Cd tolerance between Tombari, Assiya, and Giza 130 genotypes. When exposed to Cd, these varieties shifted a significant amount of energy from growth to produce antioxidant compounds and osmolytes. Despite this, these defenses did not effectively shield the plant from the detrimental effects of oxidative stress induced by Cd accumulation at vegetative stages. Consequently, we highly recommend testing these varieties under Cd-contaminated soil to investigate the rate of cadmium accumulation in the seeds, the harvested part used in human nutrition. Full article

Ocimum basilicum is an herbaceous plant, rich in essential oils. This research represents a groundbreaking exploration of the cultivation of Ocimum basilicum in Greece, a Mediterranean nation. It emphasizes the impact of biostimulants on various basil varieties, assessing both quantitative aspects and qualitative features. This study was conducted through a field trial at the University of Thessaly’s experimental farm located in the Velestino region. This study examined different testing varieties (V1: Lemon, V2: Siam Queen, V3: Salat, V4: Bascuro, and V5: Genovese), under different biostimulant applications (B1: control, B2: seaweed extracts, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, polyphenols, antioxidants and mannitol; B3: plant amino acids, glutamic and aspartic acid, vitamins and other nutrients, B4: B1 and B2 combination in a 1:1 ratio). The findings highlight the significant differences in both fresh and dry yields across various basil cultivars, with Lemon basil demonstrating the most substantial yields. Specifically, the Lemon variety attained the highest dry yield, surpassing the lowest-performing cultivar by more than two times. Additionally, this research evaluated the production of essential oil per hectare, emphasizing the relationship between essential oil content and the crop’s dry yield. The results revealed considerable variability among the examined varieties, with the Lemon variety yielding nearly 65 kg ha⁻¹, the highest among them. Biostimulant treatments (B2) led to the greatest total yields of essential oils, while the control treatments yielded the least. The chemical composition of essential oils derived from O. basilicum shows significant variability, often associated with the plants’ nutritional conditions. The application of biostimulants has led to considerable alterations in the volatile profile of sweet basil, supporting this study’s conclusions. Full article

Globally, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), commonly known as roselle or hibiscus, is a multipurpose vegetable crop. In Malawi, where it is referred to as ‘Chidede’ (Chichewa), it is recognized as an underutilized traditional plant with significant potential. Traditional vegetable production in Malawi is being promoted to enhance nutritional food security and climate change mitigation. Recently, biochar has become increasingly used to improve agricultural productivity through climate-smart technologies. To date, the influence of rice husk biochar (RHB) on H. sabdariffa remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effects of RHB on the vegetative growth, response to water stress, and post-stress recovery of H. sabdariffa using a greenhouse pot experiment. Our findings indicate that biochar-amended soil enhanced plant height, stem thickness, and total leaf area by 16.5%, 12.0%, and 12.9%, respectively. Water stress significantly reduced all assessed growth parameters (p < 0.05) except total leaf area and average leaf area per plant. Under water stress conditions, biochar-treated plants were significantly taller (p < 0.05) and had a higher specific leaf area (p < 0.05), demonstrating a positive effect. A post-stress recovery analysis revealed that H. sabdariffa fully recovered in height and biomass, while partial recovery was observed for root collar diameter and compensatory recovery for total leaf area and average leaf area. Biochar-treated plants exhibited superior post-stress recovery compared to those grown in unamended soil. Overall, plants grown with biochar were taller and had a larger root collar diameter, higher stem and leaf fresh biomass, and greater total leaf area. These findings underscore biochar’s potential as a sustainable soil amendment for enhancing growth and resilience in underutilized crops. Further studies should explore field experiments to access environmental heterogeneity and examine the diverse factors influencing biochar efficiency. Full article