Editor’s Choice Articles

The Fukushima nuclear accident caused widespread radiocesium contamination, and subsequent decontamination reduced soil fertility by removing nutrient-rich topsoil. Although biological amendments have been widely investigated for soil improvement, their potential to restore crop productivity in decontaminated Fukushima soils remains poorly understood. This study evaluated a Bacillus-based biofertilizer (Yume-Bio) and an Aspergillus fermentation product (kouji) as biological amendments for restoring crop productivity in decontaminated soils. Pot and field experiments were conducted to assess their effects on the growth, mineral nutrition, and seed yield of Perilla frutescens grown in decontaminated Fukushima soils. In pot experiments, Yume-Bio showed no significant effects on plant growth, although slight root improvement was observed. In contrast, application of kouji alone or in combination with Yume-Bio significantly enhanced plant growth, increasing leaf number by 112% and improving biomass production. Nutrient accumulation was also promoted, with total N and Fe increasing by 170% and 194%, respectively. In field experiments at two sites in Fukushima, treatment effects were limited and generally non-significant. These results indicate that kouji has potential to enhance plant growth under controlled conditions, while the effectiveness of biological amendments under field conditions remains site-dependent, highlighting the need to optimize application strategies under heterogeneous soil conditions. Full article

The increasing need to reduce agrochemicals has intensified the search for sustainable alternatives in crop production. Insect frass, a by-product of insect rearing, has recently emerged as a promising organic fertilizer. In the present study, the effects of Tenebrio molitor frass (TMF) on plant growth and productivity were evaluated in three vegetable crops, cucumber (cv. Aisopos), pepper (cv. Lamuyo), and lettuce (cv. Paris Island), under greenhouse conditions. Experimental plants were grown in pots under two substrate fertility levels (fertilized and non-fertilized peat, hereafter referred to as “rich” and “poor” soil) and received TMF at two rates (1% and 2% w/w), applied either once or twice. Plant height and weight, fruit number and weight, and total production per plant were recorded. TMF application, applied as a soil amendment, enhanced plant growth and yield of the treated plants compared to the control, although the magnitude and consistency of the response varied among crops, soil types, and measured parameters. A clear dose-dependent response was not observed, as the 2% rate did not consistently outperform the 1% rate. Likewise, splitting the same total amount of TMF into two applications did not significantly improve plant performance. The response to the TMF application varied among crops in terms of growth and yield parameters. Lettuce recorded the strongest response, while cucumber and pepper exhibited more moderate improvements. Notably, TMF significantly increased growth and productivity even at the lowest application rates under poor soil conditions. These findings demonstrate that TMF is a promising low-input organic fertilizer under the tested conditions and highlight the importance of optimizing application rate and strategy for sustainable vegetable production. Full article

Over two years, a randomized complete block field trial tested deficit irrigation [I: 70% ETc; NI] and ammonium nitrate [N₀, N₆₀, N₁₂₀; 0, 60, 120 kg N ha⁻¹] application in two northern Greece winegrape vineyards of cv. ‘Xinomavro’ (XM) and cv. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (CS). Leaf-blade δ¹⁵N was measured at berry set, bunch closure, veraison, and technological maturity; berry-juice (must) δ¹⁵N at technological maturity and dormant cane δ¹⁵N in winter were also determined. In the first year, δ¹⁵N was additionally measured in petioles, unripe berries, trunks, and roots, along with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization of fine roots. Fertilization increased δ¹⁵N in leaf blades and canes, whereas berry-juice δ¹⁵N responded weakly and inconsistently. Irrigation marginally lowered cane δ¹⁵N; cane δ¹⁵N varied between years, and berry-juice δ¹⁵N showed the highest variability across treatments. At berry set, intravine discrimination was evident: young berries and leaf blades were enriched, while fine roots and woody tissues were depleted. Root δ¹⁵N responses differed between cultivars and depended on AMF colonization in XM. Leaf and cane δ¹⁵N were positively related to vine N status, yield, and pruning weight but negatively to agronomic N-use efficiency indices. These findings indicate that δ¹⁵N serves as an integrative proxy of N cycling processes and fertilizer-use efficiency in vineyards, with potential implications for the assessment and optimization of sustainable vineyard management practices in the context of climate change. Full article

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in plants can form naturally within their idioblasts but may also be induced by other factors, such as environmental pollution. Here, we report qualitative and semiquantitative results obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) from two experiments in which tomato seedlings were moderately irrigated with Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Amoxicillin (AMX) solutions (0.25 mM). Abundant prismatic CaOx co-crystals appeared on the leaf surface induced by these two antibiotics compared to the distilled water (DW) control. Applying a non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment for 20 min (T20) to the SMX initial solution led to a dramatic suppression of these crystals, with a shift toward spherical structures. Furthermore, the investigation into the composition of both crystal types, indicated different percentual levels of O, C, Ca, K, Mg, S, and Mn as main constituent minerals involved in crystal formation. However, crystal morphology was affected by each applied experimental condition, while detecting their constituent elements depended on their mineral homogeneity at the micro- or macro-field scales. Although both antibiotics induced crystal formation and T20 phenotypically reduced the abundance of the acicular–prismatic crystals by removing the effects of SMX, their mode of action has not yet been clarified. Full article

Viticulture is a notable economic activity in the Mediterranean basin, and the inter-row area is managed through tillage, which has several disadvantages and can lead to soil erosion. Also, there has been an increased trend in utilizing cover crops in vineyards, as they provide several ecosystem services. The objective of our experiment was to study the growth and yield of monocrops of triticale, barley and pea, and their intercrops when they were grown in a Mediterranean vineyard. The results show that pea–triticale and pea–barley intercropping systems exhibited higher or earlier peaks in leaf area index (up to 180%) than monocultures, indicating complementary canopy structures that improved light interception. Intercrops consistently produced higher biomass, with triticale–pea yielding up to 11.63 t ha⁻¹, though grain yield was more variable and sensitive to environmental stresses during reproductive stages. The indices that were determined showed the significant advantage of the intercrops compared to the monocrops. Also, intercrops showed higher environmental resource use efficiency, as measured with Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) and Water Use Efficiency (WUE), compared to the monocrops. The present study demonstrates that cereal–legume intercropping in vineyards can increase biomass, grain production, and environmental resource use efficiency and can be used for sustainable intensification in Mediterranean cropping systems. Full article

This review summarizes current scientific knowledge on the use of protein hydrolyzate-based biostimulants in fruit production through evidence mapping, cross-species comparison, and evaluation of protocol-dependent responses within an agronomic framework, centered on foliar applications and their role in sustainable production systems. Research across a broad range of fruit species reports that protein hydrolyzates can significantly enhance yield, improve fruit quality, and mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Treated plants often exhibit improved nutrient uptake, increased photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced morphological traits, including better root development and vegetative growth. However, the effectiveness of these biostimulants varies depending on the fruit species, developmental stage, and application frequency, indicating the need for more tailored and crop-specific protocols. In conclusion, the literature confirms the functional role of protein hydrolyzates in enhancing resilience and productivity in fruit crops, while highlighting the need for further research to optimize their use under diverse agroecological conditions. Protocol harmonization and robust field validation will be essential for improving the reliability, interpretability, and practical relevance of future research on protein hydrolyzates in fruit production. Full article

Ultrafine bubble (UFB)-enriched water promotes plant growth when nutrients are present. A key question is whether it can still encourage growth in the absence of nutrients. Therefore, this study examines how different UFB concentrations affect the early growth and development of rice seedlings under nutrient-free conditions where external nutritional application was excluded. The results showed that the examined morphological and physicochemical parameters were directly affected by the bubble concentration in the irrigation water. Higher bubble concentrations resulted in a significant increase in the fresh and dry weights of roots, primary and secondary root lengths, and specific root length. Similarly, higher bubble concentrations were also associated with greater shoot height, fresh weight, and dry weight. However, pigment concentrations were not clearly affected, except for anthocyanin. Hydrogen peroxide concentration increased proportionally with bubble concentration. Among the antioxidant enzymes assessed, peroxidase activity increased significantly with bubble concentration, whereas the other antioxidant enzymes showed no significant variation. Moreover, UFB irrigation significantly affected carbon metabolism, increasing soluble sugar content while reducing storage starch levels. In conclusion, the findings suggest that UFB-enriched irrigation can promote plant growth under nutrient-free external conditions by modulating stress-related molecules, activating antioxidant enzymes, and altering carbon metabolism. Full article

Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting rice production worldwide. This study aims to elucidate the effects of heading date on salt tolerance in rice. Five near-isogenic lines (NILs) developed from the SL2038/Koshihikari backcross population were grown with or without salt stress. SL2038 is a salt-tolerant line with delayed heading (~18 days) compared to the salt-sensitive background Koshihikari. The results showed that late-heading NILs produced significantly higher plant dry weight, panicle weight, percentage of filled grains, and grain weight (p < 0.05) under long-term salt stress. In Koshihikari, which exhibited delayed heading due to long-day treatment, the percentage of white heads was low, and panicle and grain weights were significantly higher under salt stress. Experiments with different sowing times indicated that late heading, such as sowing in June, resulted in higher grain weights. This is the first report to assess the impact of heading date on agronomic and yield-related traits under salt stress. In conclusion, even with a prolonged salt treatment period, heading during periods of low temperature and solar radiation results in higher grain weight under salt stress. This is proposed as one of the strategies for salt escape. These findings can be used to improve rice yield and implement crop management in salt-affected regions. Full article

Dual-purpose (DP) crops diversify farm income, facilitating livestock and grain production. Dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), i.e., grazing or clipping herbage early in the season followed by grain harvest, is commonly used in the Great Plains of the United States of America (USA), but the use of DP crops, including oat (Avena sativa L.), in the southeastern USA is limited. This 2-year study assessed agronomic and nutritive value responses and grain production of one wheat (AGS 4023) and four oat (Brooks, Horizon 214, Horizon 306, and Horizon 578) cultivars under two management strategies (dual-purpose [DP, clipping for forage and subsequent grain harvest] or grain production [GP]. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seasonal forage accumulation ranged from 4140 to 5460 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ among cultivars. Greater concentration of NDF (p < 0.001) was observed in year 2 than in year 1 (46.3% vs. 40.9%, respectively), but cultivars did not differ. Crude protein concentration ranged from 18.6% to 21% among cultivars. Grain yield was greater for H578 than all other cultivars (7400 versus an average of 5100 kg DM ha⁻¹). Grain yield reduction for DP ranged from 27 to 45% compared with GP. These results demonstrate the potential of selected cultivars (e.g., H578) for use as DP crops in the region. Recognizing some reduction in grain yield compared with GP, DP cropping increases flexibility for producers, facilitating the use of integrated crop-livestock systems that diversify income streams and enhance the circularity of agroecosystems. Full article

Autumn overseeding with cool-season turfgrass species is a widely adopted practice under Mediterranean climatic conditions to mitigate winter dormancy and loss of green color in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). This study evaluated, over two consecutive winter seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024), the performance of five cool-season turfgrass cultivars used for autumn overseeding on bermudagrass (‘Arden 15’) in Valencia, eastern Spain. The cultivars included Lolium multiflorum ‘Upstart’, Lolium perenne ‘CT7’ and ‘Sirtaky’, Poa pratensis ‘Liberator’, and Poa trivialis ‘Dasas’. Turf performance was assessed weekly from December to April using visual green color ratings, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measured with two hand-held sensors (GreenSeeker and CropCircle), and normalized difference red edge index (NDRE). The area under the progress curve (AUPC) was calculated as an integrative indicator of turf performance over time. Winter temperature differences significantly influenced bermudagrass dormancy duration and overseeding response. Among the evaluated cultivars, ‘CT7’ consistently showed the highest winter greenness and vigor but exhibited a darker green color than bermudagrass, potentially reducing visual uniformity. The L. perenne ‘Sirtaky’ and P. pratensis ‘Liberator’ cultivars provided a closer chromatic match, although ‘Liberator’ established more slowly. The NDVI and NDRE measurements supported the visual assessments, though correlations between sensors varied among cultivars and seasons, with the GreenSeeker sensor detecting larger cultivar differences than the CropCircle sensor, particularly during colder winters. In addition, the AUPC proved to be an effective integrative metric for comparing cultivar performance over a defined period. Overall, overseeding effectively reduced winter discoloration of bermudagrass, with ‘Sirtaky’ emerging as the most balanced option for Mediterranean sports overseeding management on C. dactylon (‘Arden 15’). Full article

Bacteria play an important role in addressing challenges in rice production by promoting plant growth and enhancing stress tolerance through multiple mechanisms. Different types of soil bacteria affect rice growth by improving nutrient absorption, managing stress, and enhancing root structure. The relationship between rice plants and bacteria is intricate, as these bacteria can help reduce problems like salt stress, heavy metal toxicity, and infections. This review summarises studies published up to 2025 on how bacteria influence rice roots, including aspects like root length, density, biomass, and volume. Bibliometric analysis shows an increase of over 900% in research interest after 2020, with most studies conducted under controlled conditions and limited field validation. In addition to identifying key bacterial groups such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, and Azospirillum, this review identifies research gaps related to context dependency, strain specificity, and scalability. We have also emphasised the need for multi-strain inoculation strategies, field-scale experiments, and integration of microbial selection with rice breeding. The synthesis has highlighted that bacterial strains do not simply stimulate root growth but actively reprogram rice root architecture, modulating elongation, branching, density, and surface area as a response to environmental constraints. These effects are mediated by interconnected mechanisms that include phytohormone production, nutrient solubilisation, deaminase activity, stress-related gene regulation, and microbiome-driven feedback involving root exudation. Overall, viewing bacteria as regulators of root developmental dynamics rather than simple biofertilisers provides new insights for designing climate-adapted and sustainable rice production systems. Full article

To assess digestate’s efficacy as a fertilizer for basil development, a two-year pot experiment was established, comprising four fertilization treatments: namely, mineral fertilizer (F), digestate (D), combined mineral fertilizer and digestate (1:1, FD), and unfertilized control (C). Key metrics assessed included plant height, chlorophyll concentration index (CCI), total biomass (TB), leaf production (LP), essential oil yield, and composition. Post-harvest analysis evaluated nutrient and heavy metal content and pathogen contamination in the growing substrate and leaves. FD treatment produced the highest TB (68.2 g plant⁻¹) and LP (52.7 g plant⁻¹). Digestate application substantially enhanced substrate nutrient availability, increasing extractable phosphorus by 68.5%, potassium by 134.4%, and organic matter by 54.7%. The essential oil yield was significantly higher in the control plants. whereas different fertilization regimes altered secondary metabolite synthesis. Specifically, fertilization with digestate favored sesquiterpenes synthesis, inorganic fertilization enhanced methyleugenol and β-farnesene synthesis, and the control showed higher limonene, eugenol, and linalool. Heavy metal accumulation in the growing substrate was negligible, remaining well within regulatory limits. Salmonella spp., were not detected. Pathogen concentration in the growing substrate was low, while Enterococcus faecalis levels were marginally below EU safety limits (100 cfu g⁻¹) on the leaves. Continuous monitoring of soil chemical properties and plant products after digestate application is essential to ensure soil health and food safety. Full article

Black point (BP) and Fusarium-damaged kernels are common disorders affecting wheat grains worldwide. While the negative impact of Fusarium head blight (FHB) on yield and grain quality is well established, the biological significance of BP remains debated. This study evaluated the effects of BP on yield-related traits and seedling performance of winter wheat and compared them with the effects of FHB. Four winter wheat cultivars (Mercedes, Adina, Steffi, and LG Mocca) were examined under field and laboratory conditions. Fusarium infection was induced by artificial inoculation with Fusarium culmorum, whereas BP was assessed under natural field conditions using non-inoculated control plants. Fusarium infection significantly reduced thousand-grain weight (up to 46%) and grain number per ear (up to 35%). In contrast, BP was not associated with yield reduction. Grain with BP symptoms showed a 10–30% higher thousand-grain weight compared with BP-free grain. Seedlings originating from BP-affected seeds exhibited equal or improved biometric traits and a higher vigor index. Phytopathological analysis showed that Alternaria spp. dominated the endophytic mycoflora of both BP-affected and BP-free seeds. These results indicate that, under the conditions of this study, BP did not negatively affect wheat yield or seedling vigor and differed fundamentally from the damaging effects of FHB, highlighting the importance of distinguishing BP from Fusarium-related damage in wheat production. Full article

Latex-producing plants harbor unique microbial communities that may play important roles in host defense; however, their diversity and biocontrol potential remain largely unexplored. Characterizing these communities provides opportunities to identify novel microbial-derived antifungal agents for sustainable crop protection. Bacterial strains were isolated from the latex of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antifungal activity was evaluated against four phytopathogens: Fusarium graminearum, Colletotrichum musae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Glomerella cingulata. Bioassay-guided fractionation, size-exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and LC-MS/MS were used to characterize antifungal proteins. Nine bacterial strains were isolated, including eight Bacillus spp. and one Enterococcus faecalis. Among them, Bacillus sp. AsL-2 exhibited the strongest broad-spectrum antifungal activity, inhibiting fungal growth by up to 80%. The antifungal activity of its crude extract remained stable over a wide temperature range. Further characterization identified a novel endo-β-1,3-1,4-glucanase enzyme (~23 kDa) as the major antifungal protein. This study reveals A. scholaris latex as an underexplored microbial niche and identifies Bacillus sp. AsL-2, affiliated with the B. velezensis–B. amyloliquefaciens species complex, as a promising biocontrol candidate. The identified antifungal enzyme represents a potential natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for sustainable agricultural disease management. Full article

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO), caused by the vascular soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most devastating diseases of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean area. The adoption of tolerant genotypes is considered an efficient strategy to reduce its impact in the absence of effective chemical control. In the present study we assessed the response of seventy-seven olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) to the defoliating pathotype of V. dahliae under controlled inoculation conditions. Five plants per cultivar were inoculated and compared with non-inoculated controls. Disease progression was monitored weekly for ten weeks and measured through three complementary parameters: Relative Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (RAUDPC), Final Mean Severity (FMS), and Percentage of Dead Plants (PDP). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD, correlation evaluation, and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied to classify cultivars into five susceptibility classes. Notable variability was observed among cultivars, with 7.8% classified as Highly Resistant (HR), 24.7% as Resistant (R), 46.8% as Moderately Susceptible (MS), and 20.8% as Susceptible (S) or Extremely susceptible (E). The cultivar Ghiacciolo showed the highest level of tolerance, displaying only slight symptoms and no statistically significant difference from the non-inoculated control, whereas ‘Carbuncion’, ‘Giogolino’, and ‘Pampagliosa’ exhibited more severe disease than the susceptible reference ‘Picual’. Strong correlations among RAUDPC, FMS, and PDP confirmed the consistency of the disease assessment framework, while PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns according to resistance level. Overall, these findings provide reliable evidence for the selection of olive cultivars suitable for areas vulnerable to V. dahliae. Full article

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause yield losses in various crops worldwide. Damage due to PPNs can be severe, causing billions of dollars of crop losses across the globe annually. Information about PPNs occurrence in Mozambique is limited. Based on the literature, twenty-five genera of PPNs have been reported to affect several economically important crops, including root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.), Scutellonema spp., root-lesion nematodes (RLNs, Pratylenchus spp.), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.), and the dagger nematode (Xiphinema spp.), which are commonly associated with crops such as banana (Musa spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), maize (Zea mays), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Dissemination of these nematodes is not yet fully understood, but the importation of plants, roots, rhizomes, and/or seeds likely contributes to the introduction and spread of PPNs. Although the implementation of PPN-mitigation strategies is crucial to crop production, their application is still limited in Mozambique, with quite a few reported uses of nematicides in the Manica and Maputo provinces. Therefore, adopting integrated management strategies that combine two or more practices, such as biological control, crop rotation, organic amendments, soil solarization, and, as a last resort, chemical nematicides, may be an option to effectively reduce the population of PPNs. This review gathers information on the occurrence and management of PPNs, as reported to date in Mozambique. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, 2n = 4x = 36, AABB subgenomes) is a highly nutritious crop with the potential to diversify global diets and alleviate malnutrition. It is also adaptable for production in soils increasingly affected by salinization and water scarcity. Quinoa was domesticated and artificially selected as a crop within the Andes Mountains, the geographically isolated Mediterranean climate zone of coastal Chile, and along the northwestern fringe of the Argentine dry Pampas. In addition, there is now abundant information regarding the wild species that were its immediate ancestors and which should be viewed as its secondary and tertiary breeding gene pools. These same ancestors contributed to independent domestications of the other forms of “quinoa” in ancient Mesoamerica and eastern North America from a common AABB ancestor-species, C. berlandieri, known commonly as pitseed goosefoot (PG). This review explores the biogeography of the diploid and polyploid relatives of the AABB allotetraploid goosefoot complex (ATGC). The seven or more ecotypes of PG, including the South American taxon C. hircinum, or avian goosefoot (AG), contain broad genetic variability, and some can be used directly as crossing partners in making quinoa breeding populations. Of the extant diploid relatives, C. subglabrum (SMG) is most closely related to the original maternal subgenome A of PG, while C. suecicum (SWG) or C. ficifolium (FG) are most closely related to paternal subgenome B. These and the other AA and BB diploids are valuable model organisms for locating and modifying genes of interest and their expression, the ultimate goals being to increase quinoa’s yield potential, improve its nutritional attributes, explore value-adding industrial uses, and enhance quinoa’s already formidable mechanisms to resist environmental stresses. This review is an update on the current state of quinoa breeding, with an emphasis on the value of wild genetic resources for quinoa improvement. It provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature for scientists interested in adding quinoa to their breeding program. Full article

The System of Rice Intensification which promotes agro-ecological practices like alternate wetting and drying (AWD) to enhance root growth and resource efficiency, relies on the genotypic capacity of rice varieties to undergo physiological adaptation. This study elucidates the molecular basis of such adaptation by investigating the transcriptomic profile of four rice varieties to continuous flooding (CF) and AWD at 50 days after transplanting. Our analysis revealed distinct, organ-specific acclimation strategies. Roots underwent extensive transcriptional reprogramming, underscoring their role as the primary site of plasticity. Under CF, a conserved response involving cell wall reinforcement was accompanied by variety-specific strategies, ranging from sustained growth to enhanced anaerobic metabolism. Under AWD, roots shifted toward water stress management, with varieties employing distinct defensive (e.g., diterpenoid biosynthesis) and metabolic programs. Associated transcription factors (TFs) enriched under CF included Dof and MYB, whereas bZIP, HSF, and WRKY factors predominated under AWD. In leaves, acclimation to AWD involved more targeted adjustments, including modulation of nitric oxide signaling and photoprotective pathways, regulated by TFs such as WRKY, NAC, and HSF. Varieties with robust TF responses, such as IR64 and Hitachi hatamochi, showed comprehensive regulatory shifts, while others exhibited more constrained profiles. Overall, this study provides a molecular framework for understanding variety-specific adaptation to SRI-relevant water management practices and identifies key TFs as promising candidates for breeding climate-resilient rice. Full article

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. subsp. culinaris) is a Mediterranean legume crop of high value due to nutritional quality and adaptability; however, its cultivation is increasingly threatened due to climate uncertainty and reduction in genetic diversity in modern cultivars. The present research study evaluated 31 Greek lentil accessions (twenty-two landraces and nine commercial cultivars of both small and large seed types) in a semi-arid environment of Central Greece, over two cropping seasons, focusing on phenological, morphological, yield, and quality traits. The great diversity observed at the morpho-phenological and qualitative levels implies the high genotypic diversity of these genetic resources. Small-seeded landraces performed better in seed and biological yield, harvest index, and protein content, having greater phenological stability and tolerance to the Mediterranean environments. In particular, the highest seed yield was observed in LAX small-seeded landrace (1930 kg ha⁻¹), followed by TSO (1559 kg ha⁻¹), DIG (1449 kg ha⁻¹), and EGL (1437 kg ha⁻¹) small-seeded landraces. As for the regression analysis, seed yield was positively correlated with days to flowering (TF: r = 0.076, p < 0.01), plant height (PH: r = 0.143, p < 0.05), number of pods per plant (NPP: r = 0.941, p < 0.001), number of seeds per pod (NPP: r = 0.432, p < 0.001), number of branches (NPB: r = 0.234, p < 0.01), biological yield (BY: r = 0.683, p < 0.001), and harvest index (HI: r = 0.650, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis (PCA) distinguished small-seeded landraces associated with adaptive and yield traits from large-seeded cultivars associated with seed size. Greek lentil landraces, especially the small-seeded genotypes (e.g., LAX and DIG), have great potential for use in the development of climate-tolerant and high-yielding lentil varieties adapted for sustainable Mediterranean production. Breeding programs can target the crossing of landraces with large-seeded cultivars (e.g., IKAm and THEm) to develop varieties that combine stress tolerance, adaptation, and high productivity with adaptation to different seed sizes. Subsequent studies on drought tolerance and heat resistance are still important for continued improvement in lentil productivity in a changing climate. Full article

Cold stress during early growth can severely impact nodulation, growth, and yield in legumes. This study evaluated cold plasma (CP) seed treatment as a strategy to enhance growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) under cold stress during early growth. CP-treated and non-treated seeds were grown at 8 °C (cold) or 15 °C (control) for 5 weeks, after which half of the plants were harvested for nodulation and growth assessments. The remainder were transferred to greenhouse conditions until maturity. The cold stress suppressed nodulation and reduced biomass in both legumes. Soybean recovered under greenhouse conditions; however, pea yield remained suppressed. At maturity, SNF traits in both legumes were not significantly affected by early cold stress. CP seed treatment showed little effect under severe cold (8 °C) but at 15 °C, improved root growth in pea and enhanced root and shoot biomass and pod and seed yield in soybean. These findings suggest that CP seed treatment can improve legume performance under moderate cold. However, the current CP seed treatment conditions did not improve the stress resistance of both crops under severe cold stress. Full article

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) represents a strategic crop for the Mediterranean basin and global semiarid regions, being the raw material for pasta and a key component of sustainable cereal production. Improving early vigor and canopy development is essential to enhance resource-use efficiency and yield stability under variable agronomic conditions. For these reasons, we report the application of a series of RGB-derived vegetation indices (VIs) from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) to evaluate their effectiveness in capturing canopy variation in the early growth stages in a large collection of durum wheat varieties and on their validation under different agronomic managements. Digital RGB images from seedling emergence to grain filling were taken in two field experiments, and RGB-based indices were calculated over four consecutive growing seasons. In the first experiment, 521 durum wheat varieties were evaluated, showing highly significant genotypic differences for all VIs (p < 0.001) and explaining up to 72% of the phenotypic variance at the end of tillering. In addition, TGI explained more variation than CSI when recorded at the end of the tillering stage. In the second experiment, two contrasting genotypes managed under two sowing rates and six nitrogen (N) treatments displayed a strong discriminating capacity of NGRDI and TGI for genotype and sowing density (η² = 0.50). These results highlight the potential use of RGB-derived VIs for high-throughput phenotypic selection of soil coverage ability in durum wheat, even under different agronomic conditions. Full article

Postharvest fungal diseases represent a major constraint to the storage, transport, and marketability of peach (Prunus persica) fruits. Pathogens such as Monilinia spp. (Brown rot), Penicillium expansum (Blue rot), Rhizopus stolonifera (Soft rot), Botrytis cinerea (Gray rot), and Geotrichum candidum (Acid rot) cause significant economic losses globally. Traditional control methods primarily rely on chemical fungicides, which are increasingly challenged by issues of resistance development, consumer health concerns, and regulatory restrictions. This review critically synthesizes the biology, infection mechanisms, and optimal environmental conditions of key fungal pathogens affecting postharvest peaches. It further evaluates the current landscape of chemical, physical, and biological control methods, emphasizing novel approaches including essential oils, microbial antagonists, induced resistance, and eco-friendly sanitizers. Comparative efficacy, sustainability, and practical implementation of these strategies are discussed. Integrated management approaches that combine multiple interventions under low-residue or residue-free systems are highlighted as the most promising direction. This review concludes that the future of peach postharvest protection lies in tailor-made, multi-faceted integrated programs that are both effective and environmentally sound. Full article

Salinity is one of the key threats to food security and sustainability. To make saline soils productive again, we need to develop salt-tolerant crop varieties. Developing salt-tolerant wheat requires a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying salt stress responses. In this study, we analyzed the Chinese Spring genome and identified 559 putative NAC transcription factors (TFs), which are recognized as key regulators of both abiotic and biotic stress. Protein family analysis revealed four distinct domain architectures, with more than 95% of the proteins containing a single NAC domain, consistent with their conserved regulatory role. Through in silico analyses, four salt stress-responsive TFs, NAC_1D, NAC_2D, NAC_4A, and NAC_5A, were highlighted, sharing nine of 13 DNA-binding residues. Promoter analysis of their putative target genes identified seven candidates, which, together with the NAC TFs, were subjected to RT-qPCR expression analysis in BARI Gom-25 plants exposed to 100 mM NaCl. The expression data revealed contrasting regulatory patterns between NAC TFs and their target genes. For example, Hsp70 was strongly upregulated in both shoots and roots, despite opposite patterns of NAC_1D expression between tissues. Similarly, bZIP expression mirrored the downregulation of NAC_2D, whereas HKT8 expression remained stable under salt stress. NAC_4A showed a root-specific pattern suggestive of positive regulation of a Non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase, while NAC_5A upregulation corresponded with downregulation of Plant cadmium resistance 2. Collectively, these results provide functional insights into four NAC TFs and identify potential molecular targets for improving wheat salt tolerance. By targeting key tolerance genes at the DNA level offers greater precision and can significantly reduce breeding time. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing the technical potential of hay biomass from permanent grasslands (TUZ) in Poland, aimed at evaluating its energy use possibilities. This research was based on detailed data from the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR) and included both environmentally subsidized and non-subsidized parcels. Using statistical hay yield values adjusted for drought impacts through the Climatic Water Balance (KBW), a realistic estimation of technical hay potential was obtained. Results show a total theoretical hay potential of 15 million tonnes in 2024. The results indicate that the total theoretical hay potential in the country in 2024 amounted to 15 million tons, but its technical potential is reduced to almost zero. The methane productivity of this biomass could generate 3.5 Mt CH₄ (at STP) if most of it could not be used for animal feeding purposes. The findings highlight the underutilized energetic potential of grasslands and the critical role of land use policy in unlocking sustainable bioenergy resources. Research into the potential of biomass is important in view of supporting energy independence, sustainable use of agricultural resources and agroecological synergy by combining production, energy and environmental objectives. It should be remembered that biomass potential studies are subject to limitations resulting from the uncertainty of statistical data, variability of climatic and soil conditions and model assumptions, which may affect the accuracy and comparability of the obtained results. Full article

The swift integration of AI, robotics, and advanced sensing technologies has revolutionized agriculture into a data-centric, autonomous, and sustainable sector. This systematic study examines the interplay between artificial intelligence and agricultural robotics in intelligent farming systems. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, swarm robotics, and generative AI are analyzed for crop monitoring, precision irrigation, autonomous harvesting, and post-harvest processing. Employing PRISMA to categorize more than 10,000 high-impact publications from Scopus, WoS, and IEEE. Drones and vision-based models predominate the industry, while IoT integration, digital twins, and generative AI are on the rise. Insufficient field validation rates, inadequate crop and regional representation, and the implementation of explainable AI continue to pose significant challenges. Inadequate model generalization, energy limitations, and infrastructural restrictions impede scalability. We identify solutions in federated learning, swarm robotics, and climate-smart agricultural artificial intelligence. This paper presents a framework for inclusive, resilient, and feasible AI-robotic agricultural systems. Full article

In recent years, the spread of the phytopathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al., 1987 (Bacteria: Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria) has posed a significant threat to olive cultivation in Italy, particularly in regions of high economic and agronomic value such as Apulia (Southern Italy). In this two-year study (2019–2020), we investigated the Auchenorrhyncha community in three representative olive farms in Tuscany (Central Italy), another region with highly valuable olive-growing, comparing traditional (400 trees/ha) and super-high-density (1500 trees/ha) management systems. Adult insects were collected monthly from May to November using sweep net sampling on both olive tree canopies and herbaceous ground cover. In total, 1844 individuals belonging to 25 genera and five families were identified. Philaenus spumarius L. and Neophilaenus campestris (Fallén) (Cercopoidea: Aphrophoridae) were confirmed as the most prevalent X. fastidiosa vectors in each site. However, data analysis revealed that Auchenorrhyncha community composition was significantly influenced by site and vegetation stratum, but not by olive grove management systems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the composition of Auchenorrhyncha communities associated with olive groves, highlighting that new super-high-density management does not influence the presence and abundance of X. fastidiosa vectors. Full article

Blue light (BL) is a key environmental signal influencing plant flowering, yet its role in floral development beyond the transition phase remains underexplored. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on BL-mediated floral development, with a particular emphasis on horticultural crops grown in a controlled environment. Unlike prior reviews that focus primarily on floral induction, this article systematically examines BL’s effects on later stages of flowering, including floral organ morphogenesis, sex expression, bud abortion, flower opening, scent emission, coloration, pollination, and senescence. Drawing on evidence from both model plants (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana) and crop species, this review identifies key photoreceptors, hormonal regulators, and signaling components involved in BL responses. It also highlights species-specific and context-dependent outcomes of BL manipulation, proposes mechanistic hypotheses to explain conflicting findings, and outlines critical knowledge gaps. By integrating molecular, physiological, and environmental perspectives, this review offers a framework for optimizing BL applications to improve flowering traits and postharvest quality in horticultural production systems. Full article

Accurate prediction of soil phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity is essential for efficient fertilizer management and environmental protection. Traditional isotherm models, such as the Langmuir equation, have been widely used to quantify P sorption, but they do not adequately capture the nonlinear and multivariate nature of soil systems. This study evaluates the performance of a multi-output XGBoost regression model trained on laboratory-measured P adsorption data from 147 soils, representing a wide range of textures, pH levels, and CaCO₃ contents. The model was developed to simultaneously predict P adsorption at five different equilibrium concentrations (1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 mg/L). SHAP analysis and causal discovery via DirectLiNGAM revealed that initial Olsen P concentration and sand content are the primary factors reducing P adsorption. The multi-output XGBoost model was compared against classical Langmuir isotherms using an extended dataset of 10,389 soil samples. The extended dataset was binned into four groups based on Olsen P concentrations and four groups based on sand content. This binning was based on the identification of these variables as highly influential by the XGBoost model, and on their demonstrated causal relationship with soil P sorption capacity through causal inference analysis. The XGBoost model outperformed the Langmuir model in capturing the effect of Olsen P and sand content, as it predicted a 12.6% drop in P adsorption in the very high Olsen P group and a 19.2% drop in the very high sand content groups, which are substantially higher than the reductions estimated by Langmuir isotherms. These results demonstrate that machine learning models, trained on well-designed experimental data, offer a superior alternative to classical isotherms for modeling P sorption dynamics. Full article

Hazelnut is an important crop worldwide, and the characteristics of the fruits are quite variable according to a number of factors, including variety and cultivation conditions, which in turn can vary according to harvest year. This study aimed to investigate some physical and chemical characteristics of three hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal (Grada de Viseu, Tonda di Giffoni and Butler) along two different harvesting years (2021 and 2022). Also, the microbial quality was investigated for its relevance to the conservation of the fruits. The physical properties evaluated were biometric characteristics and colour, the chemical components analysed were moisture, lipids, protein, ash and fibre, and the microbial properties investigated were the microorganisms, moulds and yeasts. The results showed that, generically, statistically significant differences were found between the three varieties under study on several properties investigated. The kernel was confirmed as the lighter part of all hazelnuts, and when comparing between varieties, Tonda di Giffoni presented the lighter fruits in both harvesting years. With respect to weight, the Tonda di Giffoni variety was the lightest in both harvest years. Moisture content was observed to be higher than the recommended limits for two of the samples (Grada de Viseu in 2021: 6.01 ± 0.26 g/100 g and Butler in 2022: 6.02 ± 0.37 g/100 g), although the difference was marginal given that the recommended limit is 6%. Not surprisingly, lipids were the major chemical component, ranging from 66.46 ± 1.67 to 70.14 ± 1.75 g/100 g in 2021 and from 64.38 ± 1.67 to 77.77 g/100 g in 2022. It was further observed that the three varieties presented a satisfactory microbiological quality. Finally, applying factor analysis with principal components and Varimax rotation, a solution that explains 92.8% of the variance was obtained. This study provided information that is relevant for the characterisation and evaluation of variability according to the year of hazelnuts of three varieties cultivated in Portugal. Full article

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article

Soil nematodes are essential components of the soil food web and are widely recognised as key bioindicators of soil health because of their sensitivity to environmental factors and disturbance. In agriculture, many studies have documented the effects of fertilisation on nematode communities and explored their role in nutrient cycling. Despite this, a key gap in knowledge still exists regarding how fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities modify their role in nutrient cycling. We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms by which nematodes contribute to nutrient cycling and on how organic, inorganic, and recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) impact nematode communities. The literature revealed that the type of organic matter and its C:N ratio are key factors shaping nematode communities in organically fertilised soils. In contrast, soil acidification and ammonium suppression have a greater influence in inorganically fertilised soils. The key sources of variability across studies include differences in the amount of fertiliser applied, the duration of the fertiliser use, management practices, and context-specific factors, all of which led to differences in how nematode communities respond to both fertilisation regimes. The influence of RDFs on nematode communities is largely determined by the fertiliser’s origin and its chemical composition. While fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities affect their role in nutrient cycling, oversimplifying experiments makes it difficult to understand nematodes’ functions in these processes. The challenges and knowledge gaps for further research to understand the effects of fertilisation on soil nematodes and their impact on nutrient cycling have been highlighted in this review to inform sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungi are among the most promising non-chemical alternatives for the control of many serious phytophagous insect pests, such as moth species. The present research investigates the use of the little-studied entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria varroae as a biocontrol agent against the notorious pests Helicoverpa armigera and Sesamia nonagrioides in laboratory conditions. Conidial suspensions of B. varroae were prepared at 10³-10⁴-10⁵-10⁶-10⁷-10⁸ conidia/mL to assess their insecticidal potential. In this study, we used 100 3rd-instar larvae for each concentration. During the lab bioassays, almost complete mortality of 35–96.6% was recorded for H. armigera larvae and 40–96.6% for S. nonagrioides larvae 10 days after exposure. The lethal effect of the entomopathogen was related to both dose and exposure time of the entomopathogen, with higher concentrations resulting in increased mortality. The survival effect of S. nonagrioides and H. armigera larvae was dependent on the hazard effect of the used dose and the exposure time. These findings indicate that B. varroae has potential as a biocontrol agent. Further research will elucidate this new isolate and optimize application methods in field conditions. Full article

The emerging sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) industry in Australia faces potential threats from multiple pre-harvest diseases and pests, which will necessitate an initiative-taking approach for pest management. Here we assess the diseases and pests most likely to impede the development of a viable Australian sesame industry. Drawing on the international literature, we also consider the management approaches most likely to be viable and identify key research gaps necessary for effective and sustainable crop protection. More than sixty-seven plant pathogens have been identified worldwide that cause diseases in sesame, with some being observed to be major in Australia. Part of this review aims to provide an extensive overview of previous research on sesame and its diseases, shedding light on the evolving knowledge within sesame research, emerging trends, and the current state of understanding on the topic as it applies to Australia. Among the hundreds of pests reported to attack sesame internationally, this review identifies fifty-six pest taxa that are established in, or native to, Australia. We rank those most likely to be serious based on overseas damage levels and observations from recent trial plantings in Northern Australia. Chemical control methods have demonstrated efficacy overseas but are associated with concerns over resistance and environmental impact. Extremely limited numbers of pesticides are currently registered for pest or disease control in sesame by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority so non-chemical methods will be important. These include botanical, biological, cultural, and physical control approaches. This review underscores the need for continued research and tailored plant protection strategies to optimize sesame. Full article

Rice is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, is a major rice producer, and rice production is also gradually increasing in Africa. However, rice cultivation poses economic and environmental challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change. Hence, diversification of rice-based production systems is highly imperative to improve soil health and thus sustain productivity while also enhancing income opportunities. Vegetables and pulses are crucial components for diversifying rice-based production systems as they have the potential to increase income and improve soil health. The World Vegetable Center has introduced mungbeans and vegetable soybeans to diversify the cereal-based production systems in Asia. About 27–93% of the mungbean area in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is planted with varieties containing improved germplasm developed by WorldVeg in collaboration with national agricultural research systems. Additionally, the introduction of vegetables and legumes is highly remunerative and improves dietary diversity, leading to better nutrition. For instance, the productivity of vegetable crops increased by 200–350% when they were combined with improved production practices. Such diversification also holds great promise for improving income and nutrition in Africa. It also enhances the resilience of farming systems, particularly in a changing climate. Hence, governments should prioritize system diversification to enhance the income and livelihood opportunities for smallholders in Asia and Africa. Full article

Forages are the primary feed source for livestock production systems due to their diversity of adapted species and lower production costs. Forage-based livestock operations are complex systems across climates, soil types, genetics, and production systems. Therefore, increasing the resilience of forage ecosystems requires a comprehensive approach to assess and understand the conditions of each system while considering its needs, goals, and resources. In the southeastern USA, favorable climatic conditions allow for the incorporation of annual forage species into perennial stands to extend the grazing season. Adopting management strategies that support forage biodiversity and nutrients, and land use efficiency are ways to improve sustainable production intensification of forage ecosystems. Additionally, providing proper access to education and knowledge transfer for current and future generations is essential to guarantee the success and longevity of the livestock industry. This review provides an overview of key issues related to the climate and economic resilience of forage–livestock ecosystems and the role of agricultural education and knowledge transfer in shaping sustainable ecosystems. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

Climatic changes threaten many forms of crop production as well as adversely affecting global ecosystems and human activities. There are two principal ways in which the balance of the global carbon cycle can be restored, firstly by decreasing anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and secondly by increasing the rates of carbon sequestration. Even if emissions are successfully reduced to net zero over the coming decades, it will still be essential to reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations to preindustrial levels. This can only be achieved by global-scale carbon sequestration of the order of gigatonnes (Gt) of CO₂ annually. Over recent decades, engineering approaches have been proposed to tackle carbon sequestration. However, their technological effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated at a global scale, with even the most optimistic current values at less than 0.1 Gt CO₂/yr, i.e., 50–100-fold less than required to meet IPCC targets for 2050. In contrast, biological carbon sequestration already operates as a proven global mechanism that also has the potential for increased effectiveness by harnessing high-yield tropical vegetation including perennial crops with sequestration values already exceeding 1 Gt CO₂/yr. This review will contrast engineering and biological approaches to carbon sequestration with a particular focus on the potential for perennial crops, especially in the tropics. The major conclusions are that (i) the 2 Gt CO₂/yr capacity of biological carbon sequestration already dwarfs that of all engineering approaches at 0.0013 Gt CO₂/yr, (ii) biological sequestration is proven to operate at global scale, and (iii) compared to engineering approaches, it will be orders of magnitude less expensive to upscale further in the coming decades. Full article

Global agriculture remains dependent on nitrogen fertilizers produced through fossil fuel-based processes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and supply chain vulnerabilities. This review introduces plasma-activated water (PAW) as a novel, electricity-driven alternative for sustainable nitrogen delivery. Generated by non-thermal plasma, PAW infuses water with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, offering a clean, decentralized substitute for conventional synthetic fertilizers derived from the Haber–Bosch and Ostwald processes. It can be produced on-site using renewable energy, reducing transportation costs and depending on fertilizers. Beyond its fertilizer properties, PAW enhances seed germination, plant growth, stress tolerance, and pest resistance, making it a multifunctional input for controlled environment agriculture. We also assess PAW’s techno-economic viability, including energy requirements, production costs, and potential scalability through renewable energy. These factors are crucial for determining its feasibility in both industrial systems and localized agricultural applications. Finally, the review examines PAW’s contribution to the ten United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in climate action, clean energy, and sustainable food production. By combining agronomic performance with circular production and emissions reduction, PAW presents a promising path toward more resilient, low-impact, and self-sufficient agricultural systems. Full article

The genus Musa L. is one of the most important genera worldwide due to its use in food as a source of carbohydrates. A morphological characterization was performed to evaluate the potential of 100 accessions of Musa spp. from the Amazon region of Ecuador, applying 73 qualitative and quantitative descriptors in addition to the ecogeographic characterization. The multivariate analyses identified four large groups: The first is composed of the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Hartón Plantain” and the “Cuerno Clone”. The second group is composed of the Musa acuminata Colla ecotype “Orito”. The third group is composed of the Musa acuminata ecotype “Malay plantain or red plantain”; and the fourth group is composed of the Musa × paradisiaca L. AAB ecotype “Barraganete” and banana or banana materials and the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Plátano Dominico”. The qualitative descriptors with the highest discriminant value were the shape of the ♂ floret bud, the appearance of the rachis, and the pigmentation of the compound tepal, and the quantitative discriminant characters were the height of the pseudostem, the length of the leaf blade, the width of the leaf blade, and the weight of the raceme. The analysis with CAPFITOGEN of these 100 accessions through the ecogeographic characterization map identified 23 categories, highlighting category 20 with a coverage of 40.35%, which mainly includes the provinces of Orellana, Sucumbíos, part of Napo, Pastaza, and Morona Santiago. This category occurs within an annual temperature range between 21.6 °C and 27 °C, an apparent density of 1.25 to 1.44 g cm⁻³, and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 4 to 29 Cmol kg⁻¹. The morphological characterization of 100 Musa accessions revealed significant phenotypic variability, with four distinct morphological groups identified through cluster analysis. Key differences were observed in traits such as bunch weight, fruit length, and vegetative vigor. This variability highlights the potential of certain accessions for use in genetic improvement programs. The findings contribute valuable information for the efficient conservation, selection, and utilization of the Musa germplasm in Ecuadorian agroecosystems. The results demonstrate the existence of an important genetic variability in the INIAP Musa Germplasm Bank in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Full article

Bluehead gilia or bluefield gilia (Gilia capitata Sims, Polemoniaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant widely distributed in the western regions of North America but cultivated as an ornamental flower in various regions to support pollinators. The comprehensive chemical composition of this plant has not been previously reported. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained by hydrodistillation from different parts of the gilia plants. The yield of EOs ranged from 0.42 to 1.97 mL/kg, with the largest yields being obtained from the seeds; smaller yields obtained from the flowers, fruits, and leaves; and the lowest quantity obtained from the stems, roots, and shells. Using the GC-MS method, we identified 116 compounds. Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone was dominant in most parts of the G. capitata. The EO of flowers was dominated by hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (19.1%), fruits by hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (18.2%), seeds by hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (15.2%), fruit by (+)-epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (15.4%), leaves by phytol (23.3%), stems by isomanool (8.3%), and roots by (-)-myrtenol (25.7%). Triterpenoid saponins were identified, and 21 compounds were quantified (by HPLC). Saponin levels were high in aerial parts (excluding stems) and the lowest in plant roots. Based on the contents of EO and saponins, the aerial parts of G. capitata may have pharmaceutical properties, but saponins might be the main value of G. capitata. Full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cropping sequence can have a major impact on diseases, pests, nutrient cycling, crop yield, and overall financial return at the farm level for crops that are grown on an annual basis. In some cases, implementing an effective rotation sequence can allow growers to avoid using nematicides to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes. Two cropping system trials were established with ten rotations each in 1997 and have been maintained through 2022. From 2013 through 2019, rotation sequences were both favorable and unfavorable for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plant health. Peanut (2020), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (2021), peanut (2022), and corn (Zea mays L.) (2023) were planted in all plots to determine the residual effects of the previous cropping sequence. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, fluopyram at 0.25 kg ai/ha was applied in the seed furrow at planting in the same area of each plot to determine if the response of nematode populations and crop yield to this nematicide differed based on previous crop sequence. Differences in nematode populations in soil and yield of peanut (2020 and 2022) and cotton (2021) were observed when comparing crop rotation sequences regardless of fluopyram treatment. Increasing the number of years peanut was in the rotation or including soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rather than corn or cotton often resulted in higher populations of nematodes and a lower peanut yield. While fluopyram occasionally reduced nematode populations in soil and root injury from nematode feeding, the yield of peanut did not differ when comparing non-treated and fluopyram-treated peanut. When pooled over crop rotation sequence, peanut yield at Lewiston–Woodville was 5970 kg/ha vs. 6140 kg/ha for these respective treatments. At this location in 2021 and at Rocky Mount in 2019 and 2020, peanut yield for this comparison was 4710 vs. 4550, 5790 kg/ha vs. 6010 kg/ha, and 6060 kg/ha vs. 6120 kg/ha, respectively. These data indicate that previous crop sequences can influence crop yield more than the continuous use of fluopyram. Therefore, fluopyram is not recommended for application in the seed furrow at planting to suppress nematodes in cotton or peanut in North Carolina. Full article