Crops

Among the options to improve the establishment of jalapeno pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), physical biostimulants such as far-infrared bioceramics (FIR) and static magnetic fields (MF) have emerged as non-chemical alternatives. This study evaluated, under in vitro conditions, the individual and combined effects of FIR and positive or negative MF on seed germination dynamics, early seedling morphology, water status, and photosynthetic pigments. A completely randomized design with eight treatments was implemented, including FIR applied continuously throughout the entire experimental period, positive or negative MF applied for 24 h (MF⁺₂₄, MF⁻₂₄), and FIR + MF combinations under continuous or 24 h exposure regimes (n = 7). Germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT), mean germination rate (MGR), germination index (GI), morphological variables, water content (WC), and photosynthetic pigments were measured; ANOVA/alternative tests (a = 0.05), Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and exploratory Spearman’s correlations were used to assess relationships among the evaluated variables. Germination percentage did not change (97.64%), but kinetics did: FIR + MF⁻₂₄ reduced MGT to 4.32 d, FIR increased MGR to 5.83 seeds day⁻¹ (+11.69%), and FIR₂₄ + MF⁺₂₄ showed the highest GI (4.57). For morphological, MF⁺₂₄ increased hypocotyl length (+16.29%), FIR increased collar diameter (+27.27%), and FIR + MF⁻₂₄ increased cotyledon area (25%), and FIR increased chlorophyll a (+139%), chlorophyll b (+141%), and carotenoids (+114%). PCA explained 66.9% of the variance, grouping FIR with growth variables and FIR + MF combinations with WC and pigments. Inferences are limited to one cultivar and controlled in vitro conditions. This study provides novel quantitative evidence that continuous and short-term applications of FIR and MF modulate germination dynamics and early physiological traits without altering final germination, related to structure and pigments, without changing final germination percentage.

The cultivation of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has undergone an unprecedented global expansion, driven by its nutraceutical value and the diversification of production zones across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Its consolidation as a strategic crop has prompted intensive scientific activity aimed at optimizing every stage of management from propagation and physiology to harvest, postharvest, and environmental sustainability. However, the available evidence remains fragmented, limiting the integration of results and the formulation of knowledge-based, comparative production strategies. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize scientific and technological advances related to the integrated management of blueberry cultivation, incorporating physiological, agronomic, technological, and environmental dimensions. The PRISMA 2020 methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was applied to ensure transparency and reproducibility in the search, selection, and analysis of scientific literature indexed in the Scopus database. After screening, 367 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed comparatively and thematically. The results reveal significant progress in propagation using hydrogel and micropropagation techniques, efficient fertigation practices, and the integration of climate control operations within greenhouses, leading to improved yield and fruit quality. Likewise, non-thermal technologies, edible coatings, and harvest automation enhance postharvest quality and reduce losses. In terms of sustainability, the incorporation of water reuse and waste biorefinery has emerged as key strategies to reduce the environmental footprint and promote circular systems. Among the main limitations are the lack of methodological standardization, the scarce economic evaluation of innovations, and the weak linkage between experimental and commercial scales. It is concluded that integrating physiology, technology, and sustainability within a unified management framework is essential to consolidate a resilient, low-carbon, and technologically advanced fruit-growing system.

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.