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Why Olive Produces Many More Flowers than Fruit—A Critical Analysis
Efficient Micropropagation by Ex Vitro Rooting of Myrtus communis L.
Ascorbic Acid Mitigates Aluminum Stress Through Improved Antioxidant Mechanism in Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Edible Coatings Enhance Storability and Preserve Quality of Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta L.) cv. Ken’s Red
Compositional and Machine Learning Tools to Model Plant Nutrition: Overview and Perspectives

Journal Description

Horticulturae

Horticulturae is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences (SECH) is affiliated with Horticulturae and its members receive a discount on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, FSTA, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Horticulture) / CiteScore - Q1 (Horticulture)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 3.0 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.2 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2311-7524

Latest Articles

18 pages, 2856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Calibration Transfer Strategy to Update Hyperspectral Model for Quantitating Soluble Solid Content of Blueberry Across Different Batches

by Biao Chen, Xuhuang Huang, Shenwen Tan, Guangjun Qiu, Huaiyin Lin, Xuejun Yue, Junzhi Chen, Wenshan Zhong, Xuantian Li and Le Zhang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070830 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Model updating is a challenging task with regard to maintaining the performance of non-destructive detection models while using hyperspectral imaging techniques for detecting the internal quality of fresh fruits like blueberries. Different sample batches and differences in hyperspectral image acquisition environments may lead [...] Read more.

Model updating is a challenging task with regard to maintaining the performance of non-destructive detection models while using hyperspectral imaging techniques for detecting the internal quality of fresh fruits like blueberries. Different sample batches and differences in hyperspectral image acquisition environments may lead to a significant decline in the performance of hyperspectral detection models. This study investigated the transferability of a hyperspectral model for the quantitating soluble solid content of blueberries across different batches for two harvest years. Hyperspectral images and SSC values of blueberries were collected from two batches, including 364 samples from 2024 and 175 samples from 2025. The differences between SSC measurements and spectral data across these two batches were analyzed. Based on the sample dataset of the year 2024, a high-performance quantitative model for detecting SSC values was established by combining it with partial least squares regression (PLSR) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). This high-performance model could achieve a high determination coefficient () of 0.8965 and a low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.3707 °Brix. Using the sample dataset for the year 2025, the hyperspectral model was updated by the semi-supervised parameter-free calibration enhancement (SS-PFCE) algorithm. The updated model performed better than those established using individual datasets from 2024 and 2025, and obtained an of 0.8347 and an RMSEP of 0.4930 °Brix. This indicates that the calibration transfer strategy is superior in improving hyperspectral model performance. This study demonstrated that the SS-PFCE algorithm, as a calibration transfer strategy, could effectively improve the transferability of the established model for detecting the SSC of blueberries across different sample batches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Computer Vision Technology in Postharvest Processing of Fruits and Vegetables)

23 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in In Vitro Floral Induction in Tropical Orchids: Progress and Prospects in Vanilla Species

by Obdulia Baltazar-Bernal and José Luis Spinoso-Castillo

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070829 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Orchids and other flowering plants offer a wide range of floral traits. Within the Orchidaceae family, the Vanilla genus is one of the most valued plants in the commercial flavor industry. In vitro biotechnological approaches to Vanilla, such as germplasm conservation, massive propagation, [...] Read more.

Orchids and other flowering plants offer a wide range of floral traits. Within the Orchidaceae family, the Vanilla genus is one of the most valued plants in the commercial flavor industry. In vitro biotechnological approaches to Vanilla, such as germplasm conservation, massive propagation, and genetic engineering, have played a key role in breeding programs. There are, however, few studies that elucidate the physiological, molecular, and genetic aspects of vanilla orchid flowering and in vitro induction. This review’s main objective is to provide updated and complete data on in vitro floral induction and flowering of tropical and vanilla orchid species. A bibliographic search was carried out for scientific reports in academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect), and a total of 39 documents from 2014 and 2025 were analyzed. This review discusses the most important factors that affect in vitro flowering in Vanilla, including the monopodial genotypes, photoperiod, irradiance, temperature, nutrition, plant growth regulators, explant types, and culture methods. Consequently, this revision incorporates a number of studies on orchid in vitro flowering, with a focus on vanilla species. In conclusion, there still exists limited progress in Vanilla compared to other orchid species; however, the use of biotechnological techniques like in vitro flowering offers a fundamental framework for orchid breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchids: Advances in Propagation, Cultivation and Breeding)

29 pages, 4517 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Bioengineered Indoor Farming Approaches: LED Light Spectra and Biostimulants for Enhancing Vindoline and Catharanthine Production in Catharanthus roseus

by Alessandro Quadri, Bianca Sambuco, Mattia Trenta, Patrizia Tassinari, Daniele Torreggiani, Laura Mercolini, Michele Protti, Alessandra Zambonelli, Federico Puliga and Alberto Barbaresi

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070828 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Light quality and biostimulants regulate alkaloid biosynthesis and promote plant growth, but their combined effects on vindoline (VDL) and catharanthine (CAT) production in Catharanthus roseus remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of different LED spectra and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-based biostimulant (BS) [...] Read more.

Light quality and biostimulants regulate alkaloid biosynthesis and promote plant growth, but their combined effects on vindoline (VDL) and catharanthine (CAT) production in Catharanthus roseus remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of different LED spectra and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-based biostimulant (BS) on VDL and CAT production in indoor-grown C. roseus. After a 60-day pretreatment under white LEDs, plants were exposed to eight treatments: white (W, control), red (R), blue (B), and red-blue (RB) light, and their combinations with BS. Samples were collected before treatments (T0) and 92 days after pretreatment (T1). No mycorrhizal development was observed. VDL was detected in both roots and leaves, with higher levels in roots. R produced significantly higher mean concentrations of both VDL and CAT than W. BS significantly increased mean concentrations and total yields of both alkaloids than the untreated condition. The combination of R and BS produced the highest mean concentrations and total yields of VDL and CAT. In particular, it resulted in a significantly higher mean concentration and total yield of VDL compared to sole W. Total yields increased from T0 to T1, primarily due to a substantial rise in root yield. In conclusion, combining R and BS proved to be the most effective strategy to enhance VDL and CAT production by maximizing their total yields, which also increased over time due to greater root contribution. This underscores the importance of combining targeted treatments with harvesting at specific stages to optimize alkaloid production under controlled conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for Vegetables, Ornamental and Aromatic Plants)

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17 pages, 3372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Rates on Plant Growth and Yield of Organic Kale and Swiss Chard in Vertical Farming System

by Andruw Jones, Sai Prakash Naroju, Dilip Nandwani, Anthony Witcher and Shahidullah Chowdhary

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070827 - 11 Jul 2025

To support the growing global population, sustainable farming methods like vertical farming must complement traditional agriculture. This study evaluated the effects of various nitrogen fertilizer application rates (N_low (1055.3 ppm), N_rec (1640.9 ppm), N_high (2811.3 ppm), and N_0 (469.9 ppm)) on organic kale [...] Read more.

To support the growing global population, sustainable farming methods like vertical farming must complement traditional agriculture. This study evaluated the effects of various nitrogen fertilizer application rates (N_low (1055.3 ppm), N_rec (1640.9 ppm), N_high (2811.3 ppm), and N_0 (469.9 ppm)) on organic kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala ‘Lacinato’) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. Vulgaris ‘Ruby/Rhubarb Red’), grown in a vertical growing system installed in a high tunnel during the spring and fall season of 2023 at the organic farm of Tennessee State University. Growth parameters studied included fresh weight, Brix, chlorophyll, plant height, and leaf count. Most parameters did not exhibit statistically significant differences (alpha = 0.05). However, consistent numerical trends and deviations were observed. Although not statistically significant, kale achieved the highest mean fresh weight in N_rec (688.08 g), and Swiss chard in N_high by spring (649.62 g). Among the few parameters, significant differences were observed for Swiss chard plant height (48.07 cm) and leaf count (47.25), with N_high during fall. Findings suggest that while definitive conclusions were limited, recommended nitrogen rates (N_rec) may enhance crop performance and contribute sustainable yields in resource constrained vertical farming systems. Further controlled studies are warranted to validate trends and refine nutrient strategies in vertical growing system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Production in Controlled Environment)

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18 pages, 5845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Expression Profiling of Orphan Genes in Rapeseed (Brassica napus) Provide Insights into Tissue Development and Cold Stress Adaptation

by Hong Lang, Yuting Zhang, Baofeng Wang, Kexin Li and Mingliang Jiang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070826 - 11 Jul 2025

Orphan genes (OGs) lack homologs in related species and have been associated with adaptive evolution. However, it is poorly characterized in Brassica napus (rapeseed). This study aims to identify and characterize OGs in rapeseed to evaluate their association with stress adaptation and lineage-specific [...] Read more.

Orphan genes (OGs) lack homologs in related species and have been associated with adaptive evolution. However, it is poorly characterized in Brassica napus (rapeseed). This study aims to identify and characterize OGs in rapeseed to evaluate their association with stress adaptation and lineage-specific traits. Through comprehensive comparative genomics analysis, all rapeseed genes were categorized into four distinct evolutionary classes. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses were carried out to evaluate the structural, evolutionary, and expression dynamics, which were further validated by qRT-PCR analysis of different tissues and in cold stress. In total, 4 B. napus OGs (BnaOGs), 2859 Brassica-specific genes (BSGs), 9650 Cruciferae-specific genes (CSGs), and 94,720 evolutionarily conserved genes (ECGs) were identified. BnaOGs and BSGs indicated shorter sequences, higher GC content, fewer transcription factors, and limited functional annotation compared to ECGs. Similarly, transcriptomic analysis determined the tissue-specific and stress-responsive expression patterns in BnaOGs and BSGs. qRT-PCR validation revealed four BnaOGs and five BSGs from different tissue-specific and cold-responsive expression modules in rapeseed. Overall, this study identified OGs associated with lineage-specific adaptation in rapeseed, potentially related to cold tolerance and phenotypic diversity. The identified expression patterns and structural divergence provide novel insights for breeding stress-resilient varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Brassica Crops)

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16 pages, 7098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Rooting and Physiology of ‘Summer Black’ Grape Cuttings

by Yi-Yuan Peng, Chun-Yan Liu and Yong Hao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070825 - 10 Jul 2025

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis has great potential in improving grapevine performance and reducing external input dependency in viticulture. However, the precise, strain-specific impacts of different AMF species on ‘Summer Black’ grapevine cuttings across multiple physiological and morphological dimensions remain underexplored. To address [...] Read more.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis has great potential in improving grapevine performance and reducing external input dependency in viticulture. However, the precise, strain-specific impacts of different AMF species on ‘Summer Black’ grapevine cuttings across multiple physiological and morphological dimensions remain underexplored. To address this, we conducted a controlled greenhouse pot experiment, systematically evaluating four different AMF species (Diversispora versiformis, Diversispora spurca, Funneliformis mosseae, and Paraglomus occultum) on ‘Summer Black’ grapevine cuttings. All AMF treatments successfully established root colonization, with F. mosseae achieving the highest infection rate. In detail, F. mosseae notably enhanced total root length, root surface area, and volume, while D. versiformis specifically improved primary adventitious and 2nd-order lateral root numbers. Phosphorus (P) uptake in both leaves and roots was significantly elevated across all AMF treatments, with F. mosseae leading to a 42% increase in leaf P content. Furthermore, AMF inoculation generally enhanced the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, along with soluble protein and soluble sugar contents in leaves and roots. Photosynthetic parameters, including net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr), were dramatically increased in AMF-colonized cutting seedlings. Whereas, P. occultum exhibited inhibitory effects on several growth metrics, such as shoot length, leaf and root biomass, and adventitious lateral root numbers, and decreased the contents of Nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) in both leaves and roots. These findings conclusively demonstrate that AMF symbiosis optimizes root morphology, enhances nutrient acquisition, and boosts photosynthetic efficiency and stress resilience, thus providing valuable insights for developing targeted bio-fertilization strategies in sustainable viticulture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Viticulture)

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13 pages, 2865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fine Mapping of BrTCP1 as a Key Regulator of Branching in Flowering Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

by Chuanhong Liu, Xinghua Qi, Shuo Fu, Chao Zheng, Chao Wu, Xiaoyu Li, Yun Zhang and Xueling Ye

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070824 - 10 Jul 2025

Branching is a critical agronomic trait in flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), influencing plant architecture and yield. In this study, there was a highly significant difference between CX010 (single primary rosette branches) and BCT18 (multiple primary rosette branches). Phenotypic [...] Read more.

Branching is a critical agronomic trait in flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), influencing plant architecture and yield. In this study, there was a highly significant difference between CX010 (single primary rosette branches) and BCT18 (multiple primary rosette branches). Phenotypic analysis revealed significant differences in primary rosette branch numbers, with BCT18 showing up to 15 branches and CX010 displaying only one main stem branch. Genetic analysis indicated that branching was controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL) with a normal distribution of branch numbers. Using bulked segregant analysis coupled with sequencing (BSA-seq), we identified a candidate interval of approximately 2.96 Mb on chromosome A07 linked to branching. Fine mapping narrowed this to a 172 kb region containing 29 genes, with BraA07g032600.3C (BrTCP1) as the most likely candidate. cDNA cloning of the BrTCP1 gene revealed several variations in BCT18 compared to CX010, including a 6 bp insertion, 10 SNPs, and two single-nucleotide deletions. Expression analysis indicated that BrTCP1 was highly expressed in the rosette stems of CX010 compared to BCT18, consistent with its role as a branching suppressor. The heterologous mutants in Arabidopsis confirmed the conserved role of BrTCP1 in branch inhibition. These findings reveal that BrTCP1 might be a key regulator of branching in flowering Chinese cabbage, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this trait and offering a framework for genetic improvement in Brassica crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Molecular Breeding of Brassica Crops)

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29 pages, 3740 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Preliminary Clonal Characterization of Malvasia Volcanica and Listan Prieto by Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers in Free-Phylloxera Volcanic Vineyards (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura (Canary Island, Spain))

by Francesca Fort, Luis Ricardo Suárez-Abreu, Qiying Lin-Yang, Leonor Deis, Joan Miquel Canals and Fernando Zamora

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070823 - 10 Jul 2025

Climate change is usually recognized as the most significant challenge facing viticulture in the 21st century. As a result, experts are increasingly emphasizing the need to explore the biodiversity within the species Vitis vinifera L. In this context, the present study investigated the [...] Read more.

Climate change is usually recognized as the most significant challenge facing viticulture in the 21st century. As a result, experts are increasingly emphasizing the need to explore the biodiversity within the species Vitis vinifera L. In this context, the present study investigated the intra-varietal biodiversity of two widely cultivated grapevine varieties on the Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura (Spain). These islands, characterized by desert-like climates, strong winds, volcanic soils, and phylloxera-free conditions, have presented uninterrupted grapevine cultivation for the past three to five centuries. Intra-varietal variability was detected in 93.46% of the 107 accessions analyzed. The most divergent samples were a Malvasia Dubrovacka (LNZ-87) and a Listan prieto (FTV-8), each exhibiting five distinct variations. Another Listan prieto accession (FTV-13) showed four variations. A group of seven individuals displayed three variations including two Malvasia volcanica accessions (LNZ-12, LNZ-72) and five Listan prieto accessions (FTV-1, FTV-2, FTV-7, FTV-9, FTV-12). A set of 100 SSR markers was used to analyze this grapevine collection, of which 17 revealed variability. The most informative markers were VChr15b, VVIp34, VVMD32, VChr9b, VVMD5, VVMD28, and VMC4F3, while the least informative was VVNTM1, which detected no variation. The parentage of Malvasia volcanica (Malvasia Dubrovacka × Bermejuela) was supported by all SSR markers, assuming that three of them may involve a mutated parent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into the Genetic Regulation and Quality Improvement of Grapes)

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20 pages, 9321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis of Hydroponic Adaptation Potential in Different Pakchoi (Brassica campestris ssp. Chinensis) Parent Materials

by Jiawei Cui, Xiuping Zhan, Qixu Wang, Donghe Zhang, Dalu Li, Xiaofeng Li, Lu Gao, Hongfang Zhu, Liying Chang, Jianyong Li and Xiaotao Ding

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070822 - 10 Jul 2025

Hydroponics is currently one of the primary methods for soilless cultivation. Although the phenotype and quality of vegetables differ between hydroponic and soil-based systems, limited research has been conducted on the selection and breeding of pakchoi cultivars specifically suited for hydroponics. In this [...] Read more.

Hydroponics is currently one of the primary methods for soilless cultivation. Although the phenotype and quality of vegetables differ between hydroponic and soil-based systems, limited research has been conducted on the selection and breeding of pakchoi cultivars specifically suited for hydroponics. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed on the commercial traits, agronomic characteristics, and nutritional quality of 20 pakchoi parental lines grown under hydroponic conditions to classify and screen suitable germplasm for breeding. PCA reduced the 11 agronomic traits into two independent principal components, accounting for a cumulative contribution of 79.22%. Cluster analysis grouped the 20 parental lines into four categories based on the composite scores of agronomic traits and nutritional quality. Group 3 was selected for breeding programs aiming to develop high-yielding cultivars with a desirable morphology. For breeding targets emphasizing darker leaves and petiole coloration, Group 4 presented the most suitable germplasm. Group 1 was ideal for enhancing nutritional quality by offering parent lines rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and amino acids. Alternatively, Group 2 contained lines with high levels of soluble proteins, amino acids, and soluble sugars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Controlled Environment Horticulture: Indoor Farming and Novel Cultivation Technologies)

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18 pages, 6067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Joint Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Molecular Physiological Mechanisms of Tea Tree Roots in Response to pH Regulation

by Qi Zhang, Mingzhe Li, Miao Jia, Zewei Zhou, Yulin Wang, Yankun Liao, Xiaoli Jia, Tingting Wang, Haibin Wang and Jianghua Ye

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070821 - 10 Jul 2025

The tea tree root system is an important tissue for nutrient uptake, accumulation, and transport, and pH is an important environmental factor regulating the growth of tea tree (Camellia sinensis). However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of how the tea tree [...] Read more.

The tea tree root system is an important tissue for nutrient uptake, accumulation, and transport, and pH is an important environmental factor regulating the growth of tea tree (Camellia sinensis). However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of how the tea tree root system responds to pH are unclear. In this study, Tieguanyin tea tree was used as the research object, and treated with different pH values to determine the morphological indexes of the tea plant root system and systematically study the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the effect of pH on the growth of the tea plant root system using transcriptomics in combination with metabolomics. The results showed that total root length, root surface area, root volume, total root tips, root fork number, and root crossing number of root crosses of the tea plant root system increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing pH. Transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 2654 characteristic genes were obtained in response to pH regulation in the root system of the tea plant, which were mainly enriched in six metabolic pathways. Metabolomics analysis showed that the metabolites with the highest contribution in differentiating tea plant responses to different pH regulations were mainly heterocyclic compounds, amino acids and derivatives, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Interaction network analysis showed that pH positively regulated the metabolic intensity of the MAPK signaling pathway (plant, plant hormone signal transduction, and RNA degradation pathway), positively regulated the content of the heterocyclic compound, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids, and positively regulated tea plant root growth. However, it negatively regulated ribosome, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway intensity, and negatively regulated the flavonoid content. This study reveals the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the tea plant root system in response to pH changes and provides an important theoretical basis for the cultivation and management of tea plants in acidified tea plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Breeding Strategies in Tea Plants)

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17 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Diluted Seawater and Fertilizer in an Ion-Based Multivariate Approach as an Effective Assay of Salt Tolerance in Brassica juncea Seedlings

by Morgan Tomlin, William Bridges, Qiong Su, Raghupathy Karthikeyan, Byoung Ryong Jeong, Haibo Liu, Gary L. Amy and Jeffrey Adelberg

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070820 - 10 Jul 2025

Non-conventional water sources (saline and brackish water) are viable options for crop cultivation. Current salt-tolerance research largely focuses on Na⁺ and Cl⁻, while other ions in these waters remain ill-understood. Synthetic seawater was a representative of saline and brackish water [...] Read more.

Non-conventional water sources (saline and brackish water) are viable options for crop cultivation. Current salt-tolerance research largely focuses on Na⁺ and Cl⁻, while other ions in these waters remain ill-understood. Synthetic seawater was a representative of saline and brackish water in a Design of Experiments (DoE) treatment design used to evaluate the effects of factors [synthetic seawater (0, 15, 30, or 45%, v/v, Instant Ocean^®), total inorganic nitrogen (0, 14, or 28 mM; 1 NH₄⁺:8 NO₃⁻ ratio), potassium (0, 9, or 21 mM), calcium (0, 2, or 5 mM), silicon (0, 0.03, or 0.09 mM) and zinc (0, 0.05, or 2 mM)] on seedlings for two varieties of Brassica juncea [‘Carolina Broadleaf’ (CB) and ‘Florida Broadleaf’ (FB)] using a hydroponic assay. In 30–45% synthetic seawater, 0.09 mM of silicon or 2 mM of calcium alleviated salt stress. In FB, 0.04–0.06 mM of silicon was optimal for the production of new leaves. The CB variety showed greater production of new leaves with 0.09 mM of silicon and 28 mM of potassium. Potassium and calcium are components of seawater, and a sodium chloride assay would not account for their interactions without a multivariate approach to evaluate salt tolerance. The seedling assay identified factors and established criteria for larger-scale harvest experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plants Nutrients, 2nd Volume)

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21 pages, 1434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Analysis of Olive Mill Wastewaters: Physicochemical Profiling, Antifungal Activity, and Biocontrol Potential Against Botryosphaeriaceae

by Elena Petrović, Karolina Vrandečić, Alen Albreht, Igor Gruntar, Nikola Major, Jasenka Ćosić, Zoran Užila, Smiljana Goreta Ban and Sara Godena

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070819 - 10 Jul 2025

The disposal of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) poses significant environmental challenges due to its high content of phytotoxic and pollutant compounds. This study aims to explore the chemical composition of OMWW derived from various olive varieties (Buža, Buža puntoža, Istarska bjelica, Leccino, and [...] Read more.

The disposal of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) poses significant environmental challenges due to its high content of phytotoxic and pollutant compounds. This study aims to explore the chemical composition of OMWW derived from various olive varieties (Buža, Buža puntoža, Istarska bjelica, Leccino, and Rosinjola) and assess its antifungal potential against phytopathogenic fungi from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. OMWW samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, phenolic composition via LC-MS/MS, and antifungal activity against Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. & De Not., Diplodia mutila (Fr.) Fr., D. seriata De Not., Dothiorella iberica A.J.L. Phillips, J. Luque & A. Alves, Do. sarmentorum (Fr.) A.J.L. Phillips, Alves & Luque, and Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. Phillips. Antifungal efficacy was tested at varying concentrations, alongside the phenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol and vanillic acid. Antifungal activity varied across fungal species and OMWW concentrations. Lower OMWW concentrations inhibited mycelial growth in some pathogens, while higher concentrations often had a stimulatory effect. Among the OMWW treatments, Leccino and Buža showed the most significant antifungal activity against species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. The results demonstrated significant variability in OMWW composition, with Istarska bjelica exhibiting the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds, sugars, dry matter, and carbon and nitrogen content. The results also highlight the impact of acidification on the phenolic profile of OMWW. Treatment with HCl significantly altered the concentration of individual phenolic compounds, either enhancing their release or contributing to their degradation. Among the two compounds, vanillic acid showed greater efficacy than hydroxytyrosol. In addition, microorganisms isolated from OMWW, including Bacillus velezensis Ruiz-Garcia et al., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (A. Jörg.) F.C. Harrison, Nakazawaea molendiniolei (N. Cadez, B. Turchetti & G. Peter) C. P. Kurtzman & C. J. Robnett, and Penicillium crustosum Thom, demonstrated antagonistic potential against fungal pathogens, with B. velezensis showing the strongest inhibitory effect. The greatest antagonistic effect against fungi was observed with the species Do. Iberica. The findings highlight the potential of OMWW as a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides, simultaneously contributing to the management of waste and protection of plants through circular economy principles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainable Agriculture Through Scientific Innovation)

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16 pages, 3023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Atmospheric Non-Thermal Plasmas to Control Rhizopus stolonifer Causing Soft Rot Disease in Strawberry

by Dheerawan Boonyawan, Hans Jørgen Lyngs Jørgensen and Salit Supakitthanakorn

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070818 - 9 Jul 2025

Rhizopus stolonifer causes soft rot disease in strawberry and is considered one of the most destructive pathogens affecting strawberries worldwide. This study investigated the efficacy of three atmospheric non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) consisting of gliding arc (GA), Tesla coil (TC) and dielectric barrier discharge [...] Read more.

Rhizopus stolonifer causes soft rot disease in strawberry and is considered one of the most destructive pathogens affecting strawberries worldwide. This study investigated the efficacy of three atmospheric non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) consisting of gliding arc (GA), Tesla coil (TC) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) for controlling R. stolonifer infection. Fungal mycelial discs were exposed to these plasmas for 10, 15 or 20 min, whereas conidial suspensions were treated for 1, 3, 5 or 7 min. Morphological alterations following non-thermal plasma exposure were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exposure to GA and DBD plasmas for 20 min completely inhibited mycelial growth. SEM analysis revealed significant structural damage to the mycelium, sporangia and sporangiospores of treated samples compared to untreated controls. Complete inhibition of sporangiospore germination was achieved with treatments for at least 3 min for all NTPs. Pathogenicity assays on strawberry fruit showed that 15 min exposure to any of the tested NTPs completely prevented the development of soft rot disease. Importantly, NTP treatments did not adversely affect the external or internal characteristics of treated strawberries. These findings suggest that atmospheric non-thermal plasmas offer an effective approach for controlling R. stolonifer infection in strawberries, potentially providing a non-chemical alternative for post-harvest disease management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Diseases in Horticultural Crops and Their Management)

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14 pages, 1547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Melanin Synthesis in Auricularia heimuer Under Different Fermentation Times

by Xiuge Yao, Jiechi Zhang, Chunge Sheng, Yan Guo, Chuang Han, Shuang Tian, Jianan Zhu, Xiaojia Zhang, Shuyang Zhou, Jianing Liu, Xiaodong Dai, Piqi Zhang, Bo Yin and Yinpeng Ma

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070817 - 9 Jul 2025

In this study, the molecular mechanism underlying melanin synthesis within the fermentation broth of Auricularia heimuer (A. heimuer) was explored. The absorbance at 500 nm, melanin yield, and tyrosinase activity in the fermentation broth were assessed across different fermentation durations. Mycelia [...] Read more.

In this study, the molecular mechanism underlying melanin synthesis within the fermentation broth of Auricularia heimuer (A. heimuer) was explored. The absorbance at 500 nm, melanin yield, and tyrosinase activity in the fermentation broth were assessed across different fermentation durations. Mycelia samples were gathered on the 4th (R1), 8th (R2), and 10th (R3) days of liquid fermentation for transcriptome sequencing. As fermentation progressed, the absorbance, melanin yield, and tyrosinase activity in the broth rose. A total of 5915 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, with 1136 DEGs between R2 and R1, 3717 between R3 and R1, and 2950 between R3 and R2. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in oxidoreductase activity and ribosome structural constituent terms. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed significant enrichment of DEGs in ribosome and amino acid metabolism pathways. Key DEGs, including transcription factors, glycosidases, P450 enzymes, laccases, and glutamate dehydrogenase, were identified during melanin production in the fermentation broth. These DEGs may play crucial roles in melanin synthesis. This study offers a foundation for further exploring the melanin synthesis mechanism in A. heimuer fermentation broth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Propagation and Cultivation of Mushroom)

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17 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized In Vitro Method for Conservation and Exchange of Zygotic Embryos of Makapuno Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

by Zhihua Mu, Binh-Minh Tran, Xingwei Wang, Shuya Yang, Thi Thanh-Thuy Pham, Minh-An Le, M. T. N. Indrachapa, Phuong Thao Nguyen and Jie Luo

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070816 - 9 Jul 2025

Coconut palm’s economic significance across the tropics, underpinning livelihoods and industries, is increasingly threatened by pests, diseases, genetic erosion, and natural disasters. This underscores the urgent need for efficient germplasm conservation strategies. In vitro culture of zygotic embryos provides a vital pathway for [...] Read more.

Coconut palm’s economic significance across the tropics, underpinning livelihoods and industries, is increasingly threatened by pests, diseases, genetic erosion, and natural disasters. This underscores the urgent need for efficient germplasm conservation strategies. In vitro culture of zygotic embryos provides a vital pathway for secure global conservation and exchange, particularly for elite varieties like Makapuno. However, standardized, practical protocols for the international exchange of fresh, non-cryopreserved embryos remain underdeveloped. To address this gap, this study refined a key protocol for fresh coconut embryo exchange by systematically optimizing critical parameters. The results demonstrated that an optimal culture medium containing low sucrose (10 g/L), activated charcoal (1 g/L), Gelrite (2.5 g/L), and 1 mL medium per cryotube significantly enhanced embryo size (40% increase; p < 0.05) compared to sucrose-free controls. While surface sterilization using AgNPs showed a marginal growth advantage over NaClO, rigorous transportation simulations confirmed that embryos retain high viability and regeneration potential only if delivered within seven days. These findings establish a robust, standardized framework for enhancing the global exchange and conservation of elite coconut germplasm, directly supporting genetic conservation and varietal improvement efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances and Prospects in Germplasm of Tropical Fruits)

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17 pages, 2186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Nutrient Solution Concentration and Preharvest Short-Duration Continuous Light on Yield, Quality, and Energy Efficiency in Aeroponic Intercropped Lettuce

by Lei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Zhihao Pan, Hanbing Fu, Yaping Yang, Haiye Yu, Yuanyuan Sui, Yan Xu and Faqinwei Li

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070815 - 9 Jul 2025

Aeroponics efficiently conserves water and fertilizer but faces energy sustainability challenges in maintaining high productivity and quality. This study aimed to identify critical growth phases of lettuce affected by management modes and assess resource/energy efficiency (cost per unit yield) to inform the development [...] Read more.

Aeroponics efficiently conserves water and fertilizer but faces energy sustainability challenges in maintaining high productivity and quality. This study aimed to identify critical growth phases of lettuce affected by management modes and assess resource/energy efficiency (cost per unit yield) to inform the development of sustainability strategies for lettuce production in a lettuce-dominant aeroponics system integrated with radish. Three management modes were tested: M1 (constant nutrient solution concentrations), M2 (variable nutrient solution concentrations), and M3 (combined variable nutrient solution concentrations and preharvest short-duration continuous light for 48 h). Plant parameters were dynamically measured in a 30-day cultivation cycle. The results showed that the intercropped lettuce exhibited peak growth at 15–25 days after transplanting, and nutrient solution adjustment enhanced the shoot weight and quality, with synergistic quality improvements under M3. However, preharvest lighting reduced the net photosynthetic rate via stomatal closure and lowered the effective quantum yield of photosystem II, preventing biomass increase. The preharvest short-duration continuous light elevated the soluble protein, ascorbic acid, and soluble sugar contents. For yield-focused systems, M2 alone achieved comparable shoot weight to M3 with higher energy efficiency. However, when simultaneously considering lettuce quality enhancement and the yield boost of radish in the intercropping system, M3 demonstrated potential for greater marginal benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)

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13 pages, 2711 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Expanding the Cycad Horticulture Toolbox: Air Layer Protocols for Cycas Stems

by Thomas E. Marler and Gil N. Cruz

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070814 - 9 Jul 2025

Knowledge of propagation methods is crucial for conserving endangered plant species. Cycads are highly threatened, and propagation protocols using seeds and stem cuttings are well-understood. No air layer technique has been developed for cycad propagation, so the objective of this study was to [...] Read more.

Knowledge of propagation methods is crucial for conserving endangered plant species. Cycads are highly threatened, and propagation protocols using seeds and stem cuttings are well-understood. No air layer technique has been developed for cycad propagation, so the objective of this study was to develop a working protocol for adding this technique for cycad conservation. We opened wounds on mature Cycas edentata de Laub. stems to expose cortex and vascular tissue then installed an air layer medium to determine if adventitious roots would form. In one experiment, the peripheral vascular cylinder was exposed from 90° to 360°; in a second experiment, the use of auxin-promoting root stimulants was compared with a control group with no stimulants; and in a third experiment, the interior vascular cylinders were exposed in addition to the peripheral vascular cylinder. Every replication in every experiment developed adventitious roots beginning about 8 weeks and were ready to harvest with 10 cm roots by 14 weeks. The robust roots were about 1 cm in diameter, geotropic, and restricted to the outermost vascular cylinder exposed on the upper surface of the wounds. The number of roots and total root length per propagule increased by more than 300% as the percentage of exposed vascular tissue increased from 90° to 360°. Air layer techniques can be added to the cycad conservation toolbox, and its use may aid in conserving this threatened group of plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)

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19 pages, 3343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses Provide Insight into Sugar Metabolism-Induced Dormancy Release of Flower Buds of Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Cuiguan’

by Huiquan Wang, Ling Ding, Qinghua Ye, Xueying Huang, Lei Xu, Shaohua Wu and Dongjin He

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070813 - 9 Jul 2025

Pear buds exhibit inherent dormancy, during which carbohydrates play a pivotal role in dormancy release and germination. In this study, Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Cuiguan’ was employed as the experimental material to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying flower bud dormancy release. The results revealed that [...] Read more.

Pear buds exhibit inherent dormancy, during which carbohydrates play a pivotal role in dormancy release and germination. In this study, Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Cuiguan’ was employed as the experimental material to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying flower bud dormancy release. The results revealed that the dynamic balance between starch and soluble sugar is critical for promoting dormancy release and germination in P. pyrifolia ‘Cuiguan’ flower buds. Through transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, a total of 4035 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1596 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, which were predominantly associated with carbohydrate metabolism, particularly sugar metabolism pathways. Their changes were coordinately regulated at both transcriptional and translational levels. Key structural genes involved in maltose and sucrose biosynthesis, including BAM (LOC103949270), AAM (LOC125479337, LOC103940334, and LOC103941903), SPS (LOC125475683), and INV (LOC125478747), were significantly upregulated during the germination stage, facilitating flower bud sprouting. Integrated multi-omic analysis demonstrated that starch–sugar interconversion may govern dormancy release and sustained bud growth by modulating sugar metabolism-related genes and proteins. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of carbohydrate biosynthesis and associated protein regulation during dormancy release and development of P. pyrifolia ‘Cuiguan’ under natural conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))

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18 pages, 2307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Sensitivity of Isolates of Neopestalotiopsis rosae, Causal Agent of Strawberry Crown Rot, to Usnic Acid

by Laura Castro-Rosalez, Antonio Juárez-Maldonado, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Susana González-Morales, Elizabeth García-León, Angel Rebollar-Alviter and Fabián Pérez-Labrada

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070812 - 9 Jul 2025

Root and crown rot in strawberries caused by Neopestalotiopsis rosae (N. rosae) results in yield losses of approximately 70%. The main method of control is based on the application of fungicides; however, the excessive use of these products can induce resistance [...] Read more.

Root and crown rot in strawberries caused by Neopestalotiopsis rosae (N. rosae) results in yield losses of approximately 70%. The main method of control is based on the application of fungicides; however, the excessive use of these products can induce resistance by pathogens to the active ingredients. The use of secondary metabolites is an alternative to disease management. Usnic acid (UA), a secondary metabolite produced by lichens, has shown antimicrobial and antifungal activities that could be useful for the management of phytopathogens, particularly the (+) enantiomer. To provide alternatives to fungicides, the potential of UA as an alternative for N. rosae management was evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Using the “poisoned medium” technique, concentrations of 0 (UA0), 100 (UA1), 200 (UA2), and 400 (UA4) µg/mL UA at a dose of 2.5 mL/L PDA were evaluated on N. rosae mycelial growth and the number of spores. The UA at 400 µg/mL exhibited a fungistatic effect, reducing the mycelial growth of isolates of N. rosae in 50–60%. In the in vivo assay, sprayed UA (400 µg/mL) reduced hydrogen peroxide (48.59%) and malonaldehyde (77.62%) contents in “Albion” strawberry seedlings inoculated with 466 and FREC2 strains, respectively. These findings suggest that UA could be a potential tool for N. rosae management and could help mitigate the oxidative stress induced by infection. However, field trials are required to evaluate and validate this response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Pathogens in Horticultural Crops)

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1 pages, 126 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Guo et al. Characterization and Evolutionary Analyses Reveal Differential Selection Pressures on PGIc and PGIp During Domestication in Castor Bean. Horticulturae 2025, 11, 569

by Jiayu Guo, Lanxin Jiang, Anmin Yu, Bing Han and Aizhong Liu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070811 - 9 Jul 2025

There was an error in the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)

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