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), AGRICOLA, AGRIS, FSTA, and many other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Horticulture) / CiteScore - Q1 (Horticulture)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 13.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
- 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:
2.331 (2020)
;
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.951 (2020)
Latest Articles
Organic Amendment and Mulching Enhanced the Growth and Fruit Quality of Squash Plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) Grown on Silty Loam Soils
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090269 - 28 Aug 2021
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Adoption of suitable organic fertilizers and soil mulching are useful tools to enhance soil quality, which will inevitably lead to improved growth and yield of crops. Little is known about the soil organic amendments and Azolla (Azolla pinnata) under soil organic
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Adoption of suitable organic fertilizers and soil mulching are useful tools to enhance soil quality, which will inevitably lead to improved growth and yield of crops. Little is known about the soil organic amendments and Azolla (Azolla pinnata) under soil organic mulching on the growth and yield of squash plant (Cucurbita pepo L.). A comparative study mainly focused on the impacts of organic fertilizer treatments on soil fertility and squash growth under wheat straw mulch was conducted on wooden boxes filled with silty loam soil. Wheat straw, as an organic mulch, and five organic-fertilization treatments were added to the soil. Wheat straw with a size of <2 cm was added to the soil surface with a 2 cm thickness. The fertilization treatments were: control (CO), chemical fertilizer (CF), compost (CT), vermicompost (VC), and dry Azolla (DA). Wheat straw mulch had positive effects on the soil properties, growth, and yield. The maximum fruit yield was obtained from the soil fertilized with DA under wheat straw mulch, while the lowest one was found in the control without mulching. Azolla and organic fertilizers showed a remarkable superiority over the mineral fertilization in increasing the soil fertility as well as the growth and quality of squash fruits; this superiority increased under the wheat straw mulching system. The application of recommended mineral fertilization (CF), compost (CT), vermicompost (VC), and dry Azolla (DA) under wheat straw mulch increased the soil available-N by 2, 20, 12, and 29%, respectively, above the control (CO), while these organic fertilizers without mulching increased the soil available-N by 11, 32, 26, and 48%, respectively. The production of vegetable crops such as squash plants requires the addition of organic fertilizers and mulching to increase yield and quality of fruits.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Efficiency of Osmotic Dehydration of Pomegranate Seeds in Polyols Solutions Using Response Surface Methodology
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, , , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090268 - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of polyol compounds (sorbitol and erythritol) on the osmotic dehydration process of pomegranate seeds. The efficacy of the osmotic dehydration process was estimated based on the determination of water loss, weight reduction, solid gain, and effective diffusivity and
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This study investigates the influence of polyol compounds (sorbitol and erythritol) on the osmotic dehydration process of pomegranate seeds. The efficacy of the osmotic dehydration process was estimated based on the determination of water loss, weight reduction, solid gain, and effective diffusivity and also through a comparison of the results obtained between sucrose and polyol osmotic solutions. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the osmotic process. Quality attributes of pomegranate seeds were determined through the assessment of physical (texture and color) characteristics. This innovative research applies alternative solutions in the osmotic process, which until now, have not been commonly used in the osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds processing by researchers worldwide. Results revealed the excellent correlation of experimental values with the model. Erythritol and sorbitol exhibit stronger efficiency than sucrose. However, erythritol was not satisfactory due to the high solid gain. Therefore, the sorbitol osmotic agent seems to be the most suitable for the osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds. The optimal condition for maximum water loss (38.61%), weight reduction (37.77%), and effective diffusivity (4.01 × 10−8 m2/s) and minimum solid gain (−0.37%) were 13.03 min, 27.77 °Brix, and 37.7 °C, using a sorbitol solution. Results of texture and color revealed the major impact of erythritol and sorbitol osmotic agents on seed characteristics during the osmotic dehydration process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osmotic Dehydration of Fruits and Vegetables)
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Advances in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Rootstocks Worldwide
by
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090267 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
Studies on hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) rootstocks have been limited to date. However, the use of vigorous, non-suckering rootstocks for this species could increase the cost-effectiveness of orchards by reducing the annual need to prune suckers, thus facilitating mechanical harvesting, and reducing
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Studies on hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) rootstocks have been limited to date. However, the use of vigorous, non-suckering rootstocks for this species could increase the cost-effectiveness of orchards by reducing the annual need to prune suckers, thus facilitating mechanical harvesting, and reducing orchard management costs and environmental impact. Seedlings of the non-suckering Turkish tree hazel (C. colurna L.) have been used traditionally in Serbia. In the 1970s, the United States Department of Agriculture in Corvallis, Oregon (USA) released the first two non-suckering clonal rootstocks—‘Dundee’ and ‘Newberg’—from open-pollinated seeds of C. colurna. Moreover, selection of C. avellana cvs. with few suckers is continuing. Trials carried out in different countries with own-rooted and grafted plants have shown good performance of grafted hazelnuts. Currently, some nurseries in several countries are propagating hazelnut rootstocks and grafting trees for planting commercial orchards. Interest in these cultivar/rootstock combinations is increasing, and more new orchards of grafted trees are expected to be planted in the coming years.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rootstock Genetics and Improvement in Breeding)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Metabolic Response of ‘Topaz’ Apple Fruit to Minimal Application of Nitrogen during Cell Enlargement Stage
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090266 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
Nitrogen is an integral element of foliar sprays during apple fruit formation. However, in red cultivars, the application may have adverse effects on color in the second stage of fruit development. The effect of a low-dose foliar application of urea was monitored on
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Nitrogen is an integral element of foliar sprays during apple fruit formation. However, in red cultivars, the application may have adverse effects on color in the second stage of fruit development. The effect of a low-dose foliar application of urea was monitored on ‘Topaz’ apple pomometric (fruit mass, firmness, total solids, starch content, skin color) and biochemical traits (primary metabolites, phenolic compounds, and assimilatory pigments). Three applications (17 July, 27 July, and 18 August) of two different urea doses (N1 = 1.4 kg N ha−1; N4 = 4 kg N ha−1) and control (N0, only sprayed with water) were used. Low doses of urea did not affect flesh firmness, total soluble, solid, and starch content, but individual fruit mass was significantly higher in N1 treatment compared to the other two treatments. Significantly lower a* parameters and a lower content of anthocyanins were measured on apples subject to N4 treatment. Many secondary metabolites (phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, and chalcones) were also negatively affected by low-dose urea application. Conversely, urea treatments significantly increased total assimilatory pigments in apple skin. Even minor levels of nitrogen, applied directly on the leaf at later stages of red apple fruit development, negatively altered color traits and the composition of metabolites.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Plant Nutrition on Primary and Secondary Metabolites)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Phosphite Supply in the MS Medium on Root Morphological Characteristics, Fresh Biomass and Enzymatic Behavior in Five Genotypes of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090265 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
Crop production is threatened by low phosphorus (P) availability and weed interference. Obtaining plant genotypes that can utilize Phosphite (Phi) as fertilizer can supplement phosphates (Pi) while providing an environmentally friendly means of weed control. The study was conducted to determine the tolerance
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Crop production is threatened by low phosphorus (P) availability and weed interference. Obtaining plant genotypes that can utilize Phosphite (Phi) as fertilizer can supplement phosphates (Pi) while providing an environmentally friendly means of weed control. The study was conducted to determine the tolerance and enzymatic behavior of five potato genotypes to PO3. Explants were regenerated in vitro from two nodal cuttings and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium under controlled conditions for 30 days. Matured plantlets were subcultured for 20 days in MS medium containing (0.25, 0.5 mM) Phi and Pi and No-P (-Phi + -Pi). The results showed significant genotypic variation in tolerance indices among the five genotypes. Atlantic showed greater tolerance to Phi, with highest total root length (50.84%), root projected area (75.09%), root surface area (68.94%), root volume (33.49%) and number of root forks (75.66%). Phi induced an increasing trend in the levels of hydrogen peroxide in the genotypes with the least effect in Atlantic. The comprehensive evaluation analysis confirmed the tolerance of Atlantic genotype with this ranking; Atlantic, Longshu3, Qingshu9, Longshu6 and Gannong2. Antioxidant enzyme activities and proline content also increased significantly under Phi and No-P treatments. The results suggested that potato genotypes with larger root systems may be more tolerant to Phi than genotypes with smaller root systems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study of the Influence of Abiotic and Biotic Stress Factors on Horticultural Plants)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Configuration by Osmotic Eustress Agents of the Morphometric Characteristics and the Polyphenolic Content of Differently Pigmented Baby Lettuce Varieties in Two Successive Harvests
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, , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090264 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
Salinity eustress is one of the pre-harvest factors that can be used to improve the phytochemical profile and the quality attributes of horticultural species, and most of the studies are carried out using NaCl. In this work, we compared the effect of three
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Salinity eustress is one of the pre-harvest factors that can be used to improve the phytochemical profile and the quality attributes of horticultural species, and most of the studies are carried out using NaCl. In this work, we compared the effect of three mildly saline iso-osmotic nutrient solutions (NS) differing in the cation employed (either K, Na, or Ca) in baby lettuce cultivated in a floating system. Specifically, we analyzed the impact on key morphological traits and polyphenol composition in leaves in a completely randomized design experiment with the following experimental factors and levels: two differently pigmented lettuce varieties (green and full red), three NSs (20 mM KCl, 20 mM NaCl, 13.3 mM CaCl2, each with a final ionic concentration of 40 mM), and two successive harvests. The lettuce response to mild salinity was multifaceted and with a marked role for the cultivar factor and its interactions, as also indicated by multivariate analysis. The morphological response of baby lettuce to the saline solutions was predominantly affected by the osmolarity, and ion-specific alleviating or detrimental effects were not observed. The phytochemical analysis revealed significant interactions among all tested factors, with ion-specific differences over some of the detected phenolics. This is consistent with the high sensitivity of this class of bioactive compounds to environmental factors. This work indicated that certain combinations of the experimental factors tested can be exploited to improve the biochemical profile and possibly the nutraceutical quality of baby lettuce in a floating system.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydroponics in Vegetable Production)
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Open AccessArticle
Silicon Foliar Spray and Substrate Drench Effects on Plant Growth, Morphology, and Resistance to Wilting with Container-Grown Edible Species
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090263 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate silicon (Si) foliar spray and substrate drench effects on plant growth and morphology for container-grown edible crops during greenhouse production, as well as resistance to plant wilting during post-production. In the first greenhouse experiment, basil
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The objective of this study was to evaluate silicon (Si) foliar spray and substrate drench effects on plant growth and morphology for container-grown edible crops during greenhouse production, as well as resistance to plant wilting during post-production. In the first greenhouse experiment, basil received Si foliar sprays at 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg∙L–1 Si. In the second greenhouse experiment, Si was applied as either a foliar spray (500 mg∙L–1 Si) or substrate drench (100 mg∙L–1 Si) with six edible crop species. Supplemental Si increased shoot Si levels but had minimal effects on plant growth and morphology, except for parsley, which resulted in distorted growth and phytotoxicity. In the first experiment, 200 and 400 mg∙L–1 Si foliar sprays increased plant resistance to wilt by 2.2 and 2.5 d, respectively; however, this was not observed in the second experiment. All species accumulated Si with the control (no Si) treatments, indicating trace amounts of Si were taken up from the substrate, fertilizer, spray surfactant, and irrigation water. Only cucumber was classified as a Si “accumulator” with a high capacity for Si uptake. Results emphasize the need to conduct preliminary trials with supplemental Si to avoid issues of phytotoxicity.
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(This article belongs to the Section Floriculture, Nursery and Landscape, and Turf)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Charting the Future of E-Grocery: An Evaluation of the Use of Digital Imagery as a Sensory Analysis Tool for Fresh Fruits
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090262 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
While online grocery shopping has been rapidly expanding over the last several years, online sales of fresh produce have lagged far behind. One of the most significant contributing factors for this lag is the consumer’s inability to assess the quality of produce online.
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While online grocery shopping has been rapidly expanding over the last several years, online sales of fresh produce have lagged far behind. One of the most significant contributing factors for this lag is the consumer’s inability to assess the quality of produce online. We hypothesized that this could be alleviated by machine vision technology. This study examines perceived sensory attributes derived from digital images of fresh fruits and compares them with sensory attributes obtained from the actual fruit. Digital images of fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, grapes, and blueberries were acquired using a high-resolution digital camera. Consumer panelists evaluated the appearance, texture, flavor, overall eating quality, and also determined purchase decision. Panel sizes ranging from 32 to 40 members (a total of 147) also conducted in situ evaluations of the different fruits. The paired t-test indicated that the mean results between pairs of image scores and in situ evaluation scores were statistically insignificant. The scores obtained for texture and overall eating quality showed some variability, but the scores for quality appearance were remarkably consistent revealing no difference across the evaluations of the various commodities. The results demonstrated that digital images can be utilized to effectively relay the appearance attributes of fresh produce. This finding is relevant for the industry, as the appropriate construction of real time images can help to build consumers’ trust in the quality of e-deliveries, nudge consumers to purchase fruits and vegetables, and increase the overall e-commerce acceptance for fresh produce. A discussion of the limitations and opportunities for improving the effectiveness of digital sensory analysis of fresh produce is provided.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)
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Open AccessArticle
Screening of Suitable Plant Regeneration Protocols for Several Capsicum spp. through Direct Organogenesis
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, , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090261 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are recalcitrant to in vitro culture regeneration, making the application of in vitro-based breeding strategies difficult. We evaluated the impact of different combinations of auxins, cytokinins and micronutrients on the induction of direct organogenesis in cotyledon and hypocotyl explants
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Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are recalcitrant to in vitro culture regeneration, making the application of in vitro-based breeding strategies difficult. We evaluated the impact of different combinations of auxins, cytokinins and micronutrients on the induction of direct organogenesis in cotyledon and hypocotyl explants of C. annuum, C. baccatum and C. chinense. We found variation in the regeneration response among species and type of explant. In this way, the average numbers of shoots per cotyledon and hypocotyl explant were, respectively, 1.44 and 0.28 for C. annuum, 4.17 and 3.20 for C. baccatum and 0.08 and 0.00 for C. chinense. Out of the six media, the best overall results were obtained with the medium Pep1, which contained 5 mg/L BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), 0.5 mg/L IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and 0.47 mg/L CuSO4, followed by a subculture in the same medium supplemented with 10 mg/L AgNO3 (medium Pep1.2). The best result for the Pep1 + Pep1.2 medium was obtained for C. baccatum using cotyledon explants, with 8.87 shoots per explant. The explants grown in medium Pep1 + Pep1.2 were the ones with greener tissue, while overall the hypocotyl explants were greener than the cotyledon explants. Our results indicate that there is wide variation among Capsicum species in terms of regeneration. Our results suggest that the synergistic effect of copper and silver resulted in a higher regeneration rate of Capsicum explants. Explants with shoots were transferred to different media for elongation, rooting and acclimatization. Although acclimatized plantlets were obtained for C. baccatum and C. chinense, an improvement in these latter stages would be desirable for a high throughput regeneration pipeline. This work contributes to the improvement of Capsicum regeneration protocols using specific combinations of medium, explant and genotype, reaching the levels of efficiency required for genetic transformation and of gene editing technologies for other crops.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Tissue Culture to Horticulture)
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Open AccessArticle
Interactive Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation with Nano Boron, Zinc, and Molybdenum Fertilization on Stevioside Contents of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, L.) Plants
by
, , , , , , , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080260 - 22 Aug 2021
Abstract
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, L.) is receiving increasing global interest as a diabetes-focused herb associated with zero-calorie stevioside sweetener glycoside production. This study was conducted to determine whether the arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), as a biofertilizer integrated with nano boron (B), zinc (Zn),
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Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, L.) is receiving increasing global interest as a diabetes-focused herb associated with zero-calorie stevioside sweetener glycoside production. This study was conducted to determine whether the arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), as a biofertilizer integrated with nano boron (B), zinc (Zn), and molybdenum (Mo), would improve stevia growth and stevioside content. A factorial experiment with four replicates was conducted to evaluate the effect of AM at 0, 150, and 300 spore/g soil and three nano microelements B at 100 mg/L, Zn at 100 mg/L, and Mo at 40 mg/L on growth performance, stevioside, mineral contents, and biochemical contents of stevia. Results indicated that the combination of AM at 150 and B at 100 mg/L significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry-stem, and herbal g/plant during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Chlorophyll content was increased by the combination between AM at 150 spore/g soil and B at 100 mg/L during both seasons. Stevioside content in leaves was increased by AM at 150 spore/g soil and B at 100 mg/L during the second season. In addition, N, P, K, Zn, and B in the leaf were increased by applying the combination of AM and nano microelements. Leaf bio constituent contents were increased with AM at 150 spore/g soil and B at 100 mg/L during both seasons. The application of AM and nano B can be exploited for high growth, mineral, and stevioside contents as a low-calorie sweetener product in stevia.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nutrition and Fertilization of Horticultural Crops)
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Fruit Colour and Novel Mechanisms of Genetic Regulation of Pigment Production in Tomato Fruits
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080259 - 21 Aug 2021
Abstract
Fruit colour represents a genetic trait with ecological and nutritional value. Plants mainly use colour to attract animals and favour seed dispersion. Thus, in many species, fruit colour coevolved with frugivories and their preferences. Environmental factors, however, represented other adaptive forces and further
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Fruit colour represents a genetic trait with ecological and nutritional value. Plants mainly use colour to attract animals and favour seed dispersion. Thus, in many species, fruit colour coevolved with frugivories and their preferences. Environmental factors, however, represented other adaptive forces and further diversification was driven by domestication. All these factors cooperated in the evolution of tomato fruit, one of the most important in human nutrition. Tomato phylogenetic history showed two main steps in colour evolution: the change from green-chlorophyll to red-carotenoid pericarp, and the loss of the anthocyanic pigmentation. These events likely occurred with the onset of domestication. Then spontaneous mutations repeatedly occurred in carotenoid and phenylpropanoid pathways, leading to colour variants which often were propagated. Introgression breeding further enriched the panel of pigmentation patterns. In recent decades, the genetic determinants underneath tomato colours were identified. Novel evidence indicates that key regulatory and biosynthetic genes undergo mechanisms of gene expression regulation that are much more complex than what was imagined before: post-transcriptional mechanisms, with RNA splicing among the most common, indeed play crucial roles to fine-tune the expression of this trait in fruits and offer new substrate for the rise of genetic variables, thus providing further evolutionary flexibility to the character.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Modification of Flower and Fruit Color Variations in Horticultural Crops)
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High-Resolution UAV Imagery for Field Olive (Olea europaea L.) Phenotyping
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080258 - 21 Aug 2021
Abstract
Remote sensing techniques based on images acquired from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could represent an effective tool to speed up the data acquisition process in phenotyping trials and, consequently, to reduce the time and cost of the field work. In this study, we
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Remote sensing techniques based on images acquired from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could represent an effective tool to speed up the data acquisition process in phenotyping trials and, consequently, to reduce the time and cost of the field work. In this study, we assessed the ability of a UAV equipped with RGB-NIR cameras in highlighting differences in geometrical and spectral canopy characteristics between eight olive cultivars planted at different planting distances in a hedgerow olive orchard. The relationships between measured and estimated canopy height, projected canopy area and canopy volume were linear regardless of the different cultivars and planting distances (RMSE of 0.12 m, 0.44 m2 and 0.68 m3, respectively). A good relationship (R2 = 0.95) was found between the pruning mass material weighted on the ground and its volume estimated by aerial images. NDVI measured in February 2019 was related to fruit yield per tree measured in November 2018, whereas no relationships were observed with the fruit yield measured in November 2019 due to abiotic and biotic stresses that occurred before harvest. These results confirm the reliability of UAV imagery and structure from motion techniques in estimating the olive geometrical canopy characteristics and suggest further potential applications of UAVs in early discrimination of yield efficiency between different cultivars and in estimating the pruning material volume.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Management of Fruit Trees)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
The Application of Nitrogen Fertilization and Foliar Spraying with Calcium and Boron Affects Growth Aspects, Chemical Composition, Productivity and Fruit Quality of Strawberry Plants
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080257 - 21 Aug 2021
Abstract
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and plant components to enhance cardiac health and regulate blood sugar. This experiment investigates the effects of N fertilization and foliar spraying with calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on growth, chemical composition of plant foliage, fruit yield, and
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Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and plant components to enhance cardiac health and regulate blood sugar. This experiment investigates the effects of N fertilization and foliar spraying with calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on growth, chemical composition of plant foliage, fruit yield, and quality of strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Fortuna). This experiment includes 12 treatments from the combination between four N fertilizers treatments (combinations of mineral and organic fertilizers) and three foliar spraying treatments with Ca+B at 2 and 4 mL/L in addition to the control treatment (spraying with tap water). Results show that the treatment where 50% of the recommended dose of N (50% RDN) was applied with mineral fertilizer + 100% organic N was the most effective one since it induced the highest values of plant height, number of crowns per plant, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight per plant, especially when combined with the foliar application of Ca+B at the highest tested rate (4 mL/L). The highest values of N, P, K, Ca, B, and total carbohydrate contents were also scored for the combination of 50% RDN + 100% organic N and the foliar spraying with Ca+B at 4 mL/L in both growing seasons. In addition, the highest values of fruit yield per plant and per hectare, exportable fruit yield/ha, fruit firmness, fruit TSS, Vitamin C, total sugars, and anthocyanin, as well as the lowest values of total acidity were recorded for the combined treatment of 50% RDN + 100% organic and Ca+B at the highest rate (4 mL/L). The highest recorded value of length, diameter, and weight of fruit were scored by fertilizing strawberry plants with the recommended dose of mineral N (100% RDN) and spraying with Ca+B at the highest rate in both growing seasons. In conclusion, it could be suggested that fertilization of strawberry plants with half the recommended dose with mineral N fertilizer + 100% organic fertilizer and foliar spraying with Ca+B at 4 mL/L increases plant growth and improve yield parameters and fruit quality of the strawberry plants.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)
Open AccessArticle
Productivity Enhancement of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) through Optimized Use of Poultry Manure and Mineral Fertilizers under Greenhouse Cultivation
by
, , , , , , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080256 - 20 Aug 2021
Abstract
Cucumber, a widely cultivated vegetable, is mostly grown under greenhouse conditions. In recent years, the overuse of inorganic fertilizers for higher yield attainment adversely has affected human health and the environment. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of different
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Cucumber, a widely cultivated vegetable, is mostly grown under greenhouse conditions. In recent years, the overuse of inorganic fertilizers for higher yield attainment adversely has affected human health and the environment. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of different nutrient sources (poultry manure (PM) and mineral fertilizer (MF)) on productivity-enhancing parameters of cucumber via univariate and multivariate analyses. Amounts of PM and MF (NPK15:15:15) were added to coco-peat per cubic meter by weight/volume (w/v) ratios as follows: T1 (control), 60 kg PM; T2, 30 kg PM + 3 kg MF; T3, 30 kg PM + 5 kg MF, and T4, 30 kg PM + 7 kg MF. The univariate analysis performed on the collected data illustrated the significant enhancement in growth and productivity for the integrated use of PM and MF. Multivariate analyses (correlation, clustering, and Principal Component Analysis) validated the results of univariate analysis by differentiating treatments into two groups. The three treatments obtained a distinguished group from T1 (Control) and did not show significant differences among each other, with a maximum yield increase by T2 (74.6%). According to these results, T2 could improve cucumber productivity under greenhouse conditions. It can be taken as recommendations for better quality and yield enhancement in future improvement programs and cucumber-related farming communities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Greenhouse Management for Better Vegetable Quality, Higher Nutrient Use Efficiency and Healthier Soil)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Reliability of a Handheld Bluetooth Colourimeter and Its Application to Measuring the Effects of Time from Harvest, Row Orientation and Training System on Nectarine Skin Colour
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, , , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080255 - 19 Aug 2021
Abstract
This work aimed to (i) determine the reliability of a portable Bluetooth colourimeter for fruit colour measurements; (ii) characterise the changes in quantitative skin colour attributes in a nectarine cultivar in response to time from harvest; and (iii) determine the influence of row
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This work aimed to (i) determine the reliability of a portable Bluetooth colourimeter for fruit colour measurements; (ii) characterise the changes in quantitative skin colour attributes in a nectarine cultivar in response to time from harvest; and (iii) determine the influence of row orientation and training system on nectarine skin colour. The skin colour attributes measured with the colourimeter, namely L*, a* and b*, were calibrated and validated against a reference spectrophotometer. C* and h° were obtained from a* and b*. Skin colour was measured in situ from 42 days before to 6 days after harvest on ‘Majestic Pearl’ nectarines subjected to different row orientations and training systems. Validation models showed high reliability of colour estimations. The trends of colour attributes over time were characterised by cubic regression models, with h° proving to be the best parameter to describe changes of colour over time, with a clear link to the maturation process. No significant effects of row orientation and training system on skin colour were observed at harvest. Overall, the device proved reliable for fruit colour detection. Results of this study highlight the potential of h° as a quantitative index to monitor ripening prior to harvest in ‘Majestic Pearl’ nectarines.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Management of Fruit Trees)
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Open AccessArticle
Spatial Variability of Production and Quality in Table Grapes ‘Flame Seedless’ Growing on a Flat Terrain and Slope Site
by
, , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080254 - 19 Aug 2021
Abstract
(1) Background: Precision agriculture has been used mostly to study spatial variability in vineyards for winemaking. Nevertheless, there is little available information on the impacts of its use on table grape vineyards under different slope conditions. (2) Methods: The aim was to study
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(1) Background: Precision agriculture has been used mostly to study spatial variability in vineyards for winemaking. Nevertheless, there is little available information on the impacts of its use on table grape vineyards under different slope conditions. (2) Methods: The aim was to study the spatial variability of production and berry quality in ‘Flame Seedless’ vines established on a flat (3% slope) and sloping (23% slope) terrain in the Chilean hyper-arid northern region. (3) Results: The results showed that in both vineyards, the measured variables presented a high spatial variability according to their coefficient of variation, being higher in slope than in the flat vineyard. The geostatistical analysis showed that 82% of the measured variables presented a strong spatial dependence in the slope vineyard, whereas 45% and 55% of the variables measured in the flat vineyard presented strong and moderate spatial dependence, respectively. Elevation was related to berry quality parameters in both vineyards, while trunk vine circumference was related to berry quality for the slope vineyard and to yield for the flat vineyard. (4) Conclusions: There is an important spatial variability in table grape vineyards mostly those cultivated on slope sites. Therefore, precision agriculture tools can be useful for zoning table grape vineyards, and thus improving both economic returns of viticulturists and sustainability.
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(This article belongs to the Section Viticulture)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Preharvest Application of CPPU and Perforated Packaging on the Postharvest Quality of Red-Fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) Fruit
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080253 - 18 Aug 2021
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the preharvest application of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and perforated polyethylene bag packaging (PPE) on maintaining the postharvest quality of red-fleshed cv. ‘Da-Hong’ pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) fruit. On the flowering day, 100
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The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the preharvest application of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and perforated polyethylene bag packaging (PPE) on maintaining the postharvest quality of red-fleshed cv. ‘Da-Hong’ pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) fruit. On the flowering day, 100 mg·L−1 CPPU was sprayed on the bracts and water was used as the control. After harvest, all fruits were divided into three package treatments, which were packed without bags, packed with and without PPE bags, and stored at 5 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 21 days, followed by 7 days at 20 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity without bags for quality evaluation. Significantly higher bract thickness (2.26 vs. 1.44 mm), longer fruit length (120.5 vs. 109.04 mm), and greater firmness (1.56 vs. 1.04 kg·cm−2) were recorded for the CPPU treated fruit at harvest. Preharvest application of CPPU with perforated packaging resulted in significantly greener bracts, a lower yellow index, fewer chilling incidences, and a lower decay ratio, but there was a slight decrease in respiration rate during cold storage at 5 °C for 21 days. However, all criteria reached the threshold when fruits were transferred to 20 °C for 7 days. In conclusion, preharvest CPPU application plus perforated packaging is the best combination for the long-term storage of red-fleshed pitaya fruit at 5 °C.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)
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An Overview of the Practices and Management Methods for Enhancing Seed Production in Conifer Plantations for Commercial Use
by
, , , , , , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080252 - 18 Aug 2021
Abstract
Flowering, the beginning of the reproductive growth, is a significant stage in the growth and development of plants. Conifers are economically and ecologically important, characterized by straight trunks and a good wood quality and, thus, conifer plantations are widely distributed around the world.
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Flowering, the beginning of the reproductive growth, is a significant stage in the growth and development of plants. Conifers are economically and ecologically important, characterized by straight trunks and a good wood quality and, thus, conifer plantations are widely distributed around the world. In addition, conifer species have a good tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and a stronger survival ability. Seeds of some conifer species, such as Pinus koraiensis, are rich in vitamins, amino acids, mineral elements and other nutrients, which are used for food and medicine. Although conifers are the largest (giant sequoia) and oldest living plants (bristlecone pine), their growth cycle is relatively long, and the seed yield is unstable. In the present work, we reviewed selected literature and provide a comprehensive overview on the most influential factors and on the methods and techniques that can be adopted in order to improve flowering and seed production in conifers species. The review revealed that flowering and seed yields in conifers are affected by a variety of factors, such as pollen, temperature, light, water availability, nutrients, etc., and a number of management techniques, including topping off, pruning, fertilization, hormone treatment, supplementary pollination, etc. has been developed for improving cone yields. Furthermore, several flowering-related genes (FT, Flowering locus T and MADS-box, MCMI, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENCES and SRF) that play a crucial role in flowering in coniferous trees were identified. The results of this study can be useful for forest managers and for enhancing seed yields in conifer plantations for commercial use.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
For a Better Understanding of the Effect of N Form on Growth and Chemical Composition of C3 Vascular Plants under Elevated CO2—A Case Study with the Leafy Vegetable Eruca sativa
by
and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080251 - 17 Aug 2021
Abstract
Plant responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) are well studied, but the interactions of the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the process are still not fully revealed. This is especially true for the role of nitrogen forms and their assimilation
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Plant responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) are well studied, but the interactions of the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the process are still not fully revealed. This is especially true for the role of nitrogen forms and their assimilation by plants under eCO2. This study investigated the interacting metabolic processes of atmospheric CO2 levels and N form in the short-term crop arugula. The effects on physiological processes and their consequences for crop growth, yield and nutritional value were elucidated. Two varieties of arugula were grown in climate cabinets under 400 or 800 ppm CO2, respectively. The plants were fertilized with either pure nitrate or ammonium-dominated-N. Photosynthetic CO2 assimilation increased in response to eCO2 regardless of the N form. This did not affect the assimilation of nitrate and consequently had no impact on the biomass of the plants. The extra photosynthates were not invested into the antioxidative compounds but were probably diverted towards the leaf structural compounds, thereby increasing dry mass and “diluting” several mineral elements. The fertilization of arugula with ammonium-dominated N had little benefits in terms of crop yield and nutritional quality. It is therefore not recommended to use ammonium-dominated N for arugula production under future elevated CO2 levels.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing the Product Quality of Vegetable Crops under Abiotic Stress)
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Open AccessArticle
Growth Response of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Its Physiological Properties and Soil Enzyme Activities after Biochar Application under Greenhouse Conditions
by
, , , , , and
Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080250 - 17 Aug 2021
Cited by 1
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar (1%, 2%, and 3%) on seed germination, plant growth, root morphological characteristics, and physiological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and soil enzymatic activities. Pot experiments under greenhouse conditions at 24 °C (day)
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This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar (1%, 2%, and 3%) on seed germination, plant growth, root morphological characteristics, and physiological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and soil enzymatic activities. Pot experiments under greenhouse conditions at 24 °C (day) and 16 °C (night) showed after six weeks that biochar additions of 2% and 3% significantly increased seed germination, plant height, leaf length, leaf number, as well as shoot and root dry weights compared to the control. Total root length significantly increased by 30%, 47%, and 74%, with increasing biochar contents (1%, 2%, and 3%) compared to the control. Root surface area, projected area, root diameter, and root volume reached a maximum at the 3% biochar treatment. The treatment with 2% biochar significantly increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolase and phenoloxidase activities by 33% and 59% compared to the control; so did the addition of 3% biochar, which significantly increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolases, phenoloxidase, and acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity in soil compared to the control. Treatment with 3% biochar increased relative water content by 8%, chlorophyll content by 35%, and carotenoid content by 43% compared to the control. These results suggest that biochar can improve the performance of the rhizome of ginger and increase the activity of soil enzymes, thereby improving soil nutrient supply.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Science, Water and Nitrates Management in Horticultural Production)
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