Insight into a Successful Development of Biocontrol Agents: Production, Formulation, Packaging, and Shelf Life as Key Aspects
Six First Reports of Pin Nematodes from Portugal, with an Update of the Systematics, Genetic Diversity, and Phylogeny of the Genus Paratylenchus (Nematoda: Tylenchulidae)
Impact of Different Methods of Root-Zone Application of Bio-Char-Based Fertilizers on Young Cocoa Plants: Insights from a Pot-Trial

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 - Q2 (Horticulture)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 15.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2022).
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: 2.923 (2021) ; 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.582 (2021)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2311-7524

Latest Articles

Open AccessArticle

Crossbreeding Rootstocks Improve Nitrogen Efficiency of Grafted Watermelon by Inducing Leaf Physiological and Root Morphological Responses

Abdullah Ulas

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100879 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2022

Abstract

This is the first hydroponic study that evaluated the role of the heterotic plant characters of crossbreeding progenies and accessions which were used as rootstock for watermelon (scion) to improve the nitrogen (N) efficiency of this crop by grafting. The target of the research was to evaluate if grafting could enhance the nitrogen efficiency of watermelon through examining the responses of heterotic plant characters of crossbreeding rootstocks in the shoot development at the agronomical stage, root developments at the morphological stage, and leaf growth at various physiological stages. A hydroponic experiment was conducted by using an aerated deep-water culture (DWC) system in a well-equipped growth chamber of Erciyes University’s Plant Physiology Laboratory located at Kayseri, Türkiye. A watermelon cultivar Crimson Tide (CT) was grafted onto watermelon cultivars of Calhoun Gray (CG), Charleston Gray (Cha. G), and accessions of PI 296341 and PI 271769, the crossbreed progenies of Calhoun Gray × PI 296341, Calhoun Gray × PI 271769, and Charleston Gray × PI 296341. Plants were grown in 8 L plastic containers filled continuously with aired stock nutrient solution under two nitrogen (N) doses (low dose N: 0.3 mM unit N, and high dose N: 3.0 mM unit N) in a completely randomized block design (RBD) which was replicated three times, for six weeks. The grafted plants usually showed a higher crop growth performance than the self-grafted control plants, illustrating that nitrogen efficiency was significantly enhanced with respect to rootstocks of crossbreed progenies under a low N dose and high N dose. The N efficiency of grafted watermelon (CT) was improved by the high manifestation of heterosis in some root morphological characters (vigor root development and active root mechanism) of some of the crossbreeding rootstocks (Calhoun Gray × PI 271769) particularly in low-N conditions. Additionally, some of the crossbreeding rootstocks (Charleston Gray × PI 296341) exhibited high heterosis, which led to improving the N efficiency of grafted watermelon (CT) by inducing leaf physiological responses under high N supply. This clearly indicated that heterosis plays a crucial role in exploiting the genetic diversity in the N efficiency of watermelon. Therefore, these heterotic plant traits may be vital for the selection and breeding of nitrogen-efficient rootstocks for both small-scale and large-scale commercial farming in the nearby future. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the PpYUCCA Gene Family in Weeping Peach Trees (Prunus persica ‘Pendula’)

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100878 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2022

Abstract

Auxin is an important endogenous plant hormone that is usually present as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The flavin monooxygenase YUCCA is the rate-limiting enzyme of IAA biosynthesis and plays an important regulatory role in plant growth and development. To further investigate the function of the YUCCA gene family in weeping peach trees, members of the YUCCA gene family were identified via bioinformatics analysis. The gene structure and conserved domains of the weeping peach YUCCA genes were investigated, and phylogenetic analysis and gene annotation were carried out. Fourteen PpYUCCAs were identified in the weeping peach variety ‘Hongchuizhi’ and were found to be randomly located on five different chromosomes. Moreover, the prediction of subcellular localization showed that most of the YUCCA proteins were localized in the cytoplasm. Based on our transcriptome analysis, only nine PpYUCCAs, including PpYUCCA1, PpYUCCA3/4/5/6, PpYUCCA9, and PpYUCCA12/13/14, were expressed in the weeping peach branches, which could result in the accumulation of auxin. PpYUCCA6/12 may play a critical role in the appearance of the weeping trait, as indicated by the higher expression levels found in the Hongchuizhi variety compared with the Xiahui 6 variety. The results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the biological functions of PpYUCCAs in weeping peach trees. Full article

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

Open AccessArticle

Trichomes’ Micromorphology and Their Evolution in Selected Species of Causonis (Vitaceae)

Gaurav Parmar

and

Wajid Zaman

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100877 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2022

Abstract

The Vitaceae genus Causonis is found in tropical to temperate climates from Asia to Australia, including the Pacific Islands. Rafinesque established the genus in 1930; however, Süssenguth classified it under Cayratia as a sect. Discypharia in 1953. The genus was resurrected in 2013 using morphological and genetic evidence. We herein provided insight into the diversity of trichomes’ micromorphology of selected species of this recently reinstated genus for taxonomical implication. Simple trichomes, representing non-glandular and unbranched trichomes, are only found in Causonis. Trichomes vary from straight, curved, hooked, appressed, pilose, to villous in different parts like branchlets, abaxial leaf surface, and adaxial leaf surface in different species. They also vary in the same plant from the young stage to the mature stage. Most species are pubescent when young, but a few species become nearly glabrous when they are mature. Significant variations can be observed in trichomes’ length between the species. Principal component analysis (PCA), based on the micromorphological traits, was carried out for the species delimitation. In Mesquite, ancestral character state reconstruction was used to examine evolutionary trends for trichomes on three different surfaces. The glabrous to sparsely pubescent state found on the branchlets and both leaf surfaces were found to be the ancestral state and, on the branchlets and both leaf surfaces, the villous hairs state was the derived state in the genus. The identification of Causonis species is greatly aided by trichomes morphology. Therefore, similar studies should be conducted on other Vitaceae genera to reveal the variety of trichomes found in the family. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Palynology and Phytochemicals of Medicinal Plants)

Open AccessArticle

The Genes Associated with Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid Are Induced in Tropical Chili Pepper against Ralstonia solanacearum by Applying Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Ignatius Putra Andika

and

Taryono

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100876 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2022

Abstract

Controlling soil-borne pathogens is a significant problem in agriculture. Arbuscular mycorrhizae have a potential role in controlling soil-borne pathogens by increasing plant phytohormone contents. However, the mechanism of resistance by mycorrhizae has not been fully elucidated, particularly against bacterial wilt disease in Solanaceae. This study examined the role of mycorrhizae in expressing genes involved in the signaling pathways mediated by jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) in tropical chili pepper against the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Seedlings from ten genotypes of chili pepper were inoculated with a consortium of five mycorrhizal species and/or inoculated with a mixture of nine isolates of R. solanacearum. The leaves of 10-week-old plants after the treatment were sampled for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that the mycorrhizae strengthened the immune system of tropical chili pepper by increasing the relative gene expression levels of JA and SA in genotypes with high and low responsiveness to the mycorrhizae. The relative gene expression level of JA was related to the percentage colonization of mycorrhizae and the resistance of the tropical chili pepper genotypes to R. solanacearum. The relative gene expression level of SA was associated with the resistance of tropical chili pepper to R. solanacearum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gene Expressions in Response to Diseases, Abiotic Stresses and Pest Damage of Horticultural Products)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Aroma Profiling Analysis of Peach Flowers Based on Electronic Nose Detection

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100875 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2022

Abstract

Aroma profiling peach flowers can improve the landscape and ecological value of the surrounding environment. In order to preliminarily explore and screen the flower aromas of peach germplasms, the floral aroma profiles of 50 peach germplasms were analyzed by electronic nose detection. The clustering results from ten sensors showed that it was possible to identify each peach blossom aroma type. ‘Gansutao2’ was separately classified as cluster I; ‘Yuntaishanshantao’, ‘Dazhuanggansutao’, and ‘Zhouxingshantao’ as cluster II; ‘Xinjiangpantao’ and ‘Xinjianghuangrou’ as cluster III; and the remaining germplasms as cluster IV. The flower aromas of clusters I, II, and III were different from that of cluster IV and were mainly highlighted by the significant differences in the response values of the three main sensors, which were W1S (methane), W1W (hydrogen sulfide), and W5S (nitrogen oxides). The principal component analysis and significance analysis of the sensor response values showed that ‘Hua3’, ‘Hongfenjiaren’, and ‘Yuntaishanshantao’ had special flower aromas. The response values of these three varieties produced by the W1S, W1W, and W5S sensors and two aromatic sensors, W2W (aromatic components and organic sulfides) and W3S (methane-aliph), were significantly different from most of the other germplasms. The ‘Yuntaishanshantao’ response values produced by the five sensors’ were low, which showed that it had a light aroma, while the ‘Hongfenjiaren’ and ‘Hua3’ values were high, which showed that they had strong aromas. The results from this study provided basic data that could be used to screen peach germplasms with obvious floral aromas, cultivate new varieties with strong aromas, and aid the development and utilization of peach floral aroma substances. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Characterization of Brassica napus HIR Gene Family Reveals a Positive Role of BnHIR2.7 in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Resistance

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100874 - 23 Sep 2022

Abstract

Hypersensitive-induced response protein (HIR) is a class of plant immune proteins that play pivotal roles in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary resistance. However, there has been no systematic investigation and identification of HIR genes in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Hence, we identified 50 BnHIR genes and classified them into four groups. Subcellular localization prediction suggested that HIR proteins are mainly localized in the mitochondria. Cis-acting elements involved in light and diverse abiotic stress were found in the promoter regions of BnHIR. The majority of BnHIR genes in Groups 1/3/4 were expressed in most examined tissues, especially in leaves and siliques pericarp, while the BnHIR genes in Group 2 were not or had low expression in all detected tissues. In the case of S. sclerotiorum inoculation, HIR genes in Groups 1/3/4 were strongly induced, especially homologous genes in Group 1, which exhibited different expression patterns. Moreover, overexpression of BnHIR2.7 in Arabidopsis thaliana illustrated its prominent resistance to S. sclerotiorum. Our study provides insight into the evolutionary relationships of the HIR family genes in B. napus and lays the foundation for their resistance to S. sclerotiorum in B. napus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Brassica Crops Genomics and Breeding, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Apple and Pear Model for Optimal Production and Fruit Grade in a Changing Environment

and

J. Paulo De Melo-Abreu

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100873 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Apple and pear crops are very important to the rural economy of Portugal. Despite significant improvements in productivity and quality, due to the introduction of new management techniques, model-based decision support may further increase the revenue of the growers. Available simulation models of orchard growth and production are scarce and are often highly empirical. This study presents a mechanistic model for the simulation of productivity and fruit grade of apple and pear orchards under potential and water-limited conditions. The effects of temperature extremes and rain on fruit set are addressed. The model was validated on apple and pear datasets derived from extensive experiments conducted in Central and Southern Portugal. Model performance is high and depicts the effect of crop load on productivity and fruit-size grade and the distribution of both crops. A simulation example shows the relationship between productivity and average fruit size for a hypothetical six-year-olc apple orchard. The model herewith presented is a tool that can be used to estimate optimal crop load for maximum revenue and productivity, fruit size distribution, water use, and other variables relevant for pome fruit production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)

Open AccessArticle

Firmness and Cell Wall Changes during Maturation of ‘Arbequina’ Olive Fruit: The Impact of Irrigation

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100872 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has been cultivated around the Mediterranean basin since ancient times, ‘Arbequina’ being one of the most widely grown varieties. To improve the knowledge on ripening-related firmness changes in olive fruit, cell wall metabolism was studied in irrigated and rain-fed ‘Arbequina’ olives grown at ‘Les Garrigues’, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Catalonia (NE Spain) where harsh environmental conditions occur during fruit development. Fruit samples were picked periodically from September to January. Time-course dynamics of firmness loss during maturation were characterised by a first phase of rapid firmness loss followed by a second phase of moderate change. Compositional changes in cell walls and related enzyme activities were studied in fruit samples. Fruit firmness was significantly higher in rain-fed than in irrigated olives. Neutral sugar loss, an early event in ripening-related cell wall modifications, was lower in rain-fed samples, which, moreover, retained higher uronic acid amounts in the chelator-soluble fraction, thus resulting in attenuated firmness loss in these fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Multivariate Discrimination of Some Grapevine Cultivars under Drought Stress in Iran

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100871 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Grapevine is one of the most important economic crops in horticulture, and drought stress is one of the most significant threatening factors in the world. Therefore, the identification and investigation of cultivars under drought stress are the basic steps and important goals in grapevine-breeding programs. In the present study, the 17 parameters of 14 grapevine cultivars under drought stress were first scaled. Based on the initial information, we divided the 14 grape cultivars according to their resistance to drought stress into four groups: tolerant, semi-tolerant, semi-sensitive, and sensitive. Then, the utilization of multivariate techniques comprising principal component analysis (PCA), along with quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), were utilized to choose the most substantial and accountable traits for the four groups’ discrimination. For the QDA, the 17 parameters were arranged into four sets. The discrimination for all parameters showed 96% correct classification. The first set includes shoot length (Shoot L), shoot number (Shoot N), leaf area (Leaf A), relative water content (RWC), and chlorophyll a (Chl a) parameters that showed 71.5% correct classification. The second set includes chlorophyll b (Chl b), chlorophyll total, peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (Sod) parameters that had 75% correct classification. Electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) parameters were in the third set and had 87% correct discrimination. The best discrimination was obtained by the combination of the first and third set, including the Shoot L, Shoot N, Leaf A, RWC, Chl a, EL, MDA, proline, CAT, and APX with 100% correct discrimination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity of Fresh-Consumed Vegetables)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Selected Biological and Chemical Treatments against Soil-Borne Diseases of Ginger in High Tunnel Production

Zelalem Mersha

and

Michael A. Ibarra-Bautista

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100870 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

With its multifaceted health benefits, ginger is one of the commonly consumed dietary condiments with continued demand worldwide leading to more importation into countries such as the U.S. The rhizome of ginger, the seed-piece but also the edible portion, is highly vulnerable to pathogen infections causing seed-piece and soil-borne diseases (SSDs). Laboratory and high tunnel (HT) studies were conducted between 2018 and 2020 to evaluate the effect of soil and transplant drenches of selected biocontrol agents (BCAs) and chemicals. In vitro dual-culture tests revealed that the Trichoderma harzianum strain T-22 (Th-22) grew significantly faster than Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi (Foz), the fungus causing yellows and rhizome rot in ginger. Th-22 grew more than three times faster than Foz within 3 days and engulfed the pathogen within 7 days when incubated at 30 °C. The bioproducts (RootShield^® Plus, LifeGard^®), an insecticide/nematicide (Vydate^®) and disinfectant (10% Clorox) tested against Foz and any pre-existing pathogens in a HT significantly reduced severity of yellowing and rhizome rot when compared with the non-treated control. Yield was significantly higher for RootShield^® Plus compared to the control in one of the trials. Spatially, declining ginger growth but an increased incidence of SSDs were observed as one walked from the door towards the back of the HT. Phospho-lipid fatty acid analysis showed better microbial activity on soils that received drenches of BCAs than on soils sampled pre-treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Mass Trapping Devices for the Control of the European Cherry Fruit Fly [Rhagoletis cerasi (L.)]

Manuel González-Núñez

Guillermo Cobos

and

Ismael Sánchez-Ramos

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100869 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) is the most damaging pest of cherries in Europe and Western Asia and it has been recently introduced in North America. Females sting the ripening cherries and tolerance of damaged fruit is very low (<2%). The management of this pest is mainly based on insecticide applications near harvest. Only a few insecticides are authorized for this use in Europe, and repeated use of them likely entails environmental risks, resistance to insecticides and residues in the fruit. Therefore, alternative tools are needed. Trap-attractant combinations were compared on searching an efficient and economical device for a viable mass trapping method against R. cerasi on a large-scale use. A folded yellow sticky trap with a homemade ammonium acetate dispenser was the most efficient and also the cheapest one. The efficacy of mass trapping using this device was evaluated in farm-scale trials. With low pest pressure, mass trapping was sufficient to obtain commercially acceptable fruit. With high pest pressure, mass trapping reduced the number of insecticide (spinosad) applications while keeping damage below the economic threshold. Therefore, mass trapping can be a useful tool for managing R. cerasi and reducing insecticide application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Chemical Strategies for IPM in Horticulture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Sugar Metabolism and Photosynthesis of Tomatoes Irrigated with Water Treated with Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Resonance Fields in Different Fertigation Doses

Bianca Bueno Nogueira

Eduardo Festozo Vicente

Prínscilla Pâmela Nunes Chaves

Willian Aparecido Leotti Zanetti

Elizabeth Orika Ono

Gustavo Ferreira da Silva

André Rodrigues dos Reis

and

Fernando Ferrari Putti

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100868 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Management of irrigation and fertilization in greenhouses, if not done correctly, can cause soil salinization. The use of water treated with very low-frequency electromagnetic resonance fields (WVLF) can reduce salinization effects on the photosynthetic and biometric systems. Thus, the purpose of the research to evaluate the metabolism of photosynthesis and the impact of WVLF on the cultivation of tomato crops subjected to different levels of fertigation. For this, the gas exchange parameters were evaluated, as well as chlorophyll a fluorescence, sugar contents, sucrose, chlorophylls, and phaeophytins and fruit production. The gas exchange parameters had greater activity when subjected to irrigation with electromagnetic water, consequently the production of sugar and sucrose increased. Photosynthetic System II showed less salinity effect, being favored by very low-frequency electromagnetic resonance fields. The production increased by 20% for the dose of 2.5 d·Sm⁻¹ of WVLF reducing the effects caused by higher doses. Hence, the induction of water by electromagnetic fields can provide less damage to the photosynthetic system and to the cultivation of the tomato crop when subjected to saline stress and, consequently, favor the production of fruits by this crop under such conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced of Horticulture Innovative Irrigation Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

The Nutritional, Medicinal, and Drought-Resistance Properties of Ziziphus Mill. Make It an Important Candidate for Alleviating Food Insecurity in arid Regions—A Case of Pakistan

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100867 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

In this article, we elaborate on why the cultivation of the Ziziphus is important in the arid regions of Pakistan and how it can alleviate the poverty and food insecurity in these areas. The recent impact of climate change has resulted in the spread of hot and dry regions. The cultivation of Ziziphus species could be a solution to food insecurity and income for the residents of arid and semi-arid regions in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species are offering extremely nutrient-dense foods. Six species of Ziziphus are found in Pakistan, but production statistics are not available for all species. The most economically important species are Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, followed by Z. nummularia, based on the consumption of their fruits. A framework of policy and practical proposals required for the cultivation of these species in Pakistan has been provided. Ziziphus, an economically important genus of fruit-bearing plant species, is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Therefore, the species of this genus could be efficiently and successfully cultivated in marginal ecosystems for alleviating food insecurity and poverty reduction in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species like Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana have promise as a cash and food crop, especially in water-deficient areas of Pakistan, and their production and conservation must be encouraged by state policy. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Preparation of Methyl Salicylate Hydrogel and Its Inhibition Effect on Potato Tuber Sprouting

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100866 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Potato tuber sprout results in nutrient loss and solanine production. Essential oils have been mentioned to reduce sprouting; however, they can easily evaporate and decompose, thus restricting their application. In this paper, the inhibition effect of methyl salicylate (MeSA) as the main component of wintergreen essential oil on tuber sprouting was evaluated, and MeSA hydrogel was prepared by using the ionic gel method to improve the sprout inhibition efficiency. Based on SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC images, MeSA was encapsulated successfully in calcium alginate hydrogel, and the thermal stability of hydrogel was improved. MeSA direct fumigation released sharply on the first day, while MeSA in hydrogel released slowly and steadily; the release of MeSA content was 0.0085 mg mL⁻¹ on the 7th day. The optimized formulations of MeSA hydrogel were as follows: 1.9% of sodium alginate, 2.2% of CaCl₂, 1.9:1 of core–wall ratio, and 0.15% of Tween-80. The inhibition effect of MeSA hydrogel was better than that of pure MeSA at 18 days, the sprouting rates of the MeSA and MeSA hydrogel were 42.50% and 13.33%, and the corresponding sprouting indexes were 8.57% and 2.86%, respectively. MeSA was found to inhibit potato tuber sprouting for the first time in this paper; MeSA hydrogel can enhance the inhibitory effect of MeSA on potato sprouting. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis of the Development of Pedicel Abscission Zone in Tomato

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100865 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Plant organ abscission is a common phenomenon that occurs at a specific position called the abscission zone (AZ). The differentiation and development of the pedicel AZ play important roles in flower and fruit abscission, which are of great significance for abscission in tomatoes before harvest. Previous studies have reported some genes involved in AZ differentiation; however, the genes regulating pedicel AZ cell development in tomatoes after AZ differentiation remain poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome analyses of tomato pedicel AZ samples were performed at 0, 5, 15, and 30 days post-anthesis (DPA). Pedicel AZ growth was mainly observed before 15 DPA. A principal component analysis and a correlation analysis were carried out in order to compare the repeatability and reliability for different samples. We observed 38 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated genes that were significantly altered during 0 to 5 DPA, 5 to 15 DPA, and 0 to 15 DPA, which may play key roles in AZ cell enlargement. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the selected DEGs under all three different comparisons were conducted. Auxin-signaling-related genes were analyzed, as well as AUX/IAA, GH3, and small auxin up-regulated RNA (SAUR) gene expression patterns. The presented results provide information on pedicel AZ development, which might help in regulating flower or fruit pedicel abscission in tomato production facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics Technologies and Their Applications in Vegetable Plant Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Method of Microspore Isolation on the Efficiency of Isolated Microspore Culture In Vitro for Brassicaceae Family

Elena V. Kozar

Elena G. Kozar

and

Elena A. Domblides

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100864 - 22 Sep 2022

Abstract

Isolated microspore culture in vitro (IMC) is an advanced technique for producing doubled haploids. We developed a modified microspore isolation method for the Brassicaceae family, which exceeds the results obtained by a standard microspore isolation method. We found that the new method allows an increase in the percentage of microspores at the embryogenic stage of development in the culture. In the spring rapeseed ‘Ratnik’ culture the percentage of microspores increases from 66.7% to 73%, and in the European radish ‘RBK’ from 34% to 61.9%. Moreover, the new method of microspore isolation made it possible to expand the range of linear bud sizes (from 3.5–4.0 to 3.0–4.5 mm for spring rapeseed ‘Ratnik’) suitable for IMC technology. In addition, the new method of microspore isolation reduced the debris in the preparation of spring rapeseed ‘Ratnik’ and European radish ‘RBK’ by 2.4 and 15 times, respectively. The best results were shown on Sareptian mustard No. 72, where the yield of embryoids increased by 7.5 times. Remarkably, the new method of microspore isolation allowed us to obtain the first embryoids of red cabbage No. 428, whereas no embryoids were obtained using the standard method of microspore isolation. In summary, the new method of microspore isolation allows an increase in the efficiency of IMC technology for Brassicaceae family crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability for Improving Yield, Sweetness, Carotenoid and Antioxidant Qualities in Pumpkin Hybrids (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poir.)

Mst. Farhana Nazneen Chowdhury

and

Mohammad Ferdous Ikbal

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100863 - 21 Sep 2022

Abstract

A full diallel mating design was used to hybridize seven pumpkin inbred parental lines, yielding 42 F₁ hybrids, including reciprocals. The generated F₁ hybrids, parental lines and commercial check hybrid were evaluated in two environments to investigate the per se performances, combining ability effects and magnitude of heterosis over mid-parent, better-parent and commercial check hybrids for yield and attributed sweetness, total carotenoid and antioxidant traits, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance for most of the examined traits revealed highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) for GCA, SCA, reciprocal, maternal and non-maternal variances and their interaction with the environment. Since the inheritance of yield and its contributing fruit quality, and antioxidant traits is governed by non-additive gene action, it suggests heterosis breeding would be useful in obtaining further improvements in pumpkin. From the experiment, it was found that the paternal lines P1 (Gold Butter 315) for dry matter content and DPPH (%), P4 for total carotenoid content, P6 for fruit number per plant and P7 (Australia-1) for single fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, yield per plant and total soluble solid were shown to be good general combiners. In respect to per se performance, combining ability effects and magnitude of heterosis over mid-parent, better-parent and commercial check, the cross P2 (928 Fuxiang) × P1 (Gold Butter 315) and P4 (Asian pumpkin) × P5 (Sarawak) for single fruit weight and yield per plant, the cross P5 (Sarawak) × P2 (928 Fuxiang) for fruits number per plant, P1 (Gold Butter 315) × P7 (Australia-1) and P1 (Gold Butter 315) × P6 (Sarawak) for total soluble solid and dry matter content, P7 (Australia-1) × P2 (928 Fuxiang) for total carotenoid content and P3 (Ser Bajadi) × P1 (Gold Butter 315) for DPPH (antioxidant) were identified to be highly significant positive specific combiners and the highest performers, and these crosses may be exploited as commercial hybrids. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Rootstocks and Storage Temperatures on Postharvest Quality of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L. cv. Madonna)

Noémi Kappel

and

Maryam Mozafarian

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100862 - 21 Sep 2022

Abstract

In addition to mitigating biotic and abiotic stress, grafting may influence the fruit quality and postharvest quality of eggplants. Few studies have been published on the influence of grafting on the postharvest performance of eggplant fruit. The current work examined the postharvest behavior of grafted and non-grafted eggplant cv. Madonna at 0 and 10 °C storage. Rootstocks include Solanum grandiflorum × Solanum melongena (SH), Solanum torvum (ST), Solanum melongena × Solanum integrifolium (SI), Solanum integrifolium (A), and Solanum lycopersicum cv. Optifort (O) and Emperador (E). The values for soluble solids, L*, and b* of pulp declined throughout storage. The pH of the fruit pulp decreased during storage at 10 °C. The lowest firmness was observed in fruit grafted onto E and O. The oxidation potential (OP) value decreased for fruit harvested from the O rootstock. At 0 °C, the oxidation potential (OP) value increased in fruit harvested from the A rootstock. Fruit firmness reduction at the end of storage in fruit grafted onto SH was less than in the other rootstocks and control plants. Overall, we found that the storage temperature had a more significant effect than the applied rootstock on the studied parameters of the eggplant fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Rootstock - Scion Interactions in Horticultural Crops)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Effects and Benefits of Orchid Mycorrhizal Symbionts on Dendrobium officinale

and

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100861 - 21 Sep 2022

Abstract

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, a highly valued Chinese herbal medicine, is on the verge of extinction in the wild, and is not cultivated efficiently. In this study, we explored the possibility that orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) might improve the growth and cultivation of D. officinale. Serendipita sp., Tulasnella calospora and Tulasnella asymmetrica isolated from three different orchids were co-cultured with sterile seedlings of D. officinale. The seedlings were found to stably coexist with fungi after 60 days of co-culture. The co-culture of T. calospora with plants upregulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, stimulated the production of osmoregulatory substances and reduced electrical conductivity. Plants with T. calospora had longer roots (141.2%), thicker leaves (58.3%), increased root number (71.4%) and leaf number (11.1%), and increased weight (155.2%) and photosynthetic pigment content (99.6%), relative to controls. The content of total medicinal polysaccharides increased by 42.69 % due to the addition of T. calospora. T. asymmetrica was less effective, followed by Serendipita sp. When T. calospora established a symbiotic relationship with D. officinale, resistance indicators increased. The content of functional components was significantly increased. This study contributes to the protection and commercial reproduction of endangered orchid plants with mycorrhizal technology. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Postharvest Exogenous Melatonin Treatment of Table Grape Berry Enhances Quality and Maintains Bioactive Compounds during Refrigerated Storage

Doaa Bahaa Eldin Darwish

Samy F. Mahmoud

Nadi Awad Al-Harbi

Salem Mesfir Al-Qahtani

Fahad M. Alzuaibr

and

Hany G. Abd El-Gawad

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100860 - 21 Sep 2022

Abstract

Table grape berries are classified as a perishable crop that deteriorates quickly after harvest. The application of melatonin after harvest was found to be effective for retarding senescence and slowing ripening. In the current study, we tested the influence of two melatonin concentrations (50 and 100 µmol) as a postharvest application on quality, bioactive compounds, and enzyme activities of grape berries cv “Crimson” stored at 0 ± 1 °C and 90% relative humidity (RH) for 35 days. Our results indicated that melatonin application extends the shelf-life of berries by reducing weight loss and maintaining total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), berry adherence strength, and firmness. Melatonin treatment also reduced pectin methyl esterase (PME) and polygalactouranase (PG) enzyme activities compared to the control. Moreover, O₂^•− and H₂O₂ rates in berries were reduced by high melatonin concentration. Moreover, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities were increased by melatonin application. Our findings suggested using melatonin postharvest to increase shelf life and maintain quality attributes during refrigerated storage, which could be advantageous on a large scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Storage and Quality Management of Horticultural Products)

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

More Open Access Books...

E-Mail Alert

News

17 August 2022
Meet Us at the XVI Meeting of Plant Molecular Biology (RBMP), 14–16 September 2022, Sevilla, Spain

10 August 2022
Meet Us at the 6th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB2022), 22–26 August 2022, Prague, Czech Republic

25 July 2022
Meet Us at the International Horticultural Congress (IHC2022), 14–20 August 2022, Online or On-Site in Angers, France

More News & Announcements...

Topics

Edit a Topic

Topic in Horticulturae, Agriculture, Agronomy, Crops, Plants

Plant Nutrition Biofortification Topic Editors: Andrea Ertani, Michela Schiavon
Deadline: 25 September 2022

Topic in Sustainability, Horticulturae, Agronomy, Agriculture, Foods

New Trends in Agri-Food Sector: Environmental, Economic and Social Perspectives Topic Editors: Riccardo Testa, Giuseppina Migliore, Giorgio Schifani, József Tóth
Deadline: 31 October 2022

Topic in Horticulturae, Plants, Agronomy, Agriculture, Sustainability

Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture Topic Editors: Othmane Merah, Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash, Magdi T. Abdelhamid, Hailin Zhang, Bachar Zebib
Deadline: 31 December 2022

Topic in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crops, Horticulturae, Plants

Advanced Breeding Technology for Plants Topic Editors: Jeong-Dong Lee, Ivan Kreft, Hyun Jo
Deadline: 28 February 2023