Editor’s Choice Articles

Hedgerow cultivation systems have revolutionized olive growing in recent years because of the mechanization of harvesting. Initially applied under irrigated conditions, its use has now extended to rainfed cultivation. However, there is limited information on the behavior of olive cultivars in hedgerow growing systems under rainfed conditions, which is a crucial issue in the context of climate change. To fill this knowledge gap, a rainfed cultivar trial was planted in 2020 in Southern Spain to compare ‘Arbequina’, ‘Arbosana’, ‘Koroneiki’, and ‘Sikitita’, under such growing conditions. One of the most important traits in low-water environments is the canopy growth. Because traditional canopy measurements are costly in terms of time and effort, the use of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor onboard an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) was tested. Statistical analyses of data collected in November 2022 and January 2023 revealed high correlations between UAV-LiDAR metrics and field measurements for height, projected area, and crown volume, based on validation with measurements from 36 trees. These results provide a solid basis for future research and practical applications in rainfed olive growing, while highlighting the potential of UAV-LiDAR technology to characterize tree canopy structure efficiently. Full article

In modern orchard systems, the tree canopy is designed to ensure homogeneity in fruit quality. However, even in those crops there are some variables that affect the fruit maturation process and fruit quality properties. The aim of this work was to determine if canopy layer (upper vs. lower), fruit shoot position (grouped vs. individual) and orientation (west vs. east) affect fruit quality attributes of ‘Sanguinelli’ blood oranges. Thus, different quality traits, such as weight, internal colour (IC), external colour (EC), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and maturity index (MI) were determined for this purpose. Results showed that fruit weight, internal colour, TA and MI were influenced by the number of fruits per shoot. In this sense, the highest values of weight, IC and MI were found in the grouped fruits, while the highest values in TA were in the individual fruits. Regarding the EC and TSS, they were strongly related to the canopy layer, since the highest values were found in fruit located at the upper parts of the canopy. On the contrary, the orientation did not have a significant effect on fruit quality properties. Therefore, consistent differences in quality traits of ‘Sanguinelli’ blood oranges fruits were observed depending on canopy layer and number of fruits per shoot. Full article

Increasing the planting density of mango orchards appears promising for obtaining higher yields, particularly during the first productive years. However, the challenge is to maintain a good balance between vegetative growth and fruit production in the longer term. The objective of this study was to decipher the effects of planting density, training system and cultivar on young mango trees’ growth and production. The experiment, conducted in North Queensland, consisted of five combinations of planting density and training system applied to the cultivars Keitt, Calypso and NMBP-1243. The planting densities were low (208 tree ha⁻¹), medium (416 tree ha⁻¹) and high (1250 tree ha⁻¹). The closed vase conventional training system was applied at each density. Single leader and espalier on trellis training systems were applied at medium and high densities, respectively. The tree canopy dimensions were measured every 6 months from planting, and tree production was recorded from the third to the fifth years after planting. Vegetative growth and fruit production were the results of complex interactions between planting density, training system, cultivar and/or time. The expected increase in orchard yield with higher planting density was observed from the first productive year, despite lower individual tree production at high planting density. Lower vegetative growth and fruit production at high planting density were probably caused by competition between trees. NMBP-1243 and Keitt showed more rapid vegetative growth. Keitt was the most productive cultivar during the first three productive years. The detailed results of this study provide avenues to further explore the behaviour of mango trees at high planting densities. Full article

Selecting uniform and healthy seedlings is important to ensure that a certain level of production can be reliably achieved in a plant factory. The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential of non-destructive image analysis for predicting the leaf area and shoot fresh weight of lettuce and to determine the feasibility of using a simple image analysis to select robust seedlings that can produce a uniform and dependable yield of lettuce in a plant factory. To vary the range of the leaf area and shoot fresh weight of lettuce seedlings, we applied two- and three-day irrigation intervals during the period of seedling production and calculated the projected canopy size (PCS) from the top-view images of the lettuce seedlings, although there were no significant growth differences between the irrigation regimes. A high correlation was identified between the PCS and shoot fresh weight for the lettuce seedlings during the period of seedling production, with a coefficient of determination exceeding 0.8. Therefore, the lettuce seedlings were classified into four grades (A–D) based on their PCS values calculated at transplanting. In the early stages of cultivation after transplanting, there were differences in the lettuce growth among the four grades; however, at the harvest (28 days after transplanting), there was no significant difference in the lettuce yield between grades A–C, with the exception of grade D. The lettuce seedlings in grades A–C exhibited the anticipated yield (150 g/plant) at the harvest time. In the correlation between the PCS and leaf area or the shoot fresh weight of lettuce during the cultivation period after transplanting and the entire cultivation period, the R² values were higher than 0.9, confirming that PCS can be used to predict lettuce growth with greater accuracy. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the PCS calculation from the top-view images, a straightforward image analysis technique, can be employed to non-destructively and accurately predict lettuce leaf area and shoot fresh weight, and the seedlings with the potential to yield above a certain level after transplanting can be objectively and accurately selected based on PCS. Full article

Textural softening is a major factor that limits the storage potential of fruit. Fresh produce markets incur severe financial losses due to excessive fruit softening. The application of preservation strategies aimed at mitigating fruit softening is crucial for optimising the marketability of fruit. Proposed preservation strategies include ecofriendly treatments, namely, hexanal, edible coatings, heat treatments, ozone and UV-C irradiation. These treatments optimise firmness retention by targeting the factors that affect fruit softening, such as ethylene, respiration rates, enzymes and pathogens. This review discusses the mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments inhibit fruit softening, providing insights into their effect on ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall metabolism and disease resistance. Although ecofriendly treatments offer a promising and sustainable approach for delaying fruit softening, the optimisation of treatment application protocols is needed to improve their efficacy in retaining fruit firmness. Studies reporting on the molecular mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments inhibit fruit softening are limited. Future studies should prioritise proteomic and transcriptome analyses to advance our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments delay the fruit-softening process. Full article

A survey of plant parasitic nematodes was carried out in 650 garlic fields in Korea from 2020 to 2022. Migratory endoparasite nematodes (Ditylenchus sp.) were recovered from 6% of the garlic samples, with an average density of 494 individuals per garlic bulb. The morphological characteristics of males and females from the 2022 survey were very similar to D. destructor, but D. dipsaci was not found. The Korean population traits have a lateral field containing six incisures, and the posterior esophagus part overlaps the intestine dorsally. PCR and DNA sequencing were performed for the D2/D3 region of the ribosomal DNA 28S and the ITS region, and the phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the monophyly of D. destructor. This is the first report of D. destructor parasitizing garlic in the Republic of Korea. In Korea, due to changes in agricultural or environmental conditions, the most damaging potential PPNs changed from D. dipsaci to D. destructor in garlic cultivation. Full article

This study investigates how grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) respond to shading induced by artificial nets, focusing on physiological and metabolic changes. Through a multidisciplinary approach, grapevines’ adaptations to shading are presented via biochemical analyses and hyperspectral data that are then combined with systems biology techniques. In the study, conducted in a ‘Moscatel Galego Branco’ vineyard in Portugal’s Douro Wine Region during post-veraison, shading was applied and predawn leaf water potential (${\Psi }_{pd}$) was then measured to assess water stress. Biochemical analyses and hyperspectral data were integrated to explore adaptations to shading, revealing higher chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a-b 117.39% higher) and increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels in unshaded vines (52.10% higher). Using a self-learning artificial intelligence algorithm (SL-AI), simulations highlighted ROS’s role in stress response and accurately predicted chlorophyll a (R²: 0.92, MAPE: 24.39%), chlorophyll b (R²: 0.96, MAPE: 17.61%), and ROS levels (R²: 0.76, MAPE: 52.17%). In silico simulations employing flux balance analysis (FBA) elucidated distinct metabolic phenotypes between shaded and unshaded vines across cellular compartments. Integrating these findings provides a systems biology approach for understanding grapevine responses to environmental stressors. The leveraging of advanced omics technologies and precise metabolic models holds immense potential for untangling grapevine metabolism and optimizing viticultural practices for enhanced productivity and quality. Full article

Olive anthracnose outbreaks caused by the Colletotrichum species complex in the Mediterranean region decrease both fruit yield and olive oil production while also drastically degrading olive oil quality. The presence of various Colletotrichum species able to produce disease symptoms in olive fruits significantly deteriorates the efforts for an efficient crop protection strategy. In this report, the major olive productive area of Peloponnese was screened for Colletotrichum species capable of generating anthracnose symptoms. Olive fruits of 12 different olive cultivars were collected from 60 groves distributed analogously in the Peloponnese. Thirty-two fungal strains isolated from asymptomatic olive drupes were identified morphologically as Colletotrichum spp. and were multilocus genetically analyzed. The 32 isolates were grouped into two primary lineages resembling the previously characterized Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum nymphaeae based on the conducted genetic analysis for five genetic loci. The virulence of 16 Colletotrichum spp. strains were evaluated in a detached fruit assay of 10 Greek olive cultivars. The results clearly suggested that fungal isolates belonging to both C. acutatum and C. nymphaeae exhibited different levels of pathogenicity in a cultivar-dependent manner. Thus, cultivars examined in terms of the % Disease Index (%DI) were divided into highly tolerant, tolerant, and susceptible, and those analyzed regarding the % Disease Severity Index (%DSI) were divided into tolerant and susceptible. Our results suggest that the Greek cultivars of Athinolia and Megaritiki are highly tolerant to the vast majority of Colletotrichum strains isolated from Peloponnesian groves and consist of a significant genetic material for the future design of crop protection programs against anthracnose breakouts. Full article

Environmental extremes, such as drought and flooding, are becoming increasingly common, resulting in significant crop losses. The aim of the present study was to understand the molecular response induced by drought and waterlogging conditions, and to link these responses to the physiological adaptation of plants. For this purpose, leaf RNA expression was analyzed in potted kiwifruit plants by Illumina Next Generation Sequences. Stressed plants showed an impairment of all physiological parameters (leaf-gas exchange and stem-water potential) with a more evident effect in waterlogging condition than in drought condition. However, the impact on the transcriptome in waterlogged plants was less intense than in drought stress. Drought affected several metabolic pathways, among which “plant hormone signal transduction”, “protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum”, and “mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway” were the most representative in terms of number of genes involved. The genes involved in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids were positively influenced by both drought and waterlogging. Finally, waterlogging stimulated secondary metabolisms by upregulating the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of terpenoids and flavonoids, such as stilbenoids. The obtained results show that the two contrasting stress conditions share several common physiological responses and molecular mechanisms. Full article

Strawberry production has been continually increasing worldwide, but this growth has often resulted in a lack of taste, favoring yield and plant adaptability instead. However, in recent decades, consumer focus has shifted towards more flavorful fruits. Consequently, the application of new sensory methodologies for consumers in strawberry breeding programs is becoming essential. This review provides an overview of new rapid consumer-based sensory methodologies and a brief summary of their potential applications when combined with Augmented Reality technology. These advancements aim to better understand and meet consumer needs, offering breeders valuable tools for their future work. Full article

Reducing fertilizer pollution is an important direction for modern ecological agriculture. Commonly, excessive nitrogen is applied to pepper. Capsaicin is one of the most important economic qualities of spicy peppers, but the effect of nitrogen on capsaicin is still inconsistent. This study aims to elucidate the impact of nitrogen fertilizer on capsaicin accumulation and to provide guidance on fertilizer application on highly spicy chili peppers. The experiment was conducted with five nitrogen fertilizer concentrations: N1 (urea 750 kg ha⁻¹), N2 (urea 562.5 kg ha⁻¹), N3 (urea 375 kg ha⁻¹), N4 (urea 187.5 kg ha⁻¹), and N0 (no nitrogen fertilizer). Nitrogen treatment was applied to two varieties with different spiciness levels from the seedling stage. The fruits in different layers of pepper plants were sampled on the 20th, 35th, and 50th day after anthesis, and the fruits’ size, content of capsaicin, capsaicin precursors, capsaicin competitors, as well as capsaicin-related enzyme activities and gene expression level were analyzed. The results indicate that, when applying N2 and N3, both chili pepper varieties exhibited higher fruit length, diameter, weight, and yield values. There were increased contents of total phenol, flavonoids, and tannins in both fruit varieties with N2 application. Moreover, the placenta weights of the bottom, middle, and top layers of the fruits on the 35th day were improved by 40.14%, 26.80%, and 55.91% for ‘Honglong 23’ and 55.10%, 37.04%, and 75.56% for ‘Hongxi’ compared with N0. At the same time, under N2 treatment, the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activity of capsaicin synthase significantly increased. In contrast, the capsaicin-degrading enzyme activities of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) decreased notably. The expression levels of capsaicin-synthetic genes such as phenylalanine cleavage enzyme gene (PAL), acyltransferase gene (AT3), 4-Coumaroyl coenzyme A ligase gene (4CL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene (C4H), caffeoyl coenzyme A-3-oxo-methyltransferase gene (COMT), paminotransferase gene (PAMT), and hydroxycinnamyltransferase gene (HCT) were up-regulated in N2 fruits, which led to a significant increase in capsaicin content compared with the other four nitrogen amounts. A further reduction in nitrogen application to N3 and N4 resulted in a decrease in the precursor substance’s total phenol content and PAL activity and an increase in the competitive substance’s flavonoid, lignin, POD, and PPO enzyme activities. At the same time, the expression levels of capsaicinoid synthetic genes were downregulated in the N3 and N4 treatments, leading to a low content of total capsaicinoids. The capsaicinoid content showed a trend of 35th day > 50th day > 20th day for both varieties. Additionally, the contents of total capsaicinoids, total phenols, flavonoids, and lignins, as well as PAL enzyme activity, and the expression levels of PAL, AT3, 4CL, C4H, COMT, PAMT, and HCT exhibited characteristics of bottom layers > middle layers > top layers. The activities of POD and PPO gradually increased from the bottom to the top layers. The N2 (562.5 kg ha⁻¹) treatment resulted in increases in placenta mass, maximum capsaicinoid precursor substance of total phenol content, and synthase enzyme activity, as well as decreases in capsaicinoid competing substances and degradative enzyme activity, so there were more substances available for capsaicin synthesis. Combined with the higher fruit weight and capsaicinoid content in the N2 treatment, N2 was considered a suitable nitrogen fertilizer dosage for highly spicy chili pepper cultivation. Full article

Climate change mitigation requires creative solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). Little research has been performed on GHG emissions from shaded turfgrass systems, resulting in a lack of best management practice (BMP) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the soil flux of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) as impacted by shade [shade (98.8%) versus sun (100%)] and differing sources (fast- versus slow-release) and rates (147 versus 294 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on creeping bentgrass putting greens. The results show that emissions of soil CO₂ and soil N₂O are significantly lower in shaded plots versus sunny plots. The presence of N fertilizer significantly increased soil CO₂ emissions over unfertilized plots. Quick-release N fertilizer fluxed significantly more soil N₂O than the slow-release N fertilizers. Turfgrass color was significantly higher on the sunny green versus the shaded green except in late summer. Turfgrass quality was significantly higher for the shaded green versus the sunny green. Milorganite improved turfgrass quality whereas urea decreased turfgrass quality due to fertilizer burn. When N is needed to improve turfgrass color and quality, the use of slow-release N sources should be a BMP for shaded greens. Full article

Food loss and waste occur throughout the food supply chain and represent food security and environmental, economic, and societal problems. Fresh fruit and vegetables contribute to over 40% of global food loss and waste. A significant portion of fruit and vegetables loss takes place on the farm during postharvest handling in developing countries, which is linked to smallholders’ financial and geographic constraints in purchasing modern postharvest handling technologies. While in developed countries, waste is the main problem identified at the retail and consumption levels because of inadequate logistics management, storage, and consumer behavior. The loss and waste deprive the population of a significant quantity of healthy food. To address this challenge, cost-effective, easy-to-use, and affordable approaches could be supplied to stakeholders. These strategies encompass the utilization of shading, low-cost packaging, porous evaporative cooling, zero-energy cooling chambers, and pot-in-pot coolers, for reductions in loss in developing countries. Meanwhile, in developed countries, biosensors, 1-methylcyclopropene, and imaging processing are employed to assess the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables at both retail and consumer levels. By exploring these methods, the review aims to provide smallholders, retailers, and consumers with efficient methods for improving produce operating techniques, resulting in reduced losses and waste and higher income. Full article

The biofortification of edible crops with selenium (Se) is a common and effective strategy to address inadequate Se intake, which is suffered by millions of people worldwide. However, there is little information regarding the effects of this practice on crops belonging to the important Brassica family. To evaluate the efficacy of foliar Se application on broccoli, four treatments with varying Se concentrations were tested: 0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% (w/v), applied as sodium selenate during the early flowering stage. Although no overall effects on growth and biomass parameters were observed, the results indicate that the lowest Se dose (0.05-Se) was sufficient to notably increase Se concentration in the florets, even after boiling. Based on the increase to 14.2 mg Se kg⁻¹ of dry matter in this broccoli fraction, it was estimated that consuming a 100-gram portion of boiled florets biofortified with 0.05% Se would provide approximately 140 µg of Se, which could be sufficient to potentially improve human selenium status, as previously documented. Moreover, the results obtained underscore how the application of this small dose was also adequate to reduce phytate concentration in the florets and to increase antioxidant and polyphenol concentrations, thereby improving the concentration and bioavailability of other essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, along with improving its quality as an antioxidant food. Full article

Onion (Allium cepa L.), a globally cultivated vegetable crop, possesses a shallow root system, making it vulnerable to abiotic stresses. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events in recent years necessitates sustainable solutions to enhance onion growth. Biostimulants offer a promising and accessible approach to promote onion growth and quality in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. This study investigated the effects of nine commercial microbial biostimulants (LALRISE Mycorrhizae, LALRISE Bacillus, Mighty Mycorrhizae, MycoApply, Spectrum DS, Spectrum Myco, Spectrum, Tribus Original, and Tribus Continuum) and one non-microbial commercial biostimulant (Kelpak—seaweed extract) on the seedling growth of three onion cultivars: Carta Blanca (white), Don Victoro (yellow), and Sofire (red). The results indicated that biostimulants did not significantly affect onion seed germination, but germination rates did vary among the onion cultivars. These cultivars also exhibited significant morphological and biomass differences, with principal component analysis revealing a more obvious effect on root growth compared to shoot growth. Kelpak seaweed extract increased the plant height, leaf area, and shoot fresh weight and dry weight of onion seedlings but decreased the root-to-shoot dry-weight ratio. The effects of microbial biostimulants on onion seedling growth depended on both the onion cultivar and Kelpak seaweed extract. In general, LALRISE Mycorrhizae, Mighty Mycorrhizae, Spectrum Myco, Spectrum DS, and Tribus Continuum exhibited positive effects on seedling growth in certain onion cultivars. Furthermore, the benefits of microbial biostimulants were amplified when combined with Kelpak seaweed extract application. These findings suggest a synergistic interaction between microbial and non-microbial biostimulants, leading to enhanced onion seedling growth. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term effects of these biostimulants on onion plant growth after transplanting to fields. Full article

Salinity is a major constraint limiting the yield of tomatoes. However, grafting strategies may help to overcome the salt toxicity of this important horticultural species if appropriate rootstocks are identified. The present study aimed to test a new rootstock, JUPAFORT1, obtained by crossing the glycophyte Solanum lycopersicum (cv. Poncho Negro) with the halophyte wild-related species Solanum chilense to improve the salinity tolerance of the Chilean tomato landrace Old Limachino Tomato (OLT). Intact OLT plants were exposed to 0, 80, or 160 mM of NaCl for 21 days at the vegetative stage and compared with self-grafted (L/L) and Limachino plants grafted on JUPAFORT1 rootstock (L/R) under a completely randomized design. JUPAFORT1 increased OLT scion vigor in the absence of salt but did not significantly increase fresh weight under stress conditions. However, JUPAFORT1 confers to the scion an anisohydric behavior contrasting with the isohydric behavior of L and L/L plants as indicated by measurements of stomatal conductance; L/R plants were able to maintain their metabolic status despite a slight decrease in the leaf’s relative water content. JUPAFORT1 rootstock also enabled the maintenance of photosynthetic pigment concentrations in the scion in contrast to L and L/L plants, which exhibited a decrease in photosynthetic pigments under stress conditions. L/R plants encountered oxidative stress at the highest stress intensity (160 mM of NaCl) only, while L and L/L plants suffered from oxidative damage at a lower dose (80 mM of NaCl). L/R plants behaved as includer plants and did not sequester Na⁺ in the root system, in contrast to L and L/L, which behaved as excluder plants retaining Na⁺ in the root system to avoid its translocation to the shoots. The expression of genes coding for ion transporters (HKT1.1, HKT1.2, LKT1, SKOR, SOS2, and SOS3) in the root system was not modified by salinity in L/R. In contrast, their expression varied in response to salinity in L and L/L. Overall, L/R plants exhibited higher physiological stability than L/L or L plants in response to an increasing NaCl dose and did not require additional energy investment to trigger an adaptative response to salinity. This suggests that the constitutive salinity tolerance of the halophyte S. chilense was maintained in the interspecific rootstock. JUPAFORT1 issued from S. lycopersicum x S. chilense may thus improve salt-stress resilience in OLT tomatoes. Additional studies are required to identify the molecular components involved in the root-to-shoot signaling pathway in this promising material. Full article

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), is currently distributed in the main soft-skinned fruits production areas in China and 59 other countries, presenting a significant threat to importing nations. Optimal phytosanitary treatments, including fumigation, irradiation, and cold treatment, have been developed to prevent the international movement of this invasive fly. To determine the most cold-tolerant stage and facilitate the development of the technical schedules requested by the Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatment (TPPT), cold treatments of D. suzukii immature stages in ‘Red Globe’ grapes were conducted. Dose–mortality data at 0 °C and 2 °C from repeated trials were subjected to analysis of covariance, linear regression, and probit analysis. Results identified 3 d old pupae as the most cold-tolerant stage, followed by 1 d old pupae, 4 d old larvae, and 6 h old eggs with similar tolerance. The 2 d old larvae were the most sensitive stage. In subsequent confirmatory tests, 3 d old pupae were subjected to cold treatment at 0 °C for 9 and 10 days, and at 2 °C for 10 and 12 days, based on the probit estimation of the probit-9 value. No adult emergence occurred in the confirmatory tests except for one deformed adult from a 2 °C 10 d treatment. Therefore, the recommended treatment schedule requires fruit temperatures below 0.00 °C (or 1.62 °C) for no less than 10 (or 12) continuous days, with treatment efficacy not less than 99.9960% (or 99.9955%) at a 95% confidence level, respectively. These schedules are intended for submission to TPPT for the development of phytosanitary treatment standards. Full article

Most wild rose species in the Netherlands belong to Rosa section Caninae (dogroses), with Rosa arvensis (section Synstylae) and Rosa spinosissima (section Pimpinellifoliae) as other indigenous species. All species are rare, often found in small populations or as scattered individuals, except for Rosa canina and Rosa corymbifera. Conservation strategies have been developed for these roses, with a focus on ex situ methods, including clonal archives and seed orchards, using vegetative propagation from the original shrubs. Efficient collection management aims at preservation of maximum genetic diversity with a minimum of duplicated genotypes. However, dogrose taxonomy is complex because of species hybridization, different ploidy levels, and their matroclinal inheritance due to Canina meiosis. They can also reproduce vegetatively through root suckers. In order to assess the genetic structure and the levels of genetic diversity and clonality within and among the wild rose populations in the Netherlands, we genotyped individuals in wild populations and accessions in the ex situ gene bank with 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed 337 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs) from 511 sampled individuals, with some MLGs shared across different species and sites. The genetic structure analysis showed distinct clusters separating non-dogrose species from the Caninae section. Geographic distribution of MLGs indicated both local and widespread occurrences. Redundancy analysis identified 152 distinct MLGs from 244 gene bank accessions, suggesting a 38% redundancy rate. Core collections were optimized to retain genetic diversity with minimal redundancy, selecting subsets of 20–40 individuals from different species groups. The study highlights the value of genetic characterization in guiding sampling strategies for dogroses. We propose a two-step approach that may be used to reveal clonality and redundancy and to optimize core collections of species that combine sexual and vegetative reproduction, to maximize genetic capture in ex situ gene banks. Full article

Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost represents a sustainable alternative to plastic film for mulching in viticulture. This study investigated the effects of MSW compost on vineyard soil properties, specifically focusing on side effects such as soil temperature and microbial decomposition activity, independently from its role in weed control. The experiment was conducted in a vineyard located in the Mediterranean region (Southern Italy), with six different mulching treatments: black polyethylene (PE) film, black and white biodegradable film, three different amounts of MSW compost (8, 15, and 22 kg plant⁻¹), and a control without mulching. Weed growth was monitored to determine the optimal compost application amount. The 15 kg plant⁻¹ treatment was selected for further analyses, as it did not significantly impact weed growth compared to the control. Results indicated that MSW compost mulching maintained lower soil temperatures compared to other treatments (up to 5 °C in the warmest hours) and reduced the amplitude of the thermal wave up to 50% compared to the non-mulched soil and even more compared to black film mulched soil, particularly during the warmest periods. This suggests that MSW compost can mitigate heat stress on plant roots, potentially enhancing plant resilience and preserving crop production also in stressful growing conditions. Microbial decomposition activity, assessed using the tea bag index, was higher in the MSW compost treatment during spring compared to the control, indicating temperature as a key driver for organic matter decomposition, but this effect disappeared during summer. These findings highlight the potential of MSW compost to support sustainable viticulture by reducing reliance on synthetic mulching materials and promoting environmental sustainability through the recycling of organic municipal waste. Full article

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), a crop of major economic importance worldwide, is affected by numerous diseases, which are caused by a wide range of microorganisms, including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, and viruses, which lead to important losses in yield and quality. The increasing availability of reference genomes of plant-associated microbes together with recent advances in metagenomic approaches provide new opportunities to identify microbes linked to distinct symptomatology in Brassica leaves. In this study, shotgun metagenomics was used to investigate the microbial community in leaves of B. oleracea plants from agricultural farmlands. Compared with conventional techniques based on culture-based methods, whole-genome shotgun sequencing allows the reliable identification of the microbial population inhabiting a plant tissue at the species level. Asymptomatic and symptomatic leaves showing different disease symptoms were examined. In the asymptomatic leaves, Xanthomonas species were the most abundant taxa. The relative abundance of bacterial and fungal communities varied depending on disease symptoms on the leaf. The microbiome of the leaves showing mild to severe levels of disease was enriched in bacterial populations (Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium, Paracoccus) and to a lesser degree in some fungal taxa, such as Alternaria and Colletotrichum (e.g., in leaves with high levels of necrotic lesions). Sclerotinia species were highly abundant in severely damaged leaves (S. sclerotium, S. trifolium, S. bolearis), followed by Botrytis species. The common and specific bacterial and fungal species associated to disease symptoms were identified. Finally, the analysis of the gene functions in the metagenomic data revealed enrichment in carbohydrate-active enzymes potentially involved in pathogenicity, whose distribution also varied among disease severity groups. Understanding the B. oleracea leaf microbiome in agricultural ecosystems will pave the way for the efficient management of diseases in this crop. Full article

Brazil is home to some of the world’s greatest biodiversity, providing an immeasurable number of new opportunities and unexplored sources of native plants for the development of products, extracts, foods, and compounds of social and economic interest. Among these, plants of the genus Eugenia stand out because of the large number of species found in Brazilian territory, many of which are endemic and exclusive to Brazil. These plants have emerged as potential sources for obtaining essential oils with relevant biological activities. In this context, the present review provides an overview of essential oils derived from the main native plants of Brazilian socio-biodiversity from the genus Eugenia with food value (Eugenia stipitata, Eugenia dysenterica, Eugenia involucrata, Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia klotzschiana, Eugenia uniflora, and Eugenia pyriformis) and their phytochemical profile and health beneficial effects. The compiled data showed that the essential oils of these plants are composed mainly of sesquiterpenes and, in smaller quantities, monoterpenes and other compounds. These compounds contribute to different biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiparasitic effects. These findings demonstrate that the essential oils of Brazilian native plants of the genus Eugenia can be a promising raw material for active ingredients to develop innovative and sustainable food products, drugs, and cosmetics. Full article

Grapevine trunk diseases are a threat to table- and grape-wine cultivation worldwide. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pch) is a vascular fungus recognized as one of the most important pathogens associated with grapevine trunk diseases. The relationships between xylem vessel features and Pch susceptibility of 10 table- and 17 wine-grape genotypes, as well as 3 rootstocks, were investigated by image analysis of 50 µm cross-sections and artificial Pch inoculation on one-year-old vine cuttings. Vessels were grouped in the diameter classes 1–30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–120, and >120 µm. Among the table-grape varieties, ‘Sable’, ‘Timco’, and ‘Red Globe’ showed higher densities of large vessels (>120 μm) than ‘Italia’, ‘Sugar Crisp’, and ‘Sugraone’. Among the wine-grape varieties, ‘Minutolo’, ‘Montepulciano’, ‘Primitivo’ CDTa19, and ‘Verdeca’ showed higher densities of large vessels than ‘Aglianico’, ‘Nero di Troia’, ‘Sangiovese’, and ‘Susumaniello’. In the rootstocks, the vessel diameters were 50.8, 54.0, and 60.9 μm for ‘34 E.M.’, ‘140 Ruggieri’, and ‘1103 Paulsen’, in that order. For table-grape varieties, Pch was re-isolated from 13.3% for ‘Sugar Crisp’ and ‘Sugraone’ cuttings up to 93.3% for ‘Timco’. For wine-grape varieties, Pch re-isolation ranged from 51.1% (‘Bombino nero’, ‘Negroamaro’ D15, and ‘Sangiovese’) to 81.1% (‘Montepulciano’), while for the rootstocks, the values were from 33 to 51%. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a positive correlation between the frequencies of large vessels and Pch re-isolation. In addition, in wine grapes and rootstocks, higher Pch re-isolation frequencies in the lateral parts of cuttings were correlated (r = 0.79) to a higher frequency of large vessels. The results highlight relationships between grapevine xylem vessel sizes and susceptibility to P. chlamydospora that are worthy of further research. Full article

Sustainable management practices are crucial for the longevity of a monoculture vineyard, especially in the context of a changing climate. Therefore, soil management practices in a vineyard (T: tillage, T+FYM: tillage + farmyard manure, G: grass strips, G+NPK1: grass strips + rational rates of NPK, and G+NPK2: grass strips + higher rates of NPK) were tested in a temperate climate of Slovakia (Central Europe) under specific soil conditions (Rendzic Leptosol). We investigated the influence of continuous cropping on soil chemical properties and microbial communities during the dry and warm year of 2022. The results showed that the soil pH was higher by 19%, 21%, 24% and 13% in T, T+FYM, G and G+NPK1, respectively, compared to G+NPK2. The lowest soil organic matter (SOM) content was found in T, and it increased in the following order: T < T+FYM < G+NPK2 < G+NPK1 < G. Similarly, the lowest abundance of soil culturable bacteriota was found in T and it increased in the following order: T < T+FYM = G+NPK2 < G+NPK1< G. Culturable bacteriota was identified using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper). The most numerous species group was Bacillus, followed by Lactobacillus > Staphylococcus > Pseudomonas. The most frequently isolated species were Bacillus megaterium (16.55%), Bacillus cereus (5.80%), Bacillus thuringiensis (4.87%), and Bacillus simplex (4.37%). Positive relationships between SOM and soil culturable bacteriota were found in the G and G+NPK1 treatments. Temperature also affected soil culturable bacteriota in all soil management practices, most significantly in G+NPK1. Overall, the best scenario for the sustainable management of a productive vineyard is the use of grass strips. Full article

Over two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortifying vegetables can enhance micronutrient intake through the diet. This study assessed the biofortification of indoor-grown baby-leaf lettuce using aeroponics. Four experiments, two each, were conducted by adding different concentrations of Zn (from 10 to 450 µM) or Cu (from 3 to 250 µM) into a nutrient solution. A fifth experiment was conducted by simultaneously adding to the nutrient solution the optimal concentration of I (5 µM) and Se (13 µM), chosen on the basis of previous works, and the optimal concentration of Zn (250 µM) and Cu (150 µM), chosen on the basis of the results obtained in the first four experiments. Leaf biomass, mineral concentrations, chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, nitrates, and antioxidant capacity were measured 21 days after transplanting. Higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, I, or Se in the nutrient solution led to an increase in their concentrations in lettuce leaves, without affecting the growth or leaf quality of lettuce plants. The simultaneous application of I with the other elements induced a higher accumulation in leaves compared to when I is applied alone. One hundred grams of lettuce leaves biofortified with Se, I, Cu, and Zn would provide the 6.1%, 35.3%, and 263.0% of Adequate Intake for Cu, Se, and I, respectively, and 4.5% of Population Reference Intake for Zn. Our results suggest that simultaneously biofortifying baby-leaf lettuce with these four minerals is a practical and convenient way to integrate these micronutrients into the diet without reducing the yield or quality of lettuce. Full article

Hardy geranium is a popular ornamental plant with a high market demand. As a result, there is a strong need for continuous innovation to improve its ornamental qualities. Interspecific hybridization is a widely used technique for introducing desirable traits and creating new cultivars with added value. To explore the possibilities of creating novelty within the Geranium genus, we conducted 2438 interspecific crosses over three flowering seasons, resulting in the successful harvest of 445 seeds and the final production of 82 seedlings. Using embryo rescue increased the germination rate of a seedling from 0.17% to 1.01%. To validate the paternal genetic contribution in the new seedlings, we used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) to assess the proportion of uniquely inherited paternal markers in all seedlings. AFLP analysis confirmed that 54 of the 82 seedlings were indeed true hybrids (65.8% hybridization success rate). A morphological evaluation of the flowers and leaves, including flower diameter (mm), style length (mm), number of flowers, flowering period (weeks), and color of both flowers and leaves, provided further confirmation of the F1 hybrid status of the seedlings. The results of our interspecific breeding demonstrated the efficiency of interspecific hybridization in hardy geraniums and its potential to create distinctive and novel cultivars for the ornamental market. Full article

The most important part of fruit cultivation is transplanting, which can be completed efficiently by an automatic transplanter. In this study, an automatic solanum lycopersicum transplanter was developed. It is primarily composed of the following devices: a seedling tray fixator, a mechanical transplanting arm, double horizontal driving modules, double vertical driving cylinders, a seedling separation device, double-crank five-bar planting devices, a power distribution system, and a PLC control system. An experimental test on an automatic transplanter was carried out on dry land. The experimental results showed that when the planting frequency was 80 plants/(min·row), the transplanting success rate was 93.89%, the missed planting rate was 1.58%, the replanting rate was 0.65%, the lodging rate was 1.94%, and the exposed seedling rate was 1.94%. Each device of the automatic transplanter was coordinated to complete the transplanting process. The automatic transplanter met the operation requirements, and it not only transplanted in dry land but also provided a theoretical basis for fruit cultivation in solar greenhouses in the future. Full article

Gamma radiation has been suggested to have post-effects on emerging plants when applied to the seeds. In the present study, we aimed to induce alterations in photosynthetic functionality and subsequent modifications in secondary metabolites of summer savory following seed priming with gamma radiation. Savory seeds were treated with 0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 Gy gamma radiation in a completely randomized design with ten replications for morphological and photosynthetic parameters and three for phytochemical assessments. The results showed that gamma radiation on seeds adversely affected photosynthetic performance, especially at the highest doses. It negatively influenced the growth, while increasing the shoot branching, the number of nodes, and the diameter of the stem. Gamma radiation on seeds generally reduced pigmentation in savory leaves, such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. However, soluble sugar, starch, total phenolics, and total flavonoid contents were elevated in the leaves of plants that emerged from gamma-primed seeds. Gamma radiation priming reduced essential oil’s percentage and yield. Carvacrol and limonene components of essential oil were diminished, whereas linalool and thymol were increased. In conclusion, due to its inherent stress-inducing effects, and despite some positive effects on phytochemicals, seed priming with gamma radiation adversely influenced growth, photosynthesis, and quantity and quality of savory essential oils. Further research is still needed to target the use of gamma radiations before harvesting the seeds or determine the cytogenetic characteristics of irradiated plants. Full article

Bolting and flowering of vegetables are induced by vernalization in their early growth stage. This phenomenon is called premature bolting, and it has caused massive losses in production of vegetables such as cabbage, celery, carrot, radish, and spinach, etc. This review aimed to summarize studies on bolting and flowering pathways, physiological and biochemical changes, and underlined molecular mechanisms of various vegetable crop bolting involving genome and transcriptome analysis, and its association with vegetable breeding. This review could provide basic knowledge to carry out research on vegetable genetics and breeding and vegetable cultivation. Full article

Screening for nitrogen (N)-efficient germplasm to achieve high yield and high N efficiency is an important strategy to enhance the sustainability of modern agriculture. In this study, 127 peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm resources were comprehensively evaluated by seedling hydroponics and field. At the seedling stage, with the range of low-nitrogen screening concentrations gradually narrowed through a comprehensive membership function analysis, standard normal distribution test, and variance analysis, we found that 0.15 mM N for 24 days could be the optimal condition for evaluating the N efficiency of peanuts. Through principal component analysis and correlation analysis, dry matter weight, root/shoot ratio, N content, N accumulation, N-use efficiency, and N use index were considered to be the N efficiency parameters, and a regression mathematical model was established accordingly. In the field, peanut genotypes that differ in resistance to low-nitrogen stress were evaluated by a yield nitrogen efficiency index under normal nitrogen and no nitrogen applications to verify the results at the seedling stage. Based on the multiple phenotypic analysis, N-efficient and N-inefficient peanut genotypes among germplasm were screened, and a comprehensive evaluation system was established to provide the theoretical basis for peanut breeding and cultivation techniques. Full article

Deficit irrigation (DI) strategies are becoming increasingly common in areas where water resources are limited. The application of moderate levels of DI can result in water savings with a small reduction in yield but with a higher quality of the product. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of applying a certain level of water deficit (40% water holding capacity) on the yield and quality of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), specifically the cultivar ‘Triunfo-70’. Bioactive compounds were investigated by applying an LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach as an analytical tool for identifying novel markers associated with a water deficit in beans. The results showed that beans harvested 30 days after DI application experienced water stress, as indicated by the decrease in the leaf water potential and gas exchange values (stomatal conductance and photosynthesis). In addition, the number of pods per plant was significantly reduced by the DI treatment. The water deficit induced significant alterations in various bioactive compounds (including organic acids, polyphenols, hydroxybenzoic acids, lipids, and phospholipids) when compared to the control treatment. Additionally, twelve new biomarkers were identified in this study for the first time in the common bean under DI. These findings suggested that DI acted as an elicitor, increasing phenylpropanoid metabolism, while concurrently reducing the production of compounds associated with fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, new metabolites were tentatively identified in common beans. This study represents the successful application of the untargeted metabolomics approach to finding bioactive secondary metabolites in beans under different irrigation conditions. Full article

The presence of high salt in soils is a substantial abiotic constraint for agricultural activities worldwide, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Researchers have discovered a simple and efficient way to repair soils that have suffered from excessive salt use. They use plants that can overcome salt, like halophytes, to improve the soil quality. This research aimed to evaluate the tomato productivity and quality cultivated using different methods. We look at three different ways to grow tomatoes with the halophyte Salicornia europaea L. in a moderately salty soil: monoculture (only tomatoes), intercropping (mixed cultivation), and sequential cropping (growing tomatoes where halophytes were grown before). We considered how the different ways of managing crops affected tomato yield, biochemical factors in tomato plants (like phenolic and flavonoid contents), antioxidant levels, carotene profiles, and fruit quality and production. Sequential cropping showed the highest tomato productivity, while intercropping exhibited high concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity. The tomatoes had a sweet taste due to the higher total soluble solid content (TSSC) and maintained their quality due to the higher titratable acidity (TA). Full article

The mature flesh of Cornus officinalis exhibits a vibrant red color, attributed to its rich anthocyanin content, imparting significant edible and medicinal value. Vibrant colors not only enhance the visual allure of medicinal materials but also maintain a close association with their intrinsic quality. However, the intricate process of pigment formation governing the anthocyanin accumulation in the pericarp of Cornus officinalis remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted the comprehensive sampling and analysis of pericarp tissues at three distinct developmental stages, employing morphological-structure observation and metabolomic and transcriptomic techniques. Our findings reveal a substantial increase in the anthocyanin accumulation during the transition to the red stage of Cornus officinalis fruit maturation. Metabolomic profiling identified the highest expression levels of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and Pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside during the mature stage, suggesting their association with the red coloration of the fruit. Through RNA sequencing, we identified 25,740 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 41 DEGs associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. The correlation between the DEG expression levels and anthocyanin content was explored, further elucidating the regulatory network. Additionally, we validated the pivotal role of the candidate gene BZ1 in the synthesis of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside through qRT-PCR, confirming its crucial impact on anthocyanin accumulation. This study provides preliminary insights into anthocyanin accumulation in Cornus officinalis, laying the foundation for the future development of new cultivars with enhanced anthocyanin contents. Full article

This study utilized a plant-wearable sap flow sensor developed by a multidisciplinary team at Zhejiang University to monitor water distribution patterns in watermelon fruit stalks throughout their developmental stages. The dynamic rules of sap flow at different stages of fruit development were discovered: (1) In the first stage, sap flow into the fruit gradually halts after sunrise due to increased leaf transpiration, followed by a rapid increase post-noon until the next morning, correlating with fruit expansion. (2) In the second stage, the time of inflow sap from noon to night is significantly shortened, while the outflow sap from fruit is observed with the enhancement of leaf transpiration after sunrise, which is consistent with the slow fruit growth at this stage. (3) In the third stage, the sap flow maintains the diurnal pattern. However, the sap flow that inputs the fruit at night is basically equal to the sap flow that outputs the fruit during the day; the fruit phenotype does not change anymore. In addition, a strong correlation between the daily mass growth in fruit and the daily sap flow amount in fruit stalk was identified, validating the sensor’s utility for fruit growth monitoring and yield prediction. Full article

Seaweed extracts have several functions in agriculture due to their composition that is rich in nutrients, plant hormones, and bioactive substances. It is a natural product used as a biostimulant especially to promote the growth and development of plants and their tolerance to environmental stresses. The objective of this study was to analyze the response to a biostimulant containing seaweed extract derived from Ascophyllum nodosum in the cultivation of tomato and eggplant seedlings, analyzing the growth and physiological parameters in two different regions of Brazil. Cherry tomato and eggplant were cultivated in polyethylene trays for 30 days. In each crop, five treatments were tested, comparing the use of a commercial seaweed extract in application doses and forms, which were the control (without seaweed application); 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of the seaweed extract applied by irrigation water; and treatment with 0.2% of the seaweed extract by foliar application. This study confirms the efficacy of incorporating seaweed extract from Ascophyllum nodosum as a bio-input into the production phase of Solanaceae seedlings. The seedlings which received the seaweed extract significantly increased some morphological parameters, mainly regarding the biomass and length of leaves, stems, and roots. In general, applying both methods through irrigation water and foliar application were effective in providing benefits compared to the control treatment. The intermediate dose (0.2%) was the most effective in promoting improvement in the analyzed parameters. This underscores the importance of obtaining quality seedlings for subsequent planting in the field, potentially leading to better acclimatization and initial adaptation. Full article

Τhe production of fresh fruit as well as olive orchards is increasing around the world, in order to meet the global demand for both fruits and olive products. This results in the spread and establishment of fruit and olive tree cultivation in areas where they were not found before, for example, plains and lowlands prone to waterlogging. Climate change is having a significant impact on the natural environment. Agricultural open-field crops have less growth and yield under these harsh weather conditions. Nowadays, unpredictable rainfall more often exposes field crops to waterlogging on a regular basis. This is a very stressful factor which can cause a reduction in yield and even total crop elimination. In this review, the morphological and physiological parameters affected by waterlogging are developed in order to understand better how olive and other fruit crops respond to waterlogging conditions and how this affects their development and productivity. Having a better understanding of these mechanisms can help us design strategies and approaches to increase fruit crop resistance to waterlogging stress. Full article

Floral scent is an essential and genetically complex trait in herbaceous peonies (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.); however, specific genes related to metabolic and regulatory networks remain scantily studied. Our study integrated metabolite profiling and RNA-sequencing to screen floral scent biosynthetic genes. Hence, the major molecules identified by headspace collection combined with cultivar-specific GC-MS analysis were geraniol, β-caryophyllene, 2-phenylethanol (2-PE), citronellol, and 1,8-cineole. Genes related to terpenoids and 2-PE biosynthesis were identified after the assembly and annotation of the P. lactiflora transcriptomes. Eight angiosperm-specific terpene synthases (TPSs) from the TPS-a and TPS-b clades, as well as enzymes linked to 2-PE synthesis such as aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), phenylacetaldehyde reductase (PAR), and geranial reductase (GER) were identified. The biochemical analysis of the enzymes encoded by PlPAR1 and PlGER1 generated 2-PE from phenylacetaldehyde (PAld). The pairwise alignment of AADC1 reveals a splice variant lacking a 124 bp fragment, thus highlighting the possible role of alternative splicing in modulating floral scent composition. This study offers insights into the molecular-level biosynthesis of terpenoids and 2-PE in Peonia taxa, and provides the basis for the functional characterization, breeding, and bioengineering of prospective candidate genes for the production of floral volatiles in the Paeonia genus. Full article

Ficus is a significant genus within the Moraceae family, primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions. It plays a crucial role in the study of co-evolution and genetics in the fig–fig wasp symbiosis. Advancements in sequencing technology have facilitated whole-genome sequencing of several Ficus species, accumulating vast amounts of genomic and transcriptomic data available in public databases. To streamline data integration, display, and analysis, we developed the Ficus Genome Database (FGD), a consolidated platform for the genomic data of five Ficus species, and self-assembled transcriptome data for 24 fig ostiolar bracts. The FGD is currently home to a diverse array of data, encompassing genome and gene sequences, annotations of genes, transcriptome analyses, biochemical pathways, non-coding RNA, and findings from comparative genomic studies, such as collinear blocks across different Ficus genome assemblies. To enhance translational and practical research concerning Ficus, FGD provides an extensive suite of accessible query interfaces, analytical instruments, and visualization options. These include the NCBI BLAST sequence search tool and the JBrowse/GBrowse genome browser. FGD also offers several distinct tools, including a genome Synteny Viewer, expression heatmap display, gene family identification, Gene Ontology terms enrichment, and pathway enrichment analysis. Full article

Sweet pepper is a crop that benefits from phytosanitary treatments with low environmental impact, especially the successful control of pests through the introduction of biological control agents in greenhouses. However, predators that naturally occur in these surroundings often enter greenhouses. The precise roles of these natural predators and their interactions with the introduced predatory insects and mites are often unknown. This study investigated the relationships between Nesidiocoris tenuis, which is naturally present, and Amblyseius swirskii and Orius laevigatus, which are two species of generalist predators released for the control of multiple pests. This study was conducted for two years on 13 commercial sweet pepper crops in various types of greenhouses (tunnels and traditional greenhouses) in Sicily. The environmental complexity value (ECV) for each site was estimated based on 18 points detected around the site according to the different habitats that occurred at each coordinate. The results showed that the occurrence of N. tenuis in greenhouses, independently of their typology (tunnel or traditional greenhouse), was mainly promoted by the greater diversification of habitats immediately surrounding the pepper crops (in a circular area with a diameter of 500 mt), with an increase in its density during the crop season. Moreover, N. tenuis–O. laevigatus’s co-occurrence in flowers suggested that they were not impacted by each other’s presence and that their co-occurrence had a significant effect on pest reduction, although their co-occurrence was density-dependent. As an intraguild predator, N. tenuis competed with O. laevigatus for Frankliniella occidentalis when many predators were present. In addition, N. tenuis also competed with A. swirskii when they both occurred in flowers at a higher density. This study highlights the importance of pepper plant flowers in promoting a higher occurrence of juvenile forms of N. tenuis within flowers. Amblyseius swirskii colonized the plants in 3 weeks, distributing itself almost uniformly over the leaves with a clear control action against not only Bemisia tabaci but also F. occidentalis when present on the flowers. Thus, this concurrent analysis of several commercial pepper sites within the same production area suggests that, even with similar pest control plans, the diverse variability in the presence of natural enemies must be considered when selecting control strategies for pepper crop pests and that N. tenuis, favored by complex surrounding habitats, contributes actively to pest reduction. Full article

Mealy peaches are dry and flavorless, which reduces their consumer acceptance. A deeper understanding of the mechanism underlying mealiness is crucial to enhancing peach fruit quality. In this study, comparative profiling was conducted on CP13, CP14, CM, and RM peaches. Sensory evaluation indicated that CP13 and CM are non-mealy clingstone and freestone peaches, respectively, and CP14 and RM are mealy freestone peaches. Both CP13 and CP14, identified as stony hard (SH) peaches, exhibited minimal ethylene release, whereas CM and RM, identified as melting flesh (MF) peaches, released high amounts of ethylene during the ripening process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructure observation indicated that cells in the flesh tissue of mealy peaches, CP14 (SH) and RM (MF), were intact and separated, with large intercellular spaces and irregular arrangements. The main factor that promotes mealiness is differences in pectin metabolism, which impact cell wall composition. The fluctuations in polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity between mealy and non-mealy peaches were the main factor contributing to mealiness. However, the changes in cell wall metabolism that caused these fluctuations did not have a clear direction. Using transcriptome analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we were able to identify forty differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are associated with mealy patterns. Among these DEGs, genes encoding PG were significantly upregulated in mealy peaches (CP14 and RM) compared to non-mealy peaches (CP13 and CM). PpPG1 was the main effector gene for mealiness, while PpPG2, PpEGase2, PpEXP1, PpEXP3, PpAGP2, PpIAA4, and PpABA2 were identified as candidate genes regulating peach mealiness. These findings provide a solid experimental basis for understanding the textual distinctions between mealy and non-mealy peaches. Full article

The timing of nitrogen fertilizer application in an orchard can determine the amount of nitrogen (N) absorbed, distributed, and accumulated in fig tree organs. This study aimed to evaluate the fate of nitrogen (N) applied to the fig tree at different times in the soil. The experiment was conducted in the 2009–2010 crop season. The planted trees belonged to the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos, in the São João Del Rei municipality of Minas Gerais state (MG), Brazil. The treatments were the application of 20 kg N ha⁻¹ as urea, enriched with 2% excess ¹⁵N atoms, on September 30 (T1) or on October 30 (T2). In January 2010, the fig trees were cut down and separated into fruit, leaves, new shoots and shoots from previous years, and the stem. The harvested parts were dried, weighed, and ground. Soil was collected from the 0.00–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m layers, dried, and ground. The total N and excess ¹⁵N atoms in the organs and in the soil were determined, and the N derived from the fertilizer was calculated. The annual organs of the fig tree, including leaves, fruit, and young shoots, exhibited the highest accumulation of N from soil application at both timings, with similar N uptake and accumulation levels. However, nitrogen fertilization had a minimal contribution to the overall nitrogen content in young trees and did not exceed 11%. Understanding the fate of nitrogen derived from fertilizer within the fig tree’s organs will allow for more precise adjustments when recommending nitrogen doses. Full article

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) represent a valuable crop species cultivated on a global scale, with Thailand playing a notable role in Southeast Asia’s agricultural landscape. However, a comprehensive understanding of the genetic underpinnings, population dynamics, and genetic correlations among tomato cultivars within Thailand remains relatively nascent. This study conducted an extensive analysis of 283 tomato accessions sourced from Thailand’s largest germplasm repository, employing approximately 2.4 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained through whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The results of the genetic diversity assessment demonstrate a consistent delineation of groups, as indicated by UPGMA clustering, revealing five distinct clusters, while population structure analysis unveils twelve subpopulations. These findings underscore the limited genetic reservoir within Thai tomato germplasm, providing valuable insights for germplasm management strategies and offering a promising avenue for the refinement of breeding programs aimed at enhancing tomato genetics. Full article

Saffron, obtained by dehydrating the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, is a spice of great importance. In saffron, the flower emerges before leaf formation, thanks to the nutritional reserves of the corm. Early knowledge of metabolite levels such as crocins, picrocrocin, safranal, anthocyanins, or kaempferols in flowers serves as a guide to evaluate the quality of the corm (coloring power, flavor, aroma, or antioxidant capacity, among others). In this study, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was calibrated and validated to determine the main saffron metabolites, both in stigmas and in floral residue. To achieve this, saffron flowers from different locations of the Denomination of Origin (D.O.) “Azafrán de La Mancha” (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) were analyzed using NIR spectroscopy. Prior to this, samples were analyzed by RP-HPLC-DAD, where the concentration of all cited metabolites was determined. The development of a predictive model through NIR calibration and validation was successful, achieving high R² values, especially in the case of the sum of crocins and kaempferol-3-O-β-sophoroside. Using these predictive models, it is possible to determine the quality of saffron corm by analyzing the flower. Full article

Ornamental horticulture and breeding, as well as urban landscape architecture, are facing increasing challenges driven by an intensely changing climate and urbanisation. The expansion of cities should be combined with an overall growth of green spaces, where ornamental plant species and cultivars will have to withstand a diverse range of environmental conditions, whereby they are often exposed to multiple stress factors. One of the most widely used ornamental shrub species Weigela florida ‘Eva Rathke’ was treated with the growth promoters Bistep with humic and fulvic acid, Kelpak^® seaweed extract, and Yeald Plus with a high zinc content to test their applicability in a plant nursery. Bistep decreased the physiological parameters (the transpiration rate by 60%, the evapotranspiration rate by 56.5%, and the proline stress enzyme content level by 82.2%), indicating the stress level of the treated plants. The activity of β-glucosidase decreased with all growth-promoting treatments (11.5% for Kelpak and 9.5% for Yeald Plus), as did β-glucosaminidase (22.1% for Kelpak and 9.8% for Yeald Plus), but Bistep treatment reduced the activity of the enzymes less (9.9% for β-glucosidase and 3.3% for β-glucosaminidase). The measured alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity increased with treatment (by 10.7% for Kelpak, 11.7% for Yeald Plus, and 12.63% for Bistep). Based on the results, it was concluded that Bistep and Yeald Plus may be suitable for use in the studied variety, whereas Kelpak^® may not be suggested in plant nurseries for growing W. florida ‘Eva Rathke’ plants. Full article

Leucine-rich repeat extensin (LRX) is involved in the regulation of crucial cellular processes, such as cell wall growth and development, as well as signaling. However, the presence of the LRX gene family in Brassica rapa (B. rapa) has not been previously reported. This study identified 17 BrLRXs within the Brassica rapa genome by bioinformatic analysis, and these genes were distributed on seven chromosomes. Phylogenetic and covariance analyses indicate that BrLRXs can be categorized into two distinct branches: the trophic branch and the reproductive branch, with a close relationship observed between BrLRXs and AtLRXs. According to cis-acting element analysis, this gene family is rich in hormone-responsive and stress-responsive elements such as drought-inducibility, abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and gibberellic acid responsive elements, suggesting a potential role in abiotic stress response. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated significant up-regulation of BrLRX2 and BrLRX6 under salt stress, while BrLRX3, BrLRX6, and BrLRX8 were significantly down-regulated under osmotic stress. Our analysis of the protein tertiary structure predicts a strong association between LRX proteins and RALF. Protein–protein interaction prediction revealed that LRX interacts with the RALF protein and the receptor FER, which have been previously reported to jointly regulate plant stress responses. We propose that BrLRX6 and BrLRX8 are implicated in osmotic stress, while BrLRX2 and BrLRX6 are involved in the modulation of salt stress. Full article

Drought, exacerbated by climate change, represents a growing challenge for agriculture, significantly impacting on crops such as chili peppers (Capsicum), essential in the global diet. This work evaluated the response to water stress by suspending irrigation in Siete Caldos chili pepper plants (Capsicum frutescens). Control plants were watered every 48 h, while stress was induced in the test plants by withholding irrigation for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of recovery through rehydration on day 15. Growth parameters such as the fresh weight of the aerial part, root length, and number of flower buds showed significant differences between the two groups from the eighth day onwards. However, physiologically and biochemically stress-induced decreased relative water content, membrane stability, and chlorophyll content, coupled with increased electrolyte leakage, proline content, and antioxidant activity (catalases and peroxidases), were observed starting on the third day. These effects were more severe on day 14. At the molecular level, the expression of stress response genes (AP2, LOX2, CAT, CuSOD, MnSOD, and P5CS) was quantified at days 3, 14, and 15, revealing differences in transcript levels between the treatments. Finally, rehydration in the stressed plants resulted in the recovery of the evaluated parameters and a survival rate of 100%. Therefore, chili pepper has tolerance mechanisms that allow it to withstand a period of 14 days without irrigation, without reaching its permanent wilting point, and it can recover if conditions improve. This study underscores the complexity of plant responses and tolerance mechanisms to drought, providing insights into the behavior of semi-domesticated species. Full article

This study investigates the impact of melatonin (MT) treatment at varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 µmol L⁻¹) on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of long green pepper fruits stored under low temperature for 28 days. Every 4 days, pepper fruits were examined for the chilling injury (CI) index, weight loss (WL), respiration rates, firmness, electrolyte leakage (EL), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, non-enzymatic antioxidant (NEA) content, antioxidant (AO) enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidases (PODs)), and cellular degrading enzymes (polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylesterase (PME), phospholipase D (PLD), and lipoxygenase (LOX)). MT-treated samples exhibited delayed and reduced CI stress compared to controls, with higher exogenous MT concentrations (>50 µmol L⁻¹) offering significant (p < 0.05) CI reductions. During storage, WL was notably mitigated by MT treatment in the tested samples compared to control samples. This study also demonstrated that MT-treated pepper fruits effectively decelerated respiration rates and consequently preserved pepper firmness. A higher concentration of MT-treated pepper fruits demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.05) lowered level of ROS and MDA while maintaining membrane stability, as evidenced by reduced EL. MT treatment with increasing concentration increased the levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), ascorbic acid (AsA), dehydroascorbate (DHA), and total phenolic content (TPC) in the pepper fruits compared to control and thus significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the ROS production (superoxide anion (O₂^•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) radicals) in the pepper fruits. Furthermore, AO enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and POD were also high in the pepper fruits that were treated with higher concentrations of MT (>50 µmol L⁻¹). Additionally, the activities of cellular degrading enzymes (PG, PME, PLD, and LOX), which are linked to senescence and stress-induced physiological disorders, were also effectively regulated by MT-treated (>75 µmol L⁻¹) pepper fruits. Overall, the application of MT at higher concentrations (>75 µmol L⁻¹) demonstrated substantial benefits in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of pepper fruits during cold storage. Full article

Photosynthetic pigments are fundamental for plant photosynthesis and play an important role in plant growth. Currently, the frequently used method for measuring photosynthetic pigments is spectrophotometry. Additionally, the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, with its advantages of easy operation and non-destructive testing, has been widely applied in land agriculture. However, the application prospects of its test results in horticultural plants have not yet been proven. This study examines the reliability of SPAD values for predicting chlorophyll concentrations. Using fresh and senescent leaves from four common horticultural plants, we measured SPAD values, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and leaf color parameters. A generalized linear mixed model demonstrated that SPAD values are a reliable indicator for predicting chlorophyll concentrations, yet interspecific variations exist. Based on the predictive power of SPAD values for chlorophyll, we first propose an Enrichment Index (CEI) and a Normal Chlorophyll Concentration Threshold (NCCT). The CEI can be used to compare SPAD values among different species, and the NCCT value can serve as a more accurate indicator for assessing the growth potential of old trees. However, due to a limited sample size, further research with larger samples is needed to refine the diagnosis of plant growth potential and enhance the management of ornamental plant cultivation. Full article

Plant ploidy manipulation is often required for breeding purposes. However, there is no comprehensive review covering genome doubling in vegetable crops despite the abundance of data for a large number of vegetable species. Similar to other species, genome doubling is required in vegetable crops to obtain doubled haploids (DHs). It is also utilized for the production of polyploids to overcome interspecific hybrid sterility and improve agricultural traits. Spontaneous haploid genome duplication (SHGD) occurs in many Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Solanaceae crops, allowing for the laborious treatment with antimitotic agents to be bypassed. SHGD mechanisms are not fully understood, but existing data suggest that SHGD can occur via nuclear fusion, endoreduplication, or other mechanisms during microspore or ovule early embryogenic development. Other studies show that SHGD can occur at later developmental stages during extended plant growth in vitro or ex vitro, possibly due to the presence of phytohormones in the medium and/or diploid cell competitive advantage. For unresponsive accessions and species with rare SHGD, such as onion (Allium cepa L.) and beet cultivars (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.), antimitotic agent treatment has to be applied. Antimitotic agent application efficiency depends on the treatment conditions, especially the agent concentration and exposure time. Also, plant developmental stage is critical for agent accessibility and plant survival. The existing methods can be used to further improve genome doubling methodology for major vegetable crops and other species. Full article

Agricultural systems are currently facing significant issues, primarily due to population growth rates in the context of global climate change. Rising temperatures cause plant heat stress and impact crop yield, which in turn compromises global food production and safety. Climate change is also having a significant impact on water availability around the world, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in many regions. The combined effect of both heat and drought stresses increases plant damage, resulting in reduced plant development and productivity loss. Therefore, developing heat–drought-tolerant crop varieties is crucial for enhancing yield under these challenging conditions. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a major vegetable crop highly appreciated for its nutritional qualities, is particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures, which have a significant negative impact on tomato fruit setting and cause male gametophyte abortion. In this work, a classical genetic approach was employed to identify tomato genotypes showing a resilient response to combined heat and drought stress conditions. A phenotype screening of a natural germplasm collection and an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenized population resulted in the identification of a significant number of tomato lines tolerant to combined heat and drought conditions, specifically 161 EMS lines and 24 natural accessions as tolerant. In addition, TILLING and Eco-TILLING analyses were used as proof-of-concept to isolate new genetic variants of genes previously reported as key regulators of abiotic stress responses in different species. The identification of these variants holds the potential to provide suitable plant material for breeding programs focused on enhancing tomato resilience to adverse climate conditions. Full article

Sechium compositum (Cucurbitaceae) is a wild species that is distributed in the Soconusco region, Chiapas, Mexico, and the border with Guatemala. This species has an intangible biochemical value resulting from the pharmacological relevance of its secondary metabolites. However, as a consequence of the lack of knowledge about its importance, it is being displaced from its habitat at an accelerated rate, incurring the risk of genetic loss. Therefore, an in vitro culture protocol with two experimental phases was evaluated to propagate, conserve, and regenerate this species. The first phases considered the shoot propagation, adding seven concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 mg mL⁻¹) of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) and evaluating the number of buds and shoots and the shoot height. The best multiplication response was recorded with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ of BA and 0.1 mg L⁻¹ of TDZ, as well as the MS base culture medium. The validation of the results of the first phase (0.1 mg L⁻¹ of BA) was compared with the MS in an independent experiment against the control (n = 50 repetitions), obtaining a height of 52 mm, 1.36 shoots, and 9.22 buds, suggesting that this concentration is adequate for the purpose, surpassing the MS control (MS culture medium alone). Of the total volume of roots obtained with packed bud structure in the previous experimental sample, it was reduced to 14% (n = 50). The second phase consisted of inducing callus formation from stem and leaf explants through the addition of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L⁻¹ of TDZ and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to the medium. Callus induction in S. compositum was better when using the stem in a medium with 2.0 mg L⁻¹ of 2,4-D with a value of 97.8% around the explant. The addition of 500 mg L⁻¹ of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is also suggested to reduce oxidation. This protocol represents a significant advance in the conservation, multiplication, and callus formation of S. compositum and contributes to its rescue and revaluation in the face of the danger of extinction. Full article