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Horticulturae
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Recent Scientific Developments in the Propagation and Cultivation of Vegetable...
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Recent Scientific Developments in the Propagation and Cultivation of Vegetable Crops

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Vegetable Production Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 2209

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ferdinando Branca

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food and Environment-Di3A, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia n. 5, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: plant physiology; plant growth; conservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Simone Treccarichi

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione ed Ambiente (Di3A), University of Catania (UNICT), Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: agriculture; horticultural science; sustainable development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the latest advancements in the propagation and cultivation of Brassica crops, with a particular emphasis on innovative, low-input strategies. Modern agricultural practices increasingly prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency. To achieve this purpose, researchers have been exploring novel techniques such as the application of biostimulants and elicitors. Biostimulants, derived from natural substances, enhance plant growth and resilience by improving nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Elicitors, on the other hand, trigger the plant's innate defense mechanisms, thereby bolstering resistance to pests and diseases. These methods not only optimize crop yield and quality but also reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, paving the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly Brassica cultivation.

Dr. Ferdinando Branca
Dr. Simone Treccarichi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • brassica propagation
  • novel cultivation methods
  • organic farming
  • cole crops
  • sustainable development
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • Brassica oleracea
  • Brassica napus

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 10890 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Microbial and Amino Acid Treatments for Organic Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenk) Seed Production
by Gresheen Garcia, Simone Treccarichi, Riccardo Calì, Donata Arena, Alessandro Tribulato and Ferdinando Branca
Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030253 - 26 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 730
Abstract
The availability and quality of organic seeds are critical challenges for organic farming, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) being crucial for improving productivity. This study, part of the H2020 BRESOV project, assessed the effects of three nutritional protocols (NPs) on eight broccoli genotypes [...] Read more.
The availability and quality of organic seeds are critical challenges for organic farming, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) being crucial for improving productivity. This study, part of the H2020 BRESOV project, assessed the effects of three nutritional protocols (NPs) on eight broccoli genotypes (GEs), comprising two commercial F1 hybrids and six Sicilian landraces. The tested NPs included formulations containing Trichoderma species, organic nitrogen, and essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, carbon, boron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. This trial was conducted on an organic farm in Adrano (CT). Plants were evaluated for key traits related to growth, development, and seed production. NUE was analyzed to measure the efficiency of nitrogen conversion from soil into seed production. Significant interactions between NPs and GEs were observed for all seed yield components and most morphometric traits, except for secondary branches and root width, varying significantly only among the tested genotypes. The Sicilian landraces Broccolo nero and Sparaceddi showed the highest seed yield, overcoming the productive performances of the commercial hybrids F1 Marathon and Gentleman. Broccolo nero, grown using amino acid microbial consortia applied solely via fertigation (NP1), exhibited the highest NUE, indicating a positive nitrogen balance relative to seed yield and soil nitrogen content. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters based on the analyzed bio-morphometric traits and on the effect of the treatment. The Broccolo nero and Sparaceddi genotypes formed two distinct groups, clearly differentiated by their unique morphological traits related to plant biomass and seed production. Additionally, both genotypes exhibited distinct responses to the applied nutrition protocols, with positive results compared to the control condition. These results underscore the potential of the broccoli landraces for organic farming and breeding due to their adaptability, resilience, and superior NUE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Scientific Developments in the Propagation and Cultivation of Vegetable Crops)
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16 pages, 31222 KiB  
Article
Early Stages of Bacterial Colonization Development After Xanthomonas campestris Seed Inoculation in Selected Brassica Species
by Vojtěch Ferby, Lucia Nedorost Ragasová, Jakub Pečenka, Agnieszka Sękara and Robert Pokluda
Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121307 - 9 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1001
Abstract
This study investigates Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) incidence rates in cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi, focusing on the roots and stems over a 15-day period after sowing. Seeds were inoculated with Xcc, and infection levels were monitored using confocal microscopy combined with fluorescence [...] Read more.
This study investigates Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) incidence rates in cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi, focusing on the roots and stems over a 15-day period after sowing. Seeds were inoculated with Xcc, and infection levels were monitored using confocal microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Significant differences in incidence rates were observed across the 15 days using a scale from 0 to 5 (0–100% incidence). Kale exhibited the highest mean incidence rates in roots (3.64), while cabbage and kohlrabi showed greater variability (3.4–3.44). Stem infections were more severe, with kale showing the highest mean levels (4.16), followed by kohlrabi (4.0), and cabbage (3.68). In cabbage roots, incidence rates increased until day 11, after which a significant decline was noted, whereas stem Xcc incidence rates remained stable. Kale roots peaked on day 9, with significant fluctuations on days 13 and 15. Kohlrabi displayed moderate, stable root incidence rates over the 15-day period. In stems, kohlrabi showed a significant increase on day 11, followed by a drop on day 15. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive linear correlation between incidence rate and days of observation in kohlrabi roots. However, no significant trends were observed in stem infections across all species, where incidence rates were high and stable from day 7 onwards. Newly acquired data indicate that the incidence rate of Xcc development depends on the type of vegetable. However, the bacterial occurrence in the root parts does not always correspond with the intensity of Xcc colonization in the stem section of the plants. Even at lower levels of Xcc occurrence in the roots, damage to the vascular bundles can be fatal. These findings offer valuable insights into Xcc infection dynamics, contributing to improved disease management strategies for Brassica crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Scientific Developments in the Propagation and Cultivation of Vegetable Crops)
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