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Horticulturae
Special Issues
Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications
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Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 18641

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Simona Fabroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA)—Research Center for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Corso Savoia 190, 95024 Acireale, Italy
Interests: citrus bioactive compounds; recovery of high value compounds from fruit processing wastes; mild food processing; quality of foods; traceability of organic food productions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesco Montemurro

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Via Celso Ulpiani 5, 70125 Bari, Italy
Interests: agronomy; organic farming; composting process, compost application and organic fertilization; sustainable development; crop rotations and cropping systems; agro-ecosystem techniques; nutrient management, efficiency, and balance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luana Bontempo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Traceability Unit, Research and Innovation Center, Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM), Via E. Mach, 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
Interests: food chemistry; isotope ratio mass spectrometry; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; traceability; authentication

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, demand for organic products has grown as consumers consider them to be safer and healthier than conventional ones. Research has been conducted over the years to investigate old and new reliable systems for testing the authenticity of products obtained using organic cultivation methods.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, short communications and review articles on different agronomic practices and techniques (such as fertilization and pest management) that address crop authenticity in organic agriculture.

We welcome research that focuses on the application of approaches to tracking chemical components and/or gene transcript levels derived from the primary and/or secondary metabolism of organic and conventional products. We also accept papers that discuss the isotopic distribution of elements and that highlight the diversity induced by conventional and organic production techniques with the final aim of establishing new tools for organic horticultural crop characterisation and authenticity. The use of spectroscopic techniques and metabolomics is of interest in this Special Issue, as is the application of agronomic practices in organic cropping systems. Finally, we welcome data analysis through chemometrics tools that enable the validation of multivariate implemented approaches.

Dr. Simona Fabroni
Dr. Francesco Montemurro
Dr. Luana Bontempo
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

  • organic horticultural practices and production
  • chemical metabolites
  • gene transcripts
  • isotopic ratios
  • multivariate analysis
  • chemometrics

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2453 KiB  
Article
The Application of Conventional and Organic Fertilizers During Wild Edible Species Cultivation: A Case Study of Purslane and Common Sowthistle
by Efraimia Hajisolomou, Giannis Neofytou, Spyridon A. Petropoulos and Nikolaos Tzortzakis
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111222 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 459
Abstract
The introduction of alternative crops, including wild edible and medicinal plants, in organic cultivation systems presents an attractive approach to producing healthy and high-quality products due to their content in beneficial compounds and increased nutritional value. The current study evaluated the impact of [...] Read more.
The introduction of alternative crops, including wild edible and medicinal plants, in organic cultivation systems presents an attractive approach to producing healthy and high-quality products due to their content in beneficial compounds and increased nutritional value. The current study evaluated the impact of organic and conventional fertilization on the growth, quality, nutrient status and stress response of the two wild edible species, e.g., purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.), under field conditions. The fertilization treatments included the following: a control (NoFert) treatment with no fertilizers added, base dressing with conventional fertilization (CoFert), base dressing with organic fertilization (OrFert), base dressing and side dressing with conventional fertilization (OrFert + SCoFert) and base dressing and side dressing with organic fertilization (CoFert + SCoFert). Organic fertilization was carried out using a commercial vinasse-based organic fertilizer. In both purslane and common sowthistle, the application of organic fertilizers provided comparable or even enhanced plant growth traits, macronutrient content (i.e., P and K for purslane, and N for sowthistle) and quality (i.e., total soluble solids) compared to the application of conventional fertilizers. On the other hand, conventional fertilization with supplementary fertilization positively influenced the plant growth of purslane (i.e., plant height and stems biomass), as well as its physiological parameters (i.e., chlorophylls content), total phenolics content and antioxidant capacity (i.e., DPPH and FRAP). Similarly, conventional fertilization led to increased total phenolics and antioxidants in common sowthistle, while variable effects were observed regarding plant physiology, stress response and antioxidant capacity indices. In conclusion, the use of organic fertilization in both purslane and common sowthistle exhibited a performance similar to that of conventional fertilization, although further optimization of fertilization regimes is needed to improve the quality of the edible products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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10 pages, 607 KiB  
Article
Cu Concentration in Vegetable-Cultivated Soil: Comparison Between Open Fields and Protected Environments in Brazil
by Odair J. Schmitt, Jerônimo L. Andriolo, Tadeu L. Tiecher, Lessandro De Conti, Cledimar R. Lourenzi, Renan Costa Beber Vieira, Douglas R. Kaiser, Carina Marchezan, Aparecida Miranda Corrêa, Isley C. Bicalho Silva, Tatiane Chassot, Mario S. Wolski, Letícia Morsch, Edicarla Trentin, Moreno Toselli, Eleną Baldi, Paulo Ademar Avelar Ferreira and Gustavo Brunetto
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111183 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 529
Abstract
High copper (Cu) concentration in soils used for vegetable production is an agricultural, social and environmental issue. The excess of Cu in soil can cause toxicity in plants, reducing growth and yields. Moreover, Cu can also be absorbed and accumulated in edible organs, [...] Read more.
High copper (Cu) concentration in soils used for vegetable production is an agricultural, social and environmental issue. The excess of Cu in soil can cause toxicity in plants, reducing growth and yields. Moreover, Cu can also be absorbed and accumulated in edible organs, increasing risks for human health. This study aimed to compare Cu fractions in soils: (1) non-cultivated, natural soil (NC), (2) soils cultivated with open field crops (FCs) and (3) soils cultivated in controlled environments (CEs). The survey was carried out on 25 sites in Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil), with each site containing the three types of soils described above. From these sites, the four with the highest soil Cu concentrations were selected to compare soluble (Cu-CaCl2), available (Cu-EDTA) and total (Cu-EPA) Cu. Both total and available soil Cu concentration in soil solution, in CE and FC areas were higher than in NC. At sites 23R1 (Oxisol) and 11R1 (Molisol) the soluble and available Cu content was higher in the FC environment than in CEs, and the same was observed for the total Cu content at sites 23R1 (Oxisol) and 9R1 (Molisol). Some FC soils showed total Cu concentrations higher than the limits established by Brazilian environmental legislation, being, as a consequence, potentially contaminated. Soil monitoring and cropping practices must be adopted to reduce the Cu content in soils of vegetable crops in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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12 pages, 1655 KiB  
Article
Applicability Analysis of Peanut Addition to Button Mushroom Substrate Supplement Formulation
by Cinthia Elen Cardoso Caitano, Wagner Gonçalves Vieira Júnior, Lucas da Silva Alves, Pedro Afonso Gomes Teixeira, Laura Cristina de Paula and Diego Cunha Zied
Horticulturae 2024, 10(10), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10101088 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 679
Abstract
This study evaluated the agronomic response of Agaricus bisporus strains supplemented with various formulations containing soybean meal and peanut grain residue, which has traces of aflatoxins. Six supplement formulations were developed, starting with 100% soybean meal and no peanuts and gradually increasing peanut [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the agronomic response of Agaricus bisporus strains supplemented with various formulations containing soybean meal and peanut grain residue, which has traces of aflatoxins. Six supplement formulations were developed, starting with 100% soybean meal and no peanuts and gradually increasing peanut inclusion by 10% while proportionally reducing soybean meal until reaching a 50% soybean and 50% peanut ratio. The substrate was produced using the traditional method and supplemented at two points: during inoculation and when adding the cover layer. The strains ABI 22/01 and ABI 22/02 were utilized. After the supplementation and incubation periods in a controlled environment (19 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5% humidity), the fungus was cultivated. Three production cycles were conducted, evaluating yield, weight, number of mushrooms, biological efficiency, and precocity. The concentrations of aflatoxins in the supplements and mushrooms were determined, along with the nutritional characterization of the substrate and supplements. The inclusion of up to 30% peanuts in the supplement formulation was beneficial for yield, particularly for ABI 22/01. The formulation with 80% soybean meal and 20% peanuts resulted in a 53% yield increase compared to the control. Traces of aflatoxin were found in the supplement but not in the mushrooms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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13 pages, 1696 KiB  
Article
Effects of Ripening Phase and Cultivar under Sustainable Management on Fruit Quality and Antioxidants of Sweet Cherry
by Iulia Mineață, Otilia Cristina Murariu, Sorina Sîrbu, Alessio Vincenzo Tallarita, Gianluca Caruso and Carmen Doina Jităreanu
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070720 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Sweet cherry grown under sustainable management produces highly valuable fruits, whose quality shows important biochemical and morphological changes during ripening. Research was carried out in Iasi (Romania), with the aim to assess the quality characteristics of the sweet cherry fruits of three cultivars [...] Read more.
Sweet cherry grown under sustainable management produces highly valuable fruits, whose quality shows important biochemical and morphological changes during ripening. Research was carried out in Iasi (Romania), with the aim to assess the quality characteristics of the sweet cherry fruits of three cultivars (Van, Andreiaș, Margonia), grown in an inner or outer position inside the tree crown, at the pre-ripening or full ripeness phase. In 2022, the colour component a* showed higher values in cv. Van and Andreias red fruits and in an inner position, whereas the components L* and b* at the full ripeness phase were highest in cv. Margonia. The dry matter and total soluble solids contents increased from the pre-ripening to the full ripeness phase and were highest in cv. Van sweet cherry fruits; the DM of fruit from the outer part of crown was higher than that of fruit from the inner part at the pre-ripening phase. The content of phenolics was the highest in cv. Margonia fruits at the pre-ripening stage and in cv. Van at the full ripeness phase and higher in the inner tree crown zones. The cultivar Margonia generally showed the highest vitamin C content in both years and development phases. The yellow fruit cv. Margonia mostly showed the highest values of chlorophyll a and b. The fruit’s content of carotene, lycopene, and anthocyanins was generally the highest in the red fruits of cv. Andreias. The examined sweet cherry cultivars showed a high variability in fruit nutritional quality and proved to be a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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19 pages, 2436 KiB  
Article
Mealworm Larvae Frass Exhibits a Plant Biostimulant Effect on Lettuce, Boosting Productivity beyond Just Nutrient Release or Improved Soil Properties
by Meroua Foughar, Margarida Arrobas and Manuel Ângelo Rodrigues
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070711 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
There is a need for alternatives or complements to synthetic fertilizers to enhance agricultural sustainability. Applying organic amendments can play a significant role in this. Insect droppings show high potential, though studies evaluating their agronomic value have only recently begun to emerge. This [...] Read more.
There is a need for alternatives or complements to synthetic fertilizers to enhance agricultural sustainability. Applying organic amendments can play a significant role in this. Insect droppings show high potential, though studies evaluating their agronomic value have only recently begun to emerge. This study compared black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae frass with another organic amendment (Nutrimais) derived from composting forestry, agro-industrial, and domestic waste. The experiment also included ammonium nitrate at two rates [the same as the organic amendments, 50 kg ha−1 nitrogen (N) (FullR), and half that rate (HalfR)] and an unfertilized control. The study spanned two growth cycles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in pots, followed by unfertilized oats (Avena sativa L.) to assess the residual effects of the fertilizing treatments. Mealworm larvae frass mineralized rapidly, with an apparent N recovery of 37.4% over the two lettuce growth cycles, indicating its high availability to soil heterotrophic microorganisms. The average dry matter yield (DMY) of lettuce was the highest among all treatments (12.8 and 9.8 g plant−1 in the first and second lettuce cycles), even compared to the FullR treatment (12.2 and 7.8 g plant−1), though without significant differences. Although mealworm larvae frass exhibited a high mineralization rate, the DMY cannot be attributed solely to N supply, as plants in the FullR treatment showed better N nutritional status. Mealworm larvae frass provided strong evidence of a plant biostimulant effect, not explained by the variables measured in this study. Black soldier fly larvae frass exhibited typical behavior of a moderately reactive organic amendment, while Nutrimais showed low reactivity, with a near-neutral mineralization/immobilization balance. The results suggest mealworm larvae frass is recommended for early maturing vegetable crops, whereas Nutrimais appears more suitable for perennial crops with low short-term nutrient requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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13 pages, 662 KiB  
Article
Organic Agricultural Practice: Crop Load Management Enhancing Quality and Storability of High-Russet Pears
by Marcos Guerra, Flor Álvarez-Taboada, Verónica Marabel, Amanda M. Felices, Álvaro Rodríguez-González and Pedro A. Casquero
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070686 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1208
Abstract
The variability of crop load in Conference pears significantly influences fruit quality and postharvest losses. This study aimed to investigate and implement a novel technique for managing crop load in Conference pear orchards, with a focus on contributing to sustainable orchard management practices. [...] Read more.
The variability of crop load in Conference pears significantly influences fruit quality and postharvest losses. This study aimed to investigate and implement a novel technique for managing crop load in Conference pear orchards, with a focus on contributing to sustainable orchard management practices. High-russet pear cv. Conference fruit was harvested from trees categorized into two groups based on yield efficiency. A two-way ANOVA was used to test the effects of crop load level and year on yield properties and fruit quality parameters. Results demonstrated that low crop loads exerted a positive influence on fruit quality, resulting in increased fresh-market yield, enhanced fruit-mass parameters, and improved firmness and acidity. Additionally, fruit from low crop load levels exhibited a heightened level of characteristic skin russeting, a desirable attribute that enhances product appeal, compared to fruit from high crop load levels. Thus, crop load management in Conference pear orchards emerged as an effective preharvest organic strategy for mitigating postharvest quality losses during storage, thereby promoting overall orchard sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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10 pages, 1378 KiB  
Article
An Updated Isotopic Database of Fertilizers Used in Intensive Organic Farming: A Case Study on Protein Hydrolyzed Derivatives and Chelated Nutrients
by José Manuel Muñoz-Redondo, Francisco Julián Cuevas, José Carlos Montenegro, José Luis Ordóñez-Díaz and José Manuel Moreno-Rojas
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050523 - 18 May 2024
Viewed by 922
Abstract
The global demand for organic food products has rapidly increased over the last years, becoming an emerging niche market targeting the high-income segment. The higher retailing price for organic food products may increase the risk of fraudulent practices at the different stages of [...] Read more.
The global demand for organic food products has rapidly increased over the last years, becoming an emerging niche market targeting the high-income segment. The higher retailing price for organic food products may increase the risk of fraudulent practices at the different stages of the food supply chain, and consequently, substantial control is needed. Currently, the authentication of organic food products, such as those of plant origin, remains a key challenge in analytical chemistry. While stable isotopes have emerged as a powerful tool for this purpose, most studies have focused on crops, missing the agricultural inputs used for fertilization that influence the isotopic values of the crops. In this study, we aimed to isotopically characterize commonly used fertilizers, soil conditioners, and micronutrient fertilizers in intensive organic agriculture in the largest organic production region in the world (Almería, Spain). Our goal was to clarify the limitations that nitrogen isotopic fingerprinting presents for the fertilizer input industry and to characterize the organic inputs. The conventional fertilizers analyzed in this study showed low δ15N values compared to their organic counterparts, except for some plant-based fertilizers, protein hydrolyzed fertilizers, and chelated nutrients. Both protein hydrolyzed fertilizers and micronutrient fertilizers presented a wide range of variability in their δ15N values, including some very low or even negative values, more similar to those of conventional fertilizers. The results of this study highlight the challenges of authenticating organic foods in agriculture when using nitrogen isotope analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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19 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Biological Control of Pseudomonas syringae in Tomato Using Filtrates and Extracts Produced by Alternaria leptinellae
by Carlos García-Latorre, Sara Rodrigo and Oscar Santamaria
Horticulturae 2024, 10(4), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10040334 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1355
Abstract
Endophytic fungi offer promising alternatives for sustainable plant disease management strategies, often through the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. This study investigated the biocontrol potential of filtrates and extracts, produced under controlled conditions, from Alternaria leptinellae E138 against Pseudomonas syringae in tomato plants [...] Read more.
Endophytic fungi offer promising alternatives for sustainable plant disease management strategies, often through the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. This study investigated the biocontrol potential of filtrates and extracts, produced under controlled conditions, from Alternaria leptinellae E138 against Pseudomonas syringae in tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. To understand the main mechanisms involved in biocontrol, the direct inhibition of bacterial growth and disruption of quorum sensing activity caused by metabolites were studied in vitro, as well as indirect mechanisms, such as their capacity to produce phytohormone-like substances, nutrient mobilization, and antioxidant activity, which can enhance plant growth and fitness. Moreover, a mass spectrometry analysis was used to tentatively identify the secondary metabolites present in the extract with antimicrobial properties, which could explain the biocontrol effects observed. Mycopriming assays, involving the direct treatment of tomato seeds with the fungal A. leptinellae E138 extracts, produced increased germination rates and seedling vigor in tomato seeds. As another treatment, postemergence application of the extracts in greenhouse conditions significantly improved plant health and resulted in a 41% decrease in disease severity. Overall, this study underscores the potential of A. leptinellae E138 extract as a plant growth promoter with biocontrol capabilities, offering promising avenues for sustainable plant disease management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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7 pages, 511 KiB  
Communication
Innovative Tools for the Nitrogen Fertilization Traceability of Organic Farming Products
by Simona Fabroni, Luana Bontempo, Gabriele Campanelli, Stefano Canali and Francesco Montemurro
Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060723 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1703
Abstract
In the last decades, consumers have become increasingly interested in organic products, and they strongly demand reliability in the traceability of the organic products they buy and eat. Several research methods have been developed in the last decades to study inexperienced and reliable [...] Read more.
In the last decades, consumers have become increasingly interested in organic products, and they strongly demand reliability in the traceability of the organic products they buy and eat. Several research methods have been developed in the last decades to study inexperienced and reliable systems and to assess the authenticity of products obtained using organic cultivation practices. The monitoring of some chemical compounds, originating from primary and/or secondary metabolism, in horticultural organic and conventional products has shown the diversity generated using the two production approaches. The difference in fertilization practices has been also shown to have an effect on the isotopic distribution of some elements, with particular reference to nitrogen. An integrated system is proposed to evaluate the validity of organic goods using collected isotopic data and other chemical and biological parameters. This approach is intended to be coupled to the application of chemometric multivariate analysis on quality and nutraceutical parameters combined with isotopic data. Indeed, this will give the opportunity to discriminate organic from conventional products based on different isotopic signatures, due to the different nitrogenous sources, combined with the qualitative profile of the crops, which are significantly affected by the different agronomic treatments. The main perspectives of the presented integrated approach, based on the combined use of chemometric and analytical tools, are linked to the feasibility of applying a reliable system for traceability. This will authenticate productions obtained using organic fertilizers (organic agriculture) with respect to those obtained with the use of synthetic fertilizers (conventional agriculture), protect and valorize virtuous farmers and support political stakeholders and decision-makers to counteract food fraud. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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20 pages, 1718 KiB  
Article
Effects of Organic and Conventional Cultivation on Composition and Characterization of Two Citrus Varieties ‘Navelina’ Orange and ‘Clemenules’ Mandarin Fruits in a Long-Term Study
by Alfons Domínguez-Gento, Rosita Di Giorgi, María Dolores García-Martínez and María Dolores Raigón
Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060721 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2361
Abstract
A transition towards an organic food system is taking place around the world. This process is favored by growing consumer demand, who associate organic crops with being healthier, tastier, and safer for the environment than conventional crops. Citrus is one of the most [...] Read more.
A transition towards an organic food system is taking place around the world. This process is favored by growing consumer demand, who associate organic crops with being healthier, tastier, and safer for the environment than conventional crops. Citrus is one of the most widely produced crops worldwide and has important socio-economic and cultural significance in the Mediterranean area. The aim of this work is twofold; on the one hand, it reveals the variability of a set of physical–chemical and nutritional quality parameters of two citrus fruit varieties, ‘Navelina’ oranges and ‘Clemenules’ mandarins, from organic and conventional production in a long-term study. On the other hand, taking advantage of the large number of results, a model is proposed that allows the successful differentiation of citrus fruits from organic and conventional production and a tool that allows predicting the production system of citrus fruits. The results suggest that organically produced citrus fruits do not generate differences in terms of external aspects, providing fruits that are acceptable to the market. Organic production techniques influenced the lower peel content and higher pulp and juice content in ‘Navelina’ orange and ‘Clemenules’ mandarin fruits and led to a greater ability to synthesize vitamin C in the juice, more essential oils in the skin, and higher seed numbers, although in all cases, the fruits can be classified as having low seed numbers. Two discriminating equations were obtained that use easy-to-measure parameters to successfully classify organic citrus fruits. The classification and prediction models obtained constitute useful tools to help in the control of the purity/authenticity of organic citrus fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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16 pages, 2462 KiB  
Article
A Novel Approach for Organic Strawberry Cultivation: Vermicompost-Based Fertilization and Microbial Complementary Nutrition
by Neslihan Kilic, Hayriye Yildiz Dasgan and Nazim S. Gruda
Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060642 - 30 May 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2861
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of vermicompost fertilization with complementary microbial nutrition on the plant growth, yield, and fruit quality of the organically grown strawberry “Monterey” cultivar. Along with vermicompost, five different microbial fertilizers containing plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of vermicompost fertilization with complementary microbial nutrition on the plant growth, yield, and fruit quality of the organically grown strawberry “Monterey” cultivar. Along with vermicompost, five different microbial fertilizers containing plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were used as complementary nutrition. Here, we examined plant growth parameters, strawberry yield, fruit weight, pH, total soluble solids, and acidity in fruit and leaf mineral nutrient concentrations. Vermicompost-based fertilization with PGPR and AMF improved plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. The highest total yield (216.75 g per plant−1) and heaviest fruits with an average of 18.11 g were obtained from the vermicompost-based fertilization with PGPR containing complementary fertilization. This included Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma konigii. This treatment also resulted in the best ratio of total soluble solids to acidity (18.74), pH (3.95), and mineral nutrient concentrations in leaves. The novel approach with vermicompost-based fertilization and complementary microbial nutrition improves organic strawberries’ growth, yield, and fruit quality. These results are promising for enhancing organic strawberry production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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Review

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27 pages, 882 KiB  
Review
Crop Nutrition and Soil Fertility Management in Organic Potato Production Systems
by Anita Ierna and Miriam Distefano
Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080886 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2839
Abstract
Organic farming is a comprehensive production management system that fosters and improves the health of agroecosystems, encompassing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a crucial crop in organic farming systems, standing out as one of [...] Read more.
Organic farming is a comprehensive production management system that fosters and improves the health of agroecosystems, encompassing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a crucial crop in organic farming systems, standing out as one of the most highly demanded organic products on the market. Among all crops, with potatoes, there is a very large yield gap between organic and conventional systems, attributable mainly to its intensive nutrient demands. The present review, considering the most relevant scientific literature worldwide, discusses the contemporary state of knowledge on crop nutrition and soil fertility management in organic potato crop production, analyzing the effects of animal manures, green manures, organic amendments, and biostimulants on organic potato tuber yield and quality. Overall, the main findings show a particular combination is needed to effectively maintain good soil fertility, satisfy the nutritional needs of the crop, and overcome the difference in potato yield between organic and conventional farming methods while meeting consumer demand. This combination entails using an animal manure or leguminous green manure with an organic soil amendment, and even better with a biofertilizer, such as a mycorrhizae-fungus-based one. It also emerged that more targeted studies are needed to select appropriate cultivars for organic potato farming systems to optimize this environmentally friendly production method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
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