Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 14935

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College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, 3# Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, China
Interests: vegetable cultivation; physiology and ecology; cropping system; cucumber; tomato; garlic
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Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: ecophysiology; phenology; seed priming methods; abiotic stress; plant physiology
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: plant physiology; plant environmental stress physiology; bioclimatology; agrometeorology
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Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: plant production; conservation agriculture; sustainable soil management; weed agroecology; cropping system ecology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For this Special Issue, we invite studies regarding biotic and abiotic factors that could affect horticultural plant growth and development and further productivity. We welcome scientific articles and review articles on all aspects connected with plant physiology and the biochemistry of horticultural plants, natural resource improvement, and improving plants health and plant products. High-value vegetables and fruits are the result of different interacting factors. Key phenological growth stages are also of great interest when applying a technology, method, or innovation treatment to enhance yields and achieve “no hunger” sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). Maximizing yields while lowering the negative effects of ecophysiological stress by optimized plant responses is valuble when considering environmental factors such as temperature, light, or water availability. Applying strategies to different zones based on the communities’ preferences should be prioritized for horticultural farms, urban horticulture performance, and for greenhouses sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Zhihui Cheng
Dr. Valentina Ancuța Stoian
Prof. Dr. Sorin Daniel Vatca
Dr. Bojana Brozović
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • climate change adaptation
  • climate change effects
  • agroclimatology
  • BBCH scale
  • phenological growth stages
  • physiological parameters
  • ecophysiological stress
  • stress response
  • horticultural plant yields
  • healthy plants
  • biotic and abiotic factors
  • biochemical parameters
  • crops–soil–microorganism interactions
  • growth-enhancement techniques
  • sustainable horticultural plant production
  • SDGs correlated potential

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 8405 KB  
Article
Glucose as a Signaling Cue Reprograms Carbon–Nitrogen–Sulfur Metabolism in Cherry Rootstock Roots
by Fangdong Li, Yanju Li, Wenxian Gai, Fan Yang, Sijun Qin, Wensheng Gao, Yuxia Wang and Xu Zhang
Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040404 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 445
Abstract
Exogenous glucose functions not only as a carbon source but also as a key signaling molecule involved in regulating root development and metabolism in plants. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this response in cherry rootstock (Prunus cerasus), we performed RNA-seq [...] Read more.
Exogenous glucose functions not only as a carbon source but also as a key signaling molecule involved in regulating root development and metabolism in plants. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this response in cherry rootstock (Prunus cerasus), we performed RNA-seq on lateral roots collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after glucose treatment. Transcriptome profiling revealed a dynamic and sustained transcriptional reprogramming, with a total of 461 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) consistently altered across all post-treatment time points relative to the control (T0). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified five modules strongly correlated with glucose exposure, notably enriched for genes involved in nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur metabolism. Functional enrichment analyses further revealed a pronounced overrepresentation of pathways associated with nutrient utilization, as well as carbon fixation, glycolysis, amino acid biosynthesis, and stress-responsive processes such as glutathione metabolism and MAPK signaling. Intriguingly, key transcription factors and signaling components were consistently co-enriched across multiple functional categories, suggesting the presence of a tightly coordinated regulatory network that links sugar sensing to metabolic reprogramming, redox homeostasis, and developmental plasticity. Notably, glucose treatment induced both activation and repression of nitrogen-related genes in distinct co-expression modules, indicating fine-tuned modulation of nutrient uptake in response to carbon availability. Together, these findings suggest that exogenous glucose triggers a systems-level shift in root physiology, coordinating primary metabolism with stress adaptation and growth regulation through tightly interconnected carbon–nitrogen–sulfur metabolic circuits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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28 pages, 5589 KB  
Article
Ecophysiological Assessment of Sweet Potato Flowering and Tuber Development for Yield Optimization and Climate-Adaptive Cultivation in Romania
by Valentina Ancuța Stoian, Adina Eliza Croitoru, Csaba Horvath, Alina Nicoleta Paraschiv, Aurelia Diaconu, Florina Copaciu, Vlad Stoian and Sorin Daniel Vâtcă
Horticulturae 2026, 12(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12010115 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 628
Abstract
In the current climate change context and the potential to extend exotic crops in Romania, sweet potato could become an option for extensive areas with optimum ecophysiological conditions to provide economic and ecological benefits and assure food security. This study aimed to validate [...] Read more.
In the current climate change context and the potential to extend exotic crops in Romania, sweet potato could become an option for extensive areas with optimum ecophysiological conditions to provide economic and ecological benefits and assure food security. This study aimed to validate the suitability, photosynthetic performance, yield productivity, and sugar content of three sweet potato cultivars, KSC, Koretta, and Hayanmi, in Central Romania. Three key phenophases were selected: the beginning of flowering (P1), 50% tuber formation/full flowering (P2), and total tuber formation/leaves and stems bleached and dry (P3), respectively. At the beginning of flowering, extreme heat and moisture stress showed a reduced effect on the sweet potato development and photosynthetic parameters. The only exception was the assimilation rate for Hayanmi, which was markedly lower, with the highest relative chlorophyll content and leaf dry biomass. Koretta registered increased values for stomatal features. A higher tuber weight was registered for Hayanmi in P2 due to slightly increased rainfall and elevated evapotranspiration. In P3, the temperatures dropped sharply, rainfall exceeded evapotranspiration, and KSC accumulated a seven times higher value for tuber weight. The total biomass was 2–3 times higher for KSC in P3. Sugar content was negatively correlated with tuber weight, and Hayanmi had 1% higher values compared with KSC and Koretta. Sweet potato showed a variety-specific response to ecophysiological conditions, and for each variety, these physiological features suggest potential advantages for different cropping scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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17 pages, 2380 KB  
Article
Photosynthetic Performance and Physiological Assessment of Young Citrus limon L. Trees Grown After Seed Priming
by Valentina Ancuța Stoian, Ștefania Gâdea, Florina Copaciu, Anamaria Vâtcă, Vlad Stoian, Melinda Horvat, Alina Toșa and Sorin Daniel Vâtcă
Horticulturae 2026, 12(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12010099 - 17 Jan 2026
Viewed by 543
Abstract
In the current context of climate change, special attention should be paid to assuring the security of food and fruits. Lemon trees struggle to keep their physiological traits stable in the context of all the cumulated challenges originating from climate stress. Therefore, our [...] Read more.
In the current context of climate change, special attention should be paid to assuring the security of food and fruits. Lemon trees struggle to keep their physiological traits stable in the context of all the cumulated challenges originating from climate stress. Therefore, our aim was to assess two seed priming methods’ long-term effects on some physiological parameters of young lemon trees. The relative chlorophyll content reveals that hydropriming shows 26% increases from E1 to E6, similar to the control, while osmopriming has a 31% higher value at the beginning and after three years. Leaf stomatal density has 80% lower values due to osmopriming compared to the control, while hydropriming show 15% lower values. Leaf area development was slightly similar between treatments, with more leaves being developed after hydropriming treatments. Guard cell width has similar values for priming, with both being with 40% higher than that of the control. Lemon trees grown after osmotic stress have the highest mass percentages of magnesium and potassium in the leaves. Hydropriming promotes calcium oxalate accumulation and a high mass percentage of phosphorus. The percentage allocation of carbon as dry matter is 32% for osmopriming, significantly higher than for the other treatments. The quantum yield of photosynthetic electron transport is the only significant photosynthetic parameter for osmoprimed lemon young trees. Physiological techniques successfully enhanced the overall growth of three-year-old lemon trees, especially osmopriming treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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13 pages, 961 KB  
Article
Biomass Production and Volatile Oil Accumulation of Ocimum Species Subjected to Drought Stress
by Sintayehu Musie Mulugeta, Amare Tesfaw Hunegnaw, Katalin Hári and Péter Radácsi
Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101266 - 20 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1083
Abstract
Ocimum, commonly known as basil, is a group of aromatic plants extensively cultivated for their aromatic leaves, flavorful seeds, and essential oils, finding applications in food and herbal medicine. Drought stress is a crucial environmental factor that has a considerable impact on [...] Read more.
Ocimum, commonly known as basil, is a group of aromatic plants extensively cultivated for their aromatic leaves, flavorful seeds, and essential oils, finding applications in food and herbal medicine. Drought stress is a crucial environmental factor that has a considerable impact on basil growth and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. This study aims to evaluate how drought stress affects biomass production and volatile oil accumulation in selected Ocimum species over two consecutive years in an open-field cultivation setting. Five distinct basil genotypes, O. basilicum L. ‘Ohře,’ O. basilicum L. ‘Genovese,’ O. × africanum Lour., O. americanum L., and O. sanctum L., were evaluated under two levels of water supply, with one group receiving irrigation as a control and the other exposed to non-irrigated conditions to induce drought stress. Consistent negative impacts of drought stress on biomass production were observed in both years. The reduction in fresh herb yield varied from 16.5 g plant−1 (10.3%) for O. sanctum to 118 g plant−1 (41.7%) for O. basilicum ‘Ohre.’ Across the study years, drought stress slightly increased the essential oil content of O. × africanum and O. basilicum ‘Genovese’ by 9.8% and 26%, respectively. The essential oil composition varied considerably among the different Ocimum species and cultivars. Cultivars Ohře and Genovese had linalool as a major component, exceeding 40%. O. americanum was rich in citral compounds—neral and geranial—accounting for 26–37%, which contribute to its strong lemon-like fragrance. The hybrid O. × africanum contained high proportions of 1,8-cineole (32–38%) and limonene (14–16%), while O. sanctum was characterized by its elevated levels of eugenol (36.4–50.3%) and β-caryophyllene (26.4–38.5%). The influence of water availability on essential oil content and composition was inconsistent across species. Similarly, variations were observed in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) depending on both species and growing year. Notably, the highest TPC (341.4 mg GAE g−1 DM) and AOC (122.9 mg AAE g−1 DM) were recorded for O. sanctum grown under drought stress during the first experimental year. In conclusion, it is recommended to irrigate the studied basil species at least twice a week under open-field conditions to minimize the negative effects of drought stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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15 pages, 2520 KB  
Article
Cloning and Functional Analysis of Flavonol Synthase Gene ZjFLS from Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)
by Xiaofang Xue, Ailing Zhao, Le Fu, Yongkang Wang, Haiyan Ren, Wanlong Su, Meijuan Shi, Li Liu, Yi Li and Dengke Li
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070729 - 23 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 943
Abstract
Flavonoids are an important type of bioactive substance contained in jujubes. Flavonol synthase (FLS) is a key enzyme for the synthesis of flavonoids such as flavonols and anthocyanins. To study the biological functions of FLS in jujubes, we cloned the ZjFLS gene; analyzed [...] Read more.
Flavonoids are an important type of bioactive substance contained in jujubes. Flavonol synthase (FLS) is a key enzyme for the synthesis of flavonoids such as flavonols and anthocyanins. To study the biological functions of FLS in jujubes, we cloned the ZjFLS gene; analyzed its physicochemical properties and evolutionary relationships; and then conducted an expression characteristic analysis, subcellular localization, prokaryotic expression and heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana. The results showed that the length of ZjFLS is 951 bp, and it encodes 316 amino acids. A sequence analysis revealed that ZjFLS exhibited a high degree of conservation in evolution. The results of a qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the ZjFLS gene could be expressed in different tissues of jujube: the expression level was the highest in the leaves, followed by the flowers, and the lowest was in the fruits. Within these expression levels, it was higher in young leaves than in mature leaves and higher in the white-ripe-stage fruits than in the semi-red-stage fruits. Subcellular localization indicated that the ZjFLS gene was located in the nucleus, cytoplasmic matrix, and cytoplasmic membrane. Our research findings show that the ZjFLS protein can be induced and obtained in the prokaryotic expression system and successfully purified. It mainly exists in the form of inclusion bodies and has a relatively low content in the soluble supernatant. The total flavonoid content of Arabidopsis thaliana strains with a heterologous overexpression of the ZjFLS gene was significantly higher than that of the wild type, confirming that the ZjFLS gene can promote the biosynthesis of flavonoid substances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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16 pages, 5239 KB  
Article
Hyperhydricity-Induced Physiological Changes and Catechin Accumulation in Blueberry Hybrids (Vaccinium corymbosum × V. angustifolium)
by Rajesh Barua, Sayani Kundu, Abir U. Igamberdiev and Samir C. Debnath
Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040418 - 14 Apr 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1555
Abstract
Hyperhydricity is a significant challenge in the tissue culture of blueberry plantlets, affecting their propagation, survival and quality, which results in economic losses for industrial blueberry micropropagation. The in vitro liquid propagation of two half-highbush blueberry hybrids, HB1 and HB2, [...] Read more.
Hyperhydricity is a significant challenge in the tissue culture of blueberry plantlets, affecting their propagation, survival and quality, which results in economic losses for industrial blueberry micropropagation. The in vitro liquid propagation of two half-highbush blueberry hybrids, HB1 and HB2, showed that a Growtek stationary bioreactor culture system containing a liquid medium exhibited a higher hyperhydricity percentage than a Sigma glass culture system with a semi-solid medium. The percentage of hyperhydricity (75.21 ± 1.89%) and water content (72%) of HB2 was more than that of HB1. A scanning electron microscopy study revealed that hyperhydric plantlets from both genotypes developed slowly, had closed stomata, and displayed enlarged intercellular spaces between the palisade and spongy parenchyma layers. Disrupted vascular bundles, underdeveloped sieve elements and a weak connection between phloem and xylem tissue were also observed in hyperhydric plantlets. An analysis of mesophyll and stem tissues highlighted a compressed adaxial epidermis, which led to compact palisade parenchyma, with irregularly shaped mesophyll cells. Hyperhydric plants showed strong nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals in the aliphatic, aromatic, and sugar regions, specifically at peaks of 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 4.5, 6.0, and 6.7 ppm. These signals were attributed to the presence of catechin (C15H14O6), a flavonoid compound, suggesting its significant role or accumulation in these plants under hyperhydric conditions. Despite the negative effects of hyperhydricity on commercial propagation, hyperhydric plants were found to contain higher levels of valuable untargeted metabolites, such as β-P-arbutin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, epicatechin, 2-O-caffeoyl arbutin, various fatty acids, β-glucose, linolenic acid, and acetyl than both in vitro and ex vitro conditions. The enrichment of bioactive compounds in blueberry enhances its antioxidant properties, nutritional profile, and potential health benefits, making them significant for plant defense mechanisms and stress adaptation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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16 pages, 3825 KB  
Article
Effects of Humic Acids, Seaweed Extract and Equisetum arvense L. Extracts on Morphological, Histological and Physiological Parameters of the Ornamental Plant Ocimum basilicum Rokokó
by Szilvia Kisvarga, Katalin Horotán, Dóra Hamar-Farkas and László Orlóci
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111231 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2963
Abstract
Ocimum basilicum L. is a multipurpose plant species used in the horticultural sector as a medicinal, herbaceous and ornamental plant. In our experiment, the Hungarian cultivar O. basilicum Rokokó was treated with algae (Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenf.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) [...] Read more.
Ocimum basilicum L. is a multipurpose plant species used in the horticultural sector as a medicinal, herbaceous and ornamental plant. In our experiment, the Hungarian cultivar O. basilicum Rokokó was treated with algae (Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenf.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) extracts and humic extracts. The effect of the biostimulants on the groups was assessed by morphological (leaf number, leaf area, fresh green mass, fresh root mass), histological (number of volatile oil glands) and physiological (chlorophyll content, peroxidase enzyme activity, proline levels) measurements. Obtained results were evaluated and it was concluded that the plants treated with algae and E. arvense extracts showed remarkable results for all the parameters measured. It was concluded that these extracts can be used as biostimulants in the cultivation of basil seedlings as ornamental plants, as they have a beneficial effect on the development of the plant. The humic extracts were less effective during the time period studied, probably due to their high molecular weight, which would have resulted in a longer absorption time. For the humic extracts, foliar application was less effective than irrigation, probably due to rapid damping-off, which reduced the penetration of humic extracts into the leaves. Though morphological characteristics are especially important for basil used as an ornamental plant, the plant’s essential oil content can also be important in attracting attention in urban plantings. It was found that humic extracts applied (22.8 pcs/sampling area) with irrigation had a strong effect on essential oil glands, in contrast when used as a spray (13.1 pcs/sampling area). The lowest stress levels were obtained in the group treated with irrigated humus extracts (274.96 µg/mg), which may be related to the continuous supply of nutrients, and in the group treated with E. arvense extract, silicon (219.05 µg/mg) may be the result of hermetic effects. In conclusion, E. arvense and algae extracts can be effective biostimulants in the horticultural sector for the seedling production of ornamental basil, and after a longer growing period, humic extracts can be used effectively by irrigation after planting. The use of natural extracts can also give a green light to this segment for sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation, which can also better resist the effects of climate change and urbanisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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16 pages, 1989 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Five Asian Lily Cultivars in Chongqing Province China and Effects of Exogenous Substances on the Heat Resistance
by Ningyu Bai, Yangjing Song, Yu Li, Lijun Tan, Jing Li, Lan Luo, Shunzhao Sui and Daofeng Liu
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111216 - 17 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Lily is one of the world’s important ornamental flowers. Potted Asiatic lily is a further selected dwarf cultivar suitable for indoor or garden planting. However, there is a lack of relevant research on the cultivation adaptability of potted Asiatic lilies cultivars in the [...] Read more.
Lily is one of the world’s important ornamental flowers. Potted Asiatic lily is a further selected dwarf cultivar suitable for indoor or garden planting. However, there is a lack of relevant research on the cultivation adaptability of potted Asiatic lilies cultivars in the Chongqing region which in the southwest of China. This study selected five potted Asiatic lily cultivars, and the phenological period, stem and leaf characteristics, and flowering traits were assessed through statistical observation. The Asiatic lily ‘Tiny Ghost’ and ‘Tiny Double You’ are well-suited for both spring and autumn planting in Chongqing, while ‘Sugar Love’ and ‘Curitiba’ are best planted in the spring. The ‘Tiny Diamond’ is more appropriate for autumn planting due to its low tolerance to high temperature. The application of exogenous substances, including calcium chloride (CaCl2), potassium fulvic acid (PFA) and melatonin (MT), can mitigate the detrimental effects of high-temperature stress on ‘Tiny Diamond’ by regulating photosynthesis, antioxidant systems, and osmotic substance content. A comprehensive evaluation using the membership function showed that the effect of exogenous CaCl2 treatment is the best, followed by exogenous PFA treatment. CaCl2 acts as a positive regulator of heat stress tolerance in Asian lilies, with potential applications in Asian lily cultivation. This study provides reference for cultivation and application of Asian lily varieties in Chongqing region, and also laid the foundation for further research on the mechanism of exogenous substances alleviating heat stress in lilies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 3280 KB  
Review
Impacts of the Biostimulant VIUSID® Agro on Growth, Productivity, and Tolerance to Salt Stress in Crops: A Systematic Review
by Kolima Peña-Calzada, Alexander Calero-Hurtado, Jorge Félix Meléndrez-Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Fernández, Oscar Giovanni Gutiérrez-Cádenas, Marcos Tulio García-González, Lourdes Madrigal-Carmona and Alay Jiménez-Medina
Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040407 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3224
Abstract
The global landscape is marked by climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic complexities, and enhancing food production through byproducts has emerged as a powerful strategy to address these challenges. This review aimed to analyze the potential impacts of VIUSID® agro, an amino acid–based growth [...] Read more.
The global landscape is marked by climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic complexities, and enhancing food production through byproducts has emerged as a powerful strategy to address these challenges. This review aimed to analyze the potential impacts of VIUSID® agro, an amino acid–based growth promoter, on plant growth, productivity, and tolerance to salt stress. A quantitative systematic review was conducted utilizing databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The research papers highlighted the positive effects of VIUSID® agro on growth and production, as well as on physiological and biochemical indices related to salt stress across various crops. Furthermore, this biostimulant can be administered in different doses and through various application methods. The review also examined its effects during the ex vitro acclimatization phase and in tissue culture. The results demonstrated enhanced crop growth, increased biomass accumulation, modulation of photosynthesis, improved enzymatic antioxidant defenses, and maintenance of ionic homeostasis, all contributing to superior crop performance. These findings suggest that VIUSID® agro is beneficial for a wide range of crops, with its effectiveness primarily attributed to its rich amino acid composition, which influences and modulates various physiological and biochemical processes within plant cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Horticultural Crop Ecophysiology)
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