Search Results (256)

Crop yield responses to reduced solar radiation are central to the design of agrivoltaic systems, yet crop-specific patterns and critical shading thresholds remain insufficiently characterized across diverse environments. This study evaluates yield responses across a global dataset of 546 observations from 66 studies, including agrivoltaic, shading, and agroforestry systems. Relative yield was analyzed in relation to reduction in solar radiation (RSR), crop type, and environmental variables using exploratory analysis, multiple linear regression, and tree-based ensemble models. Crop responses varied systematically across crop types. Fruits, berries, and fruity vegetables maintained or increased yield under lower shading levels, while forages, leafy vegetables, cereals, and tubers showed gradual declines, and maize and grain legumes exhibited the strongest sensitivity. Across models, yield responses were non-linear, with relatively stable yields at lower shading levels followed by accelerated declines beyond approximately 50–60% RSR. Climatic conditions further influenced these patterns, with crops in higher-radiation and warmer environments maintaining yields more effectively under partial shade. These findings demonstrate that crop yield responses depend on crop type, shading intensity, and environmental context, providing an agronomic basis for crop selection and agrivoltaic system design. Full article

Hot water treatment (HWT) is a promising non-chemical method for controlling pests and pathogens in horticultural crops, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainable and residue-free production systems. This study evaluated the effects of various HWT protocols on plant vigour, yield, and fruit weight in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) under protected cultivation in Switzerland. Strawberry tray plants were treated at 18–20 °C (ambient), 37 °C, or 47 °C for 10 min prior to planting. Raspberry canes were treated at 18–20 °C, 40 °C, or 45 °C for either 10 or 60 min. In strawberries, no significant differences were observed in the number of flowering stems, flowers, yield per plant, and fruit weight. However, a trend towards lower yields and higher fruit weights has been observed at higher treatment temperatures, particularly 47 °C. In raspberries, bud break was negatively affected by higher temperatures, while leaf area, cumulative yield, and fruit weight remained unchanged across treatments. These results suggest that HWT can be integrated into berry production with minimal impact on plant performance, provided treatment parameters are carefully optimized. Further research is needed to evaluate pest control efficacy under real infestation conditions and to refine protocols for different cultivars and developmental stages. Full article

To clarify the genetic background and biological characteristics of grape germplasm resources and provide theoretical support for germplasm innovation and new-variety breeding, we conducted systematic morphological identification and SSR molecular-marker analysis on 38 core grape germplasms (29 fresh-eating cultivars, 1 local cultivar, and 8 wild germplasms) from the National Southeast Mountainous Crop Germplasm Repository (Jiangxi·Yichun) and other regions. For morphological identification, 14 quantitative traits and 5 descriptive traits of leaves, floral organs and fruits were determined in strict accordance with the NY/T 2932-2016 Descriptors for Grape Germplasm Resources. For SSR molecular-marker analysis, eight pairs of internationally universal core primers were used for PCR amplification and fluorescence detection referring to the NY/T 3640-2020 Identification of Grape Cultivars Using SSR Markers, and genetic diversity analysis was conducted on 11 local and wild grape germplasms. The results revealed abundant phenotypic diversity among the tested germplasms: the functional leaves of cultivars were predominantly pentagonal and cuneate, while those of wild germplasms were mostly reniform and cordate, with 3–5 lobes for most germplasms; all germplasms were hermaphroditic, except for two wild accessions with unisexual flowers. Significant variations were observed in fruit traits, with the coefficient of variation (CV) of cluster weight and berry weight reaching 67.64% and 50.53%, respectively. The genetic plasticity of weight-related traits was much higher than that of shape- and length-related traits, and the average Shannon–Wiener index (H′) of 19 morphological traits was 3.47, indicating a high level of overall phenotypic diversity. SSR analysis showed that the eight primer pairs amplified a total of 42 genotypes (5.25 per primer pair on average). The population had a mean observed number of alleles (Na) of 5.28, a mean effective number of alleles (Ne) of 7.25, and a mean polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.74, demonstrating rich genetic diversity and high polymorphism of the tested loci. Cluster analysis divided the 11 local germplasms into four groups, which clearly reflected the genetic relationships among them, and genetic admixture was found in some germplasms due to unclear introduction traceability. In this study, fresh-eating grape cultivars suitable for the climatic conditions of Jiangxi Province were screened, the utilization value of local germplasm resources was clarified, and a two-dimensional evaluation system based on phenotypic traits and SSR molecular markers was constructed. The findings provide basic data and a scientific basis for the precise evaluation, elite gene mining, and new-variety breeding of grape germplasm resources in Jiangxi Province. Full article

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is an economically important fruit crop cultivated worldwide. However, its production and fruit quality are severely constrained by powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) and Botrytis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea) diseases. Increasing concerns regarding chemical fungicide resistance and environmental sustainability highlight the urgent need to develop alternative and more sustainable disease management strategies. This study assessed the field efficacy of Pseudomonas protegens-based formulations (TANIRI^® WP at 1 g·L⁻¹ and MaxGrowth at 1 mL·L⁻¹) within an integrated disease management program in cv. Chardonnay. Defense-related gene expression analysis revealed that biological treatments predominantly up-regulated pr1, pr2, and pr10 in both leaves and berries. In contrast, the chemical inducer acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) triggered earlier but less consistent induction of pr1 and pr2, alongside transient activation of pal and lox9. Repeated field applications of P. protegens formulations moderately reduced the severity of Botrytis bunch rot (20.89%) and powdery mildew (6.14%), though control levels remained below conventional sulfur/Bacillus subtilis-based treatments (30.04% and 13.56%, respectively). Overall, these findings suggest that biological inducers could complement conventional management practices for grapevine health. In particular, P. protegens may act mainly by systemically inducing host defense responses and partially suppressing pathogen development under field conditions. Full article

The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the primary pest of coffee crops worldwide. Sustainable management strategies increasingly rely on the integration of biological control and interventions activated by population thresholds. In this work, a comparative framework based on dynamical systems is presented, integrating three complementary mathematical models to analyze different management strategies for the coffee berry borer. First, a biologically structured three-dimensional model describes the interaction between adult and immature borers and predatory ants. Second, a two-dimensional formulation allows the maximum per capita consumption rate of the predator to be studied as a bifurcation parameter, identifying critical parameter values that delimit regions of coexistence or effective pest control. Finally, a piecewise-smooth dynamical system incorporates ethological control activated when infestation exceeds a predefined threshold, whose effectiveness depends on the capture intensity associated with the traps. Using stability theory, bifurcation analysis, and techniques from piecewise-smooth dynamical systems, parametric regions associated with persistence, coexistence, or significant pest reduction are characterized. The results show that biological control alone may be insufficient if a predation threshold is not exceeded, whereas its combination with early threshold-based interventions considerably enlarges the dynamical regions favorable to producers. This study provides a dynamical interpretation of the agricultural concept of intervention threshold and offers a quantitative framework to strengthen integrated management and the sustainability of coffee production. Full article

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is an important fruit crop, but its production is severely threatened by ripe rot, a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. However, V. pseudoreticulata ‘Dongan-1’ has been reported to have significant resistance to ripe rot. To investigate the molecular basis of this resistance, we employed RNA-Seq to profile transcriptome changes in the leaves and berry skins of ‘Dongan-1’ following infection. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly linked to stress response, cellular processes, and metabolic processes. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that DEGs in both tissues were predominantly enriched in the plant MAPK signaling pathway, peroxisome pathway, plant–pathogen interaction pathway, and plant hormone signal transduction pathway. Notably, VpCML41 was identified as a highly induced gene. Functional characterization through heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana and transient expression in ‘Thompson Seedless’ grape leaves demonstrated that VpCML41 enhances resistance to C. gloeosporioides. This enhanced resistance involves the coordinated regulation of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling cascades. Our findings provide valuable genetic resources for understanding ripe rot resistance and offer a foundation for developing resistant grape varieties. Full article

Grapes are among the most widely cultivated fruit crops globally, yet their growth and yield are severely compromised by Colletotrichum viniferum, which causes a devastating disease that affects grape berries. The wall-associated kinase (WAK) gene family, a unique subfamily of receptor-like-kinases (RLKs), plays important roles in mediating plant responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the expression patterns and biological functions of grape WAKs in response to C. viniferum infection remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, a total of 57 VdWAK genes were identified and phylogenetically classified into twelve subgroups. Chromosomal localization and collinearity analyses further revealed that tandem duplication and segmental duplication events contributed to the expansion of the VdWAK gene family. Transcriptomic profiling identified VdWAK19 as a key responsive gene. It was predominantly expressed in mature berries but transcriptionally repressed upon C. viniferum infection. Virus-induced gene silencing assays in grape berries demonstrated that knockdown of VdWAK19 significantly reduced fruit resistance to C. viniferum infection. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of the functional roles of VdWAK genes during C. viniferum infection and provide a theoretical basis for the potential application of VdWAK19 in breeding grape varieties with enhanced resistance to ripe rot. Full article

Background: Amidst the pressing need to balance global food security and climate governance, achieving synergistic optimisation between crop yield enhancement and agricultural greenhouse gas reduction has become the central imperative for advancing the transition to green agriculture. Purpose: To investigate the effects of cropping systems and nitrogen fertiliser application on goji berry production systems in arid regions. Method: This study employed two cropping systems (goji berry–alfalfa intercropping (I), goji berry monocropping (M)), and four nitrogen application rates (N0 (0 kg ha⁻¹), N1 (150 kg ha⁻¹), N2 (300 kg ha⁻¹), N3 (450 kg ha⁻¹)). The effects of planting patterns and nitrogen fertiliser regulation on the physicochemical properties of goji berry farmland soil, greenhouse gas emissions, and yield were analysed. Result: (1) Soil temperatures under I were significantly lower than under M, and nitrogen application levels, cropping systems, and the interaction between nitrogen application and cropping systems significantly influenced soil nutrients; (2) Cultivation patterns and nitrogen application levels exerted a highly significant influence on soil greenhouse gas emission fluxes in goji berry fields. CO₂ emission flux peaked under IN3 treatment (annual average: 342.45 mg m⁻² h⁻¹), while N₂O emissions peaked under MN3 (annual average 0.23 mg m⁻² h⁻¹). CH₄ absorption was highest under MN0 (annual average −0.25 mg m⁻² h⁻¹); (3) Cropping systems and nitrogen application rates significantly influence greenhouse gas indicators including cumulative CO₂ emissions, cumulative N₂O emissions, and GWP. At the same nitrogen application level, GWP decreased by 5.63% on average in M compared to I, while under the same cropping system, N3 increased by 62.45% on average in N3 compared to N0; (4) Cropping systems and nitrogen application levels significantly influenced goji berry yield and economic returns. Under the same cropping system, N2 yielded the highest goji berry production and return on investment, with I and M yielding 2768.99 kg ha⁻¹ and 4.06 and 3067.78 kg ha⁻¹ and 3.15, respectively. Conclusions: The IN2 reduced soil greenhouse gas emission fluxes, cumulative emissions, and global warming potential while simultaneously increasing goji berry yield, net revenue, and return on investment. This approach minimises land resource wastage and represents a management model for achieving high yields with reduced emissions in goji berry fields within the Yellow River diversion irrigation districts of Gansu Province and similar ecological zones. Full article

Table grapes are among the main fruit crops cultivated in Brazil, supported by cultivar diversity, technological advances, and adaptation to diverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Rootstock selection is critical in viticulture, influencing phenology, yield, and fruit quality. This study evaluated yield- and fruit-related production parameters, cluster characteristics, and biochemical composition of ‘BRS Núbia’ table grape grafted onto different rootstocks. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (UNESP), São Manuel, São Paulo, Brazil, using a randomized block design in a split-plot scheme (three rootstocks × three seasons) with seven replicates. Rootstocks included ‘IAC 572 Jales’, ‘IAC 766 Campinas’, and ‘Paulsen 1103’, while subplots corresponded to the first three production seasons after grafting. Evaluated variables comprised bud fruitfulness, yield, productivity, physical attributes of clusters, berries, and rachises, and in 2022, berry biochemical traits, including total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. Rootstocks did not significantly affect bud fruitfulness or yield-related parameters. In contrast, production season markedly influenced vine performance, with the third (2023) season showing higher cluster and berry mass and size. Regarding fruit composition, vines grafted onto ‘Paulsen 1103’ and ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ showed greater accumulation of total phenolics and anthocyanins than those grafted onto ‘IAC 572 Jales’, overall. Full article

Orchard crops generate substantial quantities of diverse biomass each year, with grapevines being among the most economically significant species worldwide. Considering the scale of this biomass, there is a growing need to explore rational strategies for its utilisation, for example, for energy production or other value-added applications. Such approaches may contribute to improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental burden associated with agricultural waste. The aim of this study was to examine the energy potential of woody post-production waste from wine processing, with particular emphasis on grape stems of four cultivars—Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Zweigelt—grown in two contrasting climatic regions: south-eastern Poland and Moravia (Czech Republic). The results demonstrated that both the grape variety and cultivation site significantly influenced the majority of bunch biometric traits, including bunch and berry weight, berry number, and stem dimensions. A moderately warm climate promoted the development of larger and heavier bunches as well as more robust stems across all examined cultivars. Energy analyses indicated that Zweigelt stems produced under moderately warm conditions and Chardonnay stems from a temperate climate exhibited the most favourable combustion properties. Nonetheless, certain constraints were identified, such as increased ash (12.20%) and moisture content (11.51%) in Chardonnay grown in warmer conditions, and elevated CO and CO₂ emissions observed for Zweigelt (1333.26 kg·mg⁻¹). Overall, the findings confirm that grape stems constitute a promising local source of bioenergy, with their energy performance determined predominantly by varietal characteristics and climatic factors. Their utilisation aligns with circular-economy principles and may help reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional viticultural waste management. Full article

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a major berry crop valued for its nutritional and bioactive properties. This study evaluated the influence of cultivation systems and genotypes on fruit quality and antioxidant potential in a two-factorial field experiment (four cultivars × four systems). ‘Sunrise’, ‘Draper’, ‘Ozark Blue’, and ‘Aurora’ were assessed for physicochemical traits, total polyphenols (TPC), vitamin C, nitrates, and antioxidant capacity (2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolourisation (ABTS•⁺), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP))). The maximum fruit weight was recorded in cv. Aurora grew under the raised-bed with agrotextile system (353 g per 100 berries), while Draper produced the smallest fruits (227 g). Soluble solids ranged from 12.2 to 16.9 °Brix, acidity from 0.53 to 0.97 g/100 g FW, and TPC from 318 to 544 mg/100 g FW. Agrotextile treatments stabilised microclimate and reduced stress, resulting in lower ABTS (17.9 vs. 24.0), DPPH (19.8 vs. 22.3), and FRAP (11.6 vs. 13.9 mmol TE/100 g FW) values, indicating stronger radical scavenging activity. Ozark showed the highest TPC, vitamin C (123 mg/1000 g FW), and firmness (420 g/mm), whereas Aurora and Sunrise had brighter fruits (L = 37.6–36.1). Nitrate concentrations remained low (42–68 mg/1000 g FW). Genotype × system interactions significantly influenced secondary metabolite synthesis and stress adaptation. Raised beds with agrotextile improved fresh-market quality, while traditional systems favoured storage stability, providing practical, sustainable cultivation guidelines. Full article

Valorizing fruit and vegetable residues as renewable sources of bioactive compounds (BCs) is critical for advancing sustainable biotechnology. This review (i) assesses the occurrence, diversity and functionality of BCs in 20 edible plant residues; (ii) compares and classify them by botanical family and residue type; (iii) reviews and evaluates the efficiency of conventional and green extraction and characterization techniques for recovering phytochemical and isolating phenolics (e.g., flavonoids and anthocyanins), carotenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and essential oils; and (iv) examines the BCs’ environmental, medical, and industrial applications. It synthesizes current knowledge on the phytochemical potential of these crops, highlighting their role in diagnostics, biomaterials, and therapeutic platforms. Plant-derived nanomaterials, enzymes, and structural matrices are employed in regenerative medicine and biosensing. Carrot- and pumpkin-based nanoparticles accelerate wound healing through antimicrobial and antioxidant protection. Spinach leaves serve as decellularized scaffolds that mimic vascular and tissue microenvironments. Banana fibers are used in biocompatible composites and sutures, and citrus- and berry-derived polyphenols improve biosensor stability and reduce signal interference. Agro-residue valorization reduces food waste and enables innovations in medical diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and circular bioeconomy, thereby positioning plant-derived BCs as a cornerstone for sustainable biotechnology. The BCs’ concentration in fruit and vegetable residues varies broadly (e.g., total phenolics (~50–300 mg GAE/g DW), anthocyanins (~100–600 mg C3G/g DW), and flavonoids (~20–150 mg QE/g DW)), depending on the crop and extraction method. By linking quantitative food waste hotspots with phytochemical potential, the review highlights priority streams for the circular-bioeconomy interventions and outlines research directions to close current valorization gaps. Full article

Berry crops such as strawberry Fragaria × ananassa (Weston), raspberry Rubus idaeus L., blackberry Rubus ulmifolius Schott, 1818, and blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. are economically and nutritionally valuable worldwide. However, the intensive use of synthetic pesticides for pest management in these crops has led to ecological imbalance, pest resistance, and negative effects on non-target organisms and human health. The integration of biological control agents into sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) systems represents an alternative. This review compiles and evaluates current advances in the application of baculoviruses (BVs), entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), nematodes (EPNs), predatory mites (PMs), and parasitoid wasps (PWs) for pest suppression in berry crops. Emphasis was placed on their ecological interactions, host specificity, and compatibility within IPM frameworks. The combined use of micro- and macrobiological control agents effectively reduces key pest populations. However, field efficacy remains influenced by abiotic stressors such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and chemical incompatibility. The integration of native micro- and macrobiological control agents of through conservation biological control (CBC) strategies can enhance sustainability in berry production systems. Future efforts should focus on formulation improvements, adaptive management under field conditions, and synergistic interactions among microbial and arthropod natural enemies. Full article

Protected cultivation ensures stable conditions for premium table grape production but involves high initial costs. A double-cropping system enabling a delayed secondary harvest within a single season may increase yield and accelerate cost recovery, yet the characteristics of the secondary harvest remain poorly understood. In the paper, we compared the fruit quality of FH (first harvest) and SH (second harvest) of the early-ripening cultivar ‘Chunguang’ produced in northern China. The results showed that the SH contributed to a 23.9% increase in total yield. SH berries were smaller, with a mean weight of 6.7 g, and exhibited darker skins, higher anthocyanin content (11 mg g⁻¹ fresh skin), higher seed number, higher accumulated sugar components, and 4.55 mg L⁻¹ of titratable acids. This study provides the first evidence that a secondary harvesting system under protected cultivation can simultaneously enhance yield and fruit quality in northern grape-growing regions. Full article

Berries—including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, and several less commonly cultivated berry species—are highly valued for their sensory quality and rich content of bioactive compounds, yet they are among the most perishable horticultural products. Their soft texture, high respiration rate, and susceptibility to fungal pathogens lead to rapid postharvest deterioration and significant economic losses. This review synthesizes advances in berry postharvest management reported between 2010 and 2025. Conventional strategies such as rapid precooling, cold-chain optimization, controlled and modified atmospheres, and edible coatings are discussed alongside emerging non-thermal technologies, including UV-C light, ozone, cold plasma, ultrasound, biocontrol agents, and intelligent packaging systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the instability of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, microbial spoilage dynamics, and the influence of cultivar genetics and preharvest factors on postharvest performance. The review also highlights opportunities for circular-economy applications, as berry pomace, seeds, and skins represent valuable sources of polyphenols, dietary fiber, and seed oils for use in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and bio-based packaging sectors. Looking ahead, future research should prioritize integrated, multi-hurdle, low-residue postharvest strategies, the scale-up of non-thermal technologies, and data-driven cold-chain management. Overall, coordinated physiological, technological, and sustainability-oriented approaches are essential to maintain berry quality, reduce postharvest losses, and strengthen the resilience of berry value chains. Full article