Search Results (50)

Mungbean is grown as a summer crop in subtropical climates globally. The global demand for mungbean is increasing, and opportunities exist to expand production regions to more marginal environments, such as southern Australia, as an opportunistic summer crop to help meet the growing global demand. Mungbean has the potential to be an opportunistic summer crop when an appropriate sowing window coincides with sufficient soil water. This expansion from subtropical to temperate climates will pose challenges, including low temperatures, a longer day length and a low and variable water supply. To assess mungbean suitability to temperate, southern Australian summer rainfall patterns and soil water availability, we conducted field experiments applying a range of water treatments across four locations with contrasting rainfall patterns within the state of Victoria (in southern Australia) in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. The water treatments were applied prior to sowing (60 mm), the vegetative stage (40 mm) and the reproductive stage (40 mm) in a factorial combination at each location. Two commercial cultivars, Celera II-AU and Jade-AU, were used. Water scarcity during flowering and the pod-filling stages were important factors constraining yield. Analysis of yield components showed that increasing water availability at critical growth stages, viz. the vegetative and reproductive stages, of mungbean was associated with increases in total biomass, HI and grain number in addition to increased water use and water use efficiency (WUE). Average WUEs ranged from 1.3 to 7.6 kg·ha⁻¹·mm⁻¹. The maximum potential WUE values were 6.4 and 5.1 kg·ha⁻¹·mm⁻¹ for Celera II-AU and Jade-AU across the sites, with the estimated soil evaporation values (x-intercept) of 83 and 74 mm, respectively. Nitrogen fixation was variable, with %Ndfa values ranging from 9.6 to 76.8%, and was significantly affected by soil water availability. This study emphasises the importance of water availability during the reproductive phase for mungbean yield. The high rainfall zones within Victoria have the potential to grow mungbean as an opportunistic summer crop. Full article

This review is dedicated to exploring recent advancements in the study of amaranth grain and presents research primarily on Amaranthus species such as Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, and Amaranthus caudatus, and to a lesser extent Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus mantegazzianus, Amaranthus muricatus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus spinosus, and Amaranthus tenuifoliu. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a promising, high-yield pseudocereal crop with significant commercial potential for developing functional food products. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including squalene, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, phytates, and vitamins, which possess important physiological properties. Amaranth grain is characterized by high levels of starch, proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Moreover, amaranth proteins are distinguished by a balanced amino acid composition and exhibit greater resistance to external factors compared to animal-derived proteins. Grains of amaranth are free of gliadin, making it a valuable nutritional source for individuals with celiac disease, an immune-mediated disorder. Unlike traditional cereals, where prolamins and glutelins dominate the protein composition, the proteins of pseudocereals like amaranth primarily consist of albumins and globulins. The processing methods of amaranth grain influence their quantitative and qualitative composition, often significantly improving their physicochemical, antioxidant, functional, and rheological properties. This work provides a detailed analysis of amaranth’s chemical composition and bioactive components, along with its evaluation of therapeutic and preventive properties. Amaranth protein fractions (albumin, globulin, and glutelin) and squalene exhibit increased antioxidant activity, contributing to notable resistance to radiation and X-ray exposure. Bioactive compounds such as phytol, α-tocopherol, and a lunasin-like peptide (AhLun) with potential anticancer properties have also been identified in amaranth. Furthermore, six bioactive peptides were isolated and identified from amaranth, which, according to predictive models, demonstrate a high capacity to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, suggesting potential hypotensive effects. Certain amaranth peptides are considered promising functional food ingredients for the prevention and comprehensive treatment of conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Amaranthus spp. and its processed products hold significant interest for the development of innovative food products, contributing to the expansion of their range and enhancement of nutritional value. Full article

Background: Small heat shock proteins (sHsps), particularly Hsp20 family members, are pivotal for plant thermotolerance and abiotic stress adaptation. However, their evolutionary dynamics and functional roles in Lycium barbarum (goji berry), a commercially significant stress-tolerant crop, remain uncharacterized. This study aims to comprehensively identify LbHsp20 genes, delineate their evolutionary patterns, and decipher their regulatory mechanisms under heat stress to accelerate molecular breeding of resilient cultivars. Methods: Forty-three LbHsp20 genes were identified from the goji genome using HMMER and BLASTP. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed via MEGA-X (maximum likelihood, 1000 bootstraps), while conserved motifs and domains were annotated using MEME Suite and InterProScan. Promoter cis-elements were predicted via PlantCARE. Heat-responsive expression profiles of candidate genes were validated by qRT-PCR in two contrasting lines (N7 and 1402) under 42 °C treatment. Results: The LbHsp20 family clustered into 14 subfamilies, predominantly cytoplasmic (subfamilies I–VII). Chromosomal mapping revealed a tandem duplication hotspot on Chr4 (12 genes) and absence on Chr9, suggesting lineage-specific gene loss. All proteins retained the conserved α-crystallin domain (ACD), with 19 members harboring the ScHsp26-like ACD variant. Promoters were enriched in stress-responsive elements (HSE, ABRE, MYC). Heat stress induced significant upregulation (>15-fold in LbHsp17.6A and LbHsp18.3) in N7, whereas 1402 showed weaker induction (<5-fold). Subfamily specific divergence was observed, with cytoplasmic subfamily I genes exhibiting the strongest heat responsiveness. Conclusions: This study unveils the evolutionary conservation and functional diversification of LbHsp20 genes in L. barbarum. The tandem duplication-driven expansion on Chr4 and subfamily specific expression patterns underpin their roles in thermotolerance. These findings establish a foundation for engineering climate-resilient goji varieties. Full article

Kiwifruit, with its unique flavor, nutritional value, and economic benefits, has gained significant attention in agriculture production. Kiwifruit plants have traditionally been propagated without grafting, but recently, grafting has become a more common practice. A new and complex disease called Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS) has emerged in different kiwifruit-growing areas. The syndrome was first recognized in Italy, although similar symptoms had been observed in New Zealand during the 1990s before subsequently spreading worldwide. While kiwifruit was not initially grafted in commercial orchards, the expansion of cultivation into regions with heavy soils or other challenging environmental conditions may make grafting selected kiwifruit cultivars onto KVDS-resistant or -tolerant rootstocks essential for the future of this crop. Grafting is a common horticultural practice, widely used to propagate several commercially important fruit crops, including kiwifruits, apples, grapes, citrus, peaches, apricots, and vegetables. Grafting methods and genetic compatibility have a crucial impact on fruit quality, yield, environmental adaptability, and disease resistance. Achieving successful compatibility involves a series of steps. During grafting, some scion/rootstock combinations exhibit poor graft compatibility, preventing the formation of a successful graft union. Identifying symptoms of graft incompatibility can be challenging, as they are not always evident in the first year after grafting. The causes of graft incompatibility are still largely unknown, especially in the case of kiwifruit. This review aims to examine the mechanisms of graft compatibility and incompatibility across different fruit crops. This review’s goal is to identify potential markers and techniques that could enhance grafting success and boost the commercial production of kiwifruit. Full article

Worldwide, the yellow-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) is an important crop that possesses great economic significance due to its nutritional, medicinal and ornamental values. The call for the expansion of the kiwifruit industry in South Africa, due to rising local and international market demand, resulted in the introduction of new plant species in sub-mountainous areas, where soil and climate conditions are more suitable for intensive kiwifruit production than in lowland areas. Consequently, a need to develop suitable commercial protocols for mass propagation of A. chinensis emerged. This study introduces an optimized micropropagation protocol for A. chinensis, facilitating seed germination, seedling development and multiple shoot induction. For seed germination, the effect of cold stratification (CS) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) alone and in combination on in vitro germination of A. chinensis seeds was studied. Sterile seeds were stratified at 4 °C for 28 and 42 days. Batches of stratified and non-stratified (control) seeds were germinated on plant growth regulator-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) media and also on sterile filter paper bridges moistened with dH₂O and GA₃ concentrations of 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 ppm. Seeds from the control and the CS treatments alone did not germinate on MS medium. However, on filter paper bridges, seeds cold stratified for 28 days yielded only a 20% germination percentage (GP), whereas CS for 42 days did not promote germination. A maximum GP of 64% and a mean germination time (MGT) of 27.52 days were achieved at a 2000 ppm GA₃ concentration. Cold stratification (28 days) followed by GA₃ treatments yielded an optimum GP of 80% and optimum MGT of 18.94 days at GA₃ concentrations of 500 ppm. In contrast, CS (42 days) followed by GA₃ yielded a maximum GP of 72% and MGT of 18.80 days at a GA₃ of 500 ppm. Conclusively, CS alone had little effect on germination, whereas CS (28 and 42 days) followed by GA₃ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved GP. Germinated seeds on moist filter paper can produce seedlings when sub-cultured on MS medium for seedling development. For multiple shoot induction, in vitro shoot culture of A. chinensis was carried out using apical and basal shoot explants from the above in vitro-produced seedlings. These explants were cultured on MS supplemented with 2.2 µM and 4.4 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) for shoot multiplication. Axillary shoot proliferation was not observed on apical shoot explants after 4 weeks of culture on MS medium with 2.2 µM BAP. In contrast, the basal shoot explants produced 2–3 axillary shoots, tendrils and calluses at the base on the same medium. The highest number (3–4) of multiple shoots was attained from these basal shoot explants after subculture (10–12 weeks) in the same culture medium. In contrast, only elongation and rooting of apical shoot explants, without axillary shoot induction, occurred after the subculture. Regenerated plantlets derived from both apical and basal shoot explants were successfully acclimatised under a controlled environment at 24 ± 2 °C and 16 h photoperiod of 150–200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ light intensity. A similar response was observed for both types of explants of A. chinensis when cultured on MS with 4.4 µM BAP, although the higher concentration of BAP affected the morphological appearance of the regenerated plantlets that had shorter stems and smaller and narrower leaves compared to plantlets derived from 2.2 µM BAP. Full article

The SPL (SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like) transcription factor gene family plays a crucial role in the growth of plants, including fruit development. Although the SPL gene family has been widely studied in many plants, it remains unexplored in eggplant, an important Solanaceae vegetable crop. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis and identified 11 SmSPL genes with 10 motifs in the eggplant genome, which were assigned to five groups based on the amino acid sequences and the gene structure of the SBP domain. In addition, the expression patterns of 11 SmSPL genes were analyzed in different tissue types and at four different fruit development stages in eggplant. The results showed that all SmSPL genes were expressed differently in various tissues, suggesting that they may play different roles in the regulation of the development of different organs. Specifically, the expression level of SmSPL_5 was increased at the fruit expansion stage and showed the highest expression levels at 16 and 24 days after pollination, suggesting that it may be involved in regulating fruit development at both the fruit expansion and commercial fruit stages. Overall, this study provides an important basis for further exploring the function of the SmSPL gene family in eggplant. Full article

Citrus is a major crop in the SE US, with groves located primarily in Florida, but adapted cultivars have allowed for the expansion of commercial production into the Coastal Plains region of Georgia. Indaziflam, a cellulose biosynthesis inhibiting residual herbicide, controls numerous grass and broadleaf weed species. Research conducted in Georgia from 2020 to 2022 determined the optimal rate and tree response to indaziflam applications. Biannual treatments applied in April and November in established satsuma citrus groves included residual herbicides indaziflam, flumioxazin, diuron, pendimethalin, simazine, and norflurazon. The data indicated no negative impact on tree diameter growth over 30 months after application initiation. Indaziflam provided residual activity in the first year with >80% weed control for bermudagrass and pink purslane and >70% of cutleaf evening primrose, cutleaf geranium, and wild radish. Greater than 69% of weed control was maintained with indaziflam after sequential application for 2 years. All other herbicides provided inadequate residual weed control. Indaziflam PRE applied in citrus groves in Georgia can provide growers with a reliable herbicide option that has been proven to be safe for trees and season-long weed control. Full article

Geographic Information Systems provide the means to explore the spatial distribution of insect species across various land-use types to understand their relationship with shared or overlapping spatiotemporal resources. Blow fly species richness and total fly abundance were correlated among six land-use types (residential, commercial, waste, woods, roads, and agricultural crop types) and distance to streams. To generate multivariate models of species richness and total fly abundance, blow fly trapping sites were chosen across the land-use gradient of Windsor–Essex County (Ontario, Canada) using a stratified random sampling approach. Sampling occurred in mid-June (spring), late August (summer), and late October (fall). Spring species richness correlated highest to residential (−), woods (−), distance to streams (+), and tomato fields (+) in models across all three land-use buffer scale distances (0.5, 1, 2 km), with waste (+/−), roads (−), wheat/corn (−), and commercial (−) correlating at only two of the three scales. Spring total fly abundance correlated with all but one land-use variable across all buffer scale distances, but the distance to streams (+), followed by orchards/vineyards (+) exhibited the greatest importance to these models. Summer blow fly species richness correlated with roads (−) and commercial (+) across all buffer distances, whereas at two of three buffer distances wheat/corn (−), residential (+), distance to streams (+), waste (−), and orchards/vineyards (+) were also important. Summer total fly abundance correlated to models with distance to streams (+), orchards/vineyards (+), and sugar beets/other vegetables (+) at the 2 km scale. Species richness and total abundance models at the 0.5 km buffer distance exhibited the highest correlation, lowest root mean square error, and similar prediction error to those derived at larger buffer distances. This study provides baseline methods and models for future validation and expansion of species-specific knowledge regarding adult blow fly relationships with spatiotemporal resources across land-use types and landscape features. Full article

The central-northern region of Veracruz has experienced significant changes in traditional coffee cultivation and cattle raising due to the increased demand for fresh and industrialized citrus products. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the use of agrochemicals in citrus production, driven by the belief that “more is better” and a limited awareness of responsible agricultural practices. This research examines citrus crop management in rural communities, focusing on farming practices aimed at improving production by controlling pests and diseases. Data for this study were collected from 51 producers through in-person surveys, using a 48-item questionnaire and the snowball sampling method. The findings reveal that despite 20 years of development, citrus production is still not fully established, and the excessive use of agrochemicals remains widespread. The expansion of citrus groves in the study region has altered the agricultural landscape and the socioeconomic structures of rural communities. Furthermore, environmental concerns about chemical residues in the fruit limit their commercialization and harm the environment through runoff into groundwater and water bodies. To address these issues, it is crucial to raise awareness and guide farmers toward the responsible use of chemicals in citrus cultivation, ensuring sustainable production and mitigating negative environmental impacts in all communities where citrus is grown. Full article

Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) is an annual fiber crop grown in warm seasons and known for its remarkable productivity; it has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years as a fiber source. While every part of the plant can be utilized for some purpose, its primary significance lies in the diverse applications of its cellulosic fiber. Kenaf features a blend of long bast and short core fibers, rendering it suitable for various industrial uses. Initially utilized for cordage and livestock feed, kenaf’s applications have expanded over the last century to encompass its utilization as paper pulp, biocomposites, textiles, biomass energy, seed oil, filtration aids, industrial absorbents, and even as a component of potting medium or as a potential source of medicine. Although traditionally a niche crop, the discovery of its diverse applications positions kenaf for rapid expansion in production in the upcoming decades. This article aims to explore the manifold applications of kenaf, highlighting those with the greatest future potential and discussing those that hold promise for commercial-level application with additional research. Full article

In the Mediterranean region, the expansion of greenhouse horticulture has enabled the year-round supply of fresh vegetables. Compared to open field horticulture, this farming method can generate higher returns for farmers. However, it is often associated with significant environmental pressures. This research aims to pinpoint important opportunities for improvement of the environmental and economic performance of greenhouse farming in the Mediterranean region by showing the life cycle’s environmental and economic impacts and by highlighting life cycle hotspots. This is achieved through the combined application of life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to four case studies (commercial greenhouses) spanning the Mediterranean Basin (Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey). The case study findings highlight the following environmental hotspots and related impacts: (i) fertigation management can generate up to 11,283 m³/ha/year of water use impact; (ii) fertilizer leaching can generate up to 27 kg of N eq marine eutrophication impact; and (iii) crop protection treatments can generate up to 130,037 kg 1,4-DCB of terrestrial ecotoxicity impact. The large use of plastic materials (greenhouse and fertigation infrastructures) is an additional critical aspect due to manufacturing and disposal, contributing to eutrophication impact categories. Economic hotspots are related to greenhouse management (up to 35% total costs of production) and hired labor (up to 40% total costs of production). The lessons learnt from these case studies offer valuable insights into the sustainability challenges of greenhouse horticulture across the Mediterranean region. The hotspot analysis points to the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the most critical impacts while ensuring economic viability. This study enriches scientific understanding by examining different production and socioeconomic contexts, offering crucial insights for the advancement of sustainable practices in greenhouse agriculture such as the use of decision support systems to optimize input use. Full article

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a widely cultivated crop known for its high oil yield. It is cultivated extensively across tropical regions, notably in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It plays a vital role in global vegetable oil supply, meeting approximately 35% of the world’s demand. However, the expansion of oil palm plantations often involves the utilization of degraded soils where nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen, is limited, posing challenges to plant growth and productivity. Roots are crucial in responding to nitrogen deficiency by adjusting their growth and distribution; however, research on root system distribution patterns in oil palm still needs to be completed. This study analyzes the root system architecture using RhizoVision Explorer, a 2D root image processing software while assessing its relationship with nitrogen availability across two commercial cultivars: Deli × La Mé of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and the interspecific hybrid O×G Coari × La Mé. Our findings reveal significant associations between eight root traits in oil palm seedlings and treatments with and without nitrogen availability. Notably, total root morphology (length, surface area, and volume), rotation angle, solidity, and hole characteristics decreased under nitrogen deprivation, whereas surface angle frequency increased. We highlight the variability of these traits across cultivars, suggesting genetic dependence and potential utility in breeding programs. Moreover, interactions observed in primary root morphology and hole size indicate greater differences between control and nitrogen-treated groups in C × LM than in D × LM cultivars. On the other hand, cultivar differences, regardless of nitrogen availability, influenced lateral root morphology, while nitrogen availability, irrespective of cultivar, affected inclined angle frequency. Significant differences were observed in growth and development parameters such as root and shoot biomass, root-to-shoot ratio, and leaf emission numbers between nitrogen-optimal and nitrogen-starved conditions. Nitrogen significantly affects root architecture and plant growth in oil palm, particularly in the C × LM cultivar during the nursery stage. Full article

Saline agriculture, including the commercial cultivation of edible halophytes, is expanding rapidly to address the increase in salinised soil due to natural and man-made causes, the decline in availability of fresh water, the increased use of poor-quality water, and increasing food insecurity. Halophytes, as food crops, offer an innovative new opportunity in agriculture, many being highly nutritious and containing bioactive compounds. However, the commercial production of edible halophytes to meet emerging consumer demands faces several challenges. This review examines the market potential for the expansion of edible halophyte crops and the challenges of consumer acceptance and production capacity beyond wild harvest. In addition to beneficial compounds, halophytes are known to contain several anti-nutrient compounds, which can have negative health consequences. In edible halophytes, oxalates are of particular concern. However, research has shown that there are ways to mitigate the accumulation of oxalate through processing, agronomic practice, and genetic engineering. These approaches are presented as potential strategies that can be used in commercial farming systems to reduce the levels of this compound. Full article

For centuries, quinoa cultivation was centered only in the Andean countries, and recently it has spread to all regions of the world. Although the number of exporting countries has increased, Bolivia and Peru remain the world’s leading producers and exporters. Today, more than 125 countries are experimenting with or cultivating quinoa. The expansion of the crop has only been possible due to the genetic diversity of seeds maintained by generations of farmers in the Andes. As access to quinoa genetic resources in Andean countries remains limited, this implies that the development of new varieties relies on a narrow genetic base relative to the theoretical potential of the species. The use of improved varieties has increased, especially with the emergence of new countries sourcing seed from commercial varieties to start cultivation. To cope with the increasing effects of climate change, it is essential to increase the resilience of crop by taking advantage of their genetic diversity. The current global crisis can only be overcome in the North or in the South by establishing new partnerships for access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits of their use. In the last 30 years, quinoa from the Andean countries gained a position in global markets and improved the quality of life of producers. However, at the end of 2015, producer prices collapsed. Quinoa development is dynamic, and now Andean producers face different scenarios with new competitors and new concerns. Being aware of the new reality is essential to face the new challenges responsibly. Analysis at different scales is fundamental, as is promoting local diversity and cooperating towards innovative production systems and inclusive processes that benefit everyone. Full article

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can kill and recycle in their host populations, which bodes well for EPNs’ exploitation in long-term and safe pest management. However, EPNs’ cost and efficacy need transformational technology to supplant less expensive and more effective but toxic/unhealthy pesticides. A technology that allows for the significant uptake of commercial EPNs should both boost their market suitability and provide genetic improvements. This review provides brief overviews of EPNs’ biology and ecology from the standpoint of pest/pathogen management as a prerequisite for EPN improvements. Understanding the biology and ecology of EPNs, particularly their symbiotic relationships with bacteria, is crucial to their effective use in pest management. This review provides relevant insights into EPN-symbiotic bacteria and the EPN–symbiont complex. The symbiotic relationship between EPNs and bacteria plays a key role in IPM, providing unique advantages. Either of them can be included in mechanisms underlying the various positive sides of plant–insect interactions in emerging integrated pest management (IPM) systems. Recent approaches, in which EPNs can act additively or synergistically with other production inputs in IPM programs, are discussed for further expansion. The simultaneous favorable effects of EPNs and/or their mutualistic bacteria on several pest/pathogen species of crops should be identified. Merits, such as the rapid killing of insect pests, ease of EPN/the symbiont’s mass production and a broad host range, are presented in order to widely disseminate the conditions under which EPN usage can offer a cost-effective and/or value-added technique for IPM. To maximize the effectiveness of EPNs in IPM, various genetic improvement techniques are being explored. Such techniques, along with their merits/demerits and related tools, are reviewed to optimize the common biocontrol usage of EPNs. Examples of genetic improvements to EPNs that allow for their use in transformational technology, such as a cost-effective application technique, increased infectivity, and toleration of unfavorable settings, are given. Proper production practices and genetic techniques should be applied carefully to avoid undesirable results; it is suggested that these are considered on a case-by-case basis. This will enable us to optimize EPN performance based on the given variables. Full article