Search Results (930)

Bamboo compost is a renewable organic material that can replace peat and enhance plant resistance to insect pests. However, its combined effects on tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.) growth, defense responses, and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, bamboo compost was incorporated into growing substrates at varying proportions (5–30%) to assess its impact on tomato seedling growth, physiological and biochemical traits, and the survival of the South American tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were further integrated to characterize molecular changes associated with enhanced resistance. The results showed that 10% bamboo compost increased plant height and stem diameter by 25.91% and 10.19%, respectively, while higher proportions inhibited seedling growth. All bamboo compost treatments significantly reduced Tuta absoluta. larval survival, with the lowest day-10 survival (16%) observed under BC−20%. Multi-omics analyses identified 1553 and 2591 DEGs and 292 and 591 DAMs in the BC−10% vs. CK and BC−20% vs. CK comparisons, respectively; 290 differentially expressed transcription factor-encoding genes were identified across both comparisons. BC−20% showed broader defense-related transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming, including MAPK and phytohormone signaling, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, and cutin and wax formation, but with reduced growth. Overall, BC−10% represents a suitable practical addition rate for promoting tomato seedling growth in peat-reduced cultivation substrates. Full article

Melon (Cucumis melo L.), a widely cultivated species of the Cucurbitaceae family, is one of the most economically important fruit crops globally. TRM proteins have been implicated in the regulation of plant development, including processes related to cell division, cell expansion, and organ morphology. Although the functions of TRM family members have been extensively characterized in Arabidopsis, tomato, and cucumber, their roles in melon fruit development remain poorly understood. In this study, a total of 22 CmTRM (Cucumis melo) genes containing the conserved DUF3741 and DUF4378 domains were identified from the melon genome data via bioinformatics approaches. Subsequently, we systematically analyzed the physicochemical properties of CmTRM-encoded proteins as well as the chromosomal distribution, gene organization, conserved motif patterns, and promoter regulatory elements of all 22 CmTRM members. Notably, the high-accuracy three-dimensional structure prediction of the CmTRM proteins were predicted using the AlphaFold3, intraspecific collinearity analyses of the CmTRMs were performed, seven pairs of collinear genes were identified. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CmTRM proteins could be classified into eight distinct clades, with CmTRM05 and CmTRM21 assigned to Group I. We performed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis on all 22 CmTRMs. The results showed that CmTRM05, CmTRM19 and CmTRM21 exhibited significantly distinct stage-specific expression patterns across fruit developmental gradients between the two melon accessions with contrasting fruit phenotypes. These three genes were therefore prioritized as candidate genes for subsequent genetic functional validation. Furthermore, subcellular localization assays revealed that CmTRM05 primarily resides in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of the TRM gene family in melon and offers a theoretical and practical basis for investigating the influence of TRM on melon fruit shape, which is of great significance for developing new melon varieties with desirable fruit shapes. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important solanaceous crops due to its economic and nutritional relevance. It hosts a wide range of plant pathogens, including a recombinant strain of potato virus Y (PVY^C-to), which is considered one of the major threats in tomato cultivation. PVY^C-to, a single-stranded RNA plant virus (family Potyviridae), mainly causes symptoms of mosaic, chlorosis, and vein necrosis in the leaves of horticultural crops, resulting in significant production losses. The ongoing evolution of viral strains, combined with the absence of natural resistance genes in commercial germplasm, requires the exploration of alternative management strategies, such as grafting, and the identification of resistant genetic resources within local biodiversity. This study aims to evaluate the response of five local tomato ecotypes (LTEs) from the Campania region—Corbarino, Giallo determinato da serbo, Pizzutello, San Marzano, and Vesuviano—to PVY^C-to infection. The goal is to identify a naturally tolerant ecotype for use as a rootstock for commercial tomato varieties and expand the pool of resilient genetic resources against viral diseases. Visual symptom evaluation at 14 and 28 days post-inoculation (dpi), quantification of virus accumulation by qDot-blot, and thermal imaging analysis showed that all tested tomato ecotypes were susceptible to PVY^C-to infection, although at different levels among the tested ecotypes. More specifically, Corbarino showed no significant changes in canopy temperature values, fewer symptoms, and reduced virus accumulation upon PVY^C-to infection, compared to the other LTEs, and was therefore selected as a rootstock in subsequent experiments. The reduction in both symptom severity and viral RNA accumulation observed in grafted plants, combined with the mitigation of thermal stress in grafted scions, confirmed the efficacy of grafting as a viable management strategy and eco-friendly cornerstone for safeguarding regional agro-biodiversity against escalating viral pressures. Full article

Bacillus velezensis is a promising candidate for the biocontrol of plant pathogens due to its production of broad-spectrum antimicrobial metabolites. The present study evaluates the antifungal potential and metabolic profile of the non-pathogenic rhizobacterial strain Bacillus velezensis 5RB. Modifying the mineral composition across three different growth media (A, B, and C) resulted in distinct secondary-metabolite profiles of B. velezensis 5RB. Notably, the free-cell supernatant of strain 5RB cultivated in medium A and C demonstrated the most potent antifungal activity against the gray mold pathogen Botrytis cinerea. For the first time, the antimicrobial metabolites produced by B. velezensis 5RB across these three media were comprehensively characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quantitative time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). Mass spectrometric analyses (LC-ESI-MS) identified predominantly lipopeptides from the surfactin and fengycin families, alongside three classes of polyketides: macrolactins, difficidins, and bacillaenes. Multiple lipopeptide homologues, including a novel surfactin isoform (B*), were confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Additionally, this study provides the first experimental evidence for subtilosin A production by B. velezensis 5RB. The multicomponent fermentation matrix of 5RB conferred robust biocontrol protection to tomato leaves against B. cinerea and Phytophthora infestans in an in vitro disease model, underscoring its strong potential for sustainable agricultural applications. Full article

While vertical farming may offer high productivity per unit land area and has received increasing attention for urban food production, research has primarily focused on leafy greens and herbs. Although recent studies have also introduced fruiting vegetables and cereal crops, comparative evaluations under standardized environmental conditions remain limited because crop morphology, duration, harvestable organs, and biomass allocation differ substantially among crop types. This study, conducted in AlmaVFarm, the experimental vertical farm of the University of Bologna, evaluated the productivity and resource use efficiency of five representative crops grown under identical environmental conditions. Crops included dwarf corn as a staple crop, dwarf tomato as a fruit crop, basil as an herb, and lettuce and arugula as leafy greens. To enable meaningful cross-crop evaluations, performance was assessed using normalized indicators of land-surface, cultivation volume, light, energy, and cost use efficiencies. Lettuce achieved the highest annual marketable yield (73.2 kg FW m⁻² y⁻¹), producing 46% more than arugula and 35% more than basil. It also exhibited the greatest land-surface use efficiency (65 kg m⁻² y⁻¹), volume use efficiency (24.5 kg m⁻³ y⁻¹), and energy use efficiency (46.7 g FW kWh⁻¹), corresponding to 3.5-fold and 58-fold higher energy efficiency than tomato and corn, respectively, and up to 1.8-fold higher than arugula and basil. The normalized resource use efficiency framework enabled robust comparisons among contrasting crop categories despite their distinct biological characteristics, revealing substantial differences in adaptation to indoor cultivation. These findings provide a quantitative basis for crop selection and diversification strategies in vertical farming while highlighting the need for crop-specific optimization to improve the resource use efficiency and commercial viability of fruit and staple crops in CEA. Full article

In controlled-environment agriculture systems, such as vertical farms, plants can be cultivated under artificial light-dark (L/D) cycles that deviate substantially from the natural 24 h photoperiod. While these regimes may enhance the growth and quality of certain crops, the physiological response is highly species-specific, and long-term implications for many crop species remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a shortened L/D cycle (8/4 h, repeated twice daily) on the morphology, photosynthetic activity, and redox status of eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. ‘Almaz’) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. ‘Verlioka Plus’) seedlings, compared to a standard 16/8 h photoperiod. Plants were grown in chambers equipped with light-emitting diode (LED) and fluorescent (FLU) lamps under an equivalent daily light integral (DLI: 11.5 mol m⁻² day⁻¹). The shortened 8/4 h L/D cycle induced significant growth suppression, reduced leaf area, and decreased the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid content in both species. Under this regime, eggplants exhibited leaf chlorosis accompanied by necrotic lesions, whereas tomato plants displayed interveinal chlorosis. Notably, significant accumulation of oxidative stress markers—a 37% increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a 30% elevation in H₂O₂ levels—occurred exclusively in eggplant. These findings demonstrate that redistributing the same 16 h daily illumination into two 8/4 h L/D cycles induces stress in both eggplant and tomato plants, with eggplant exhibiting greater injury than tomato. The underlying circadian mechanisms and the apparent differences between LED and FLU lighting require further controlled validation. Full article

Almería’s high-yield Mediterranean agricultural model is based fundamentally on eight main greenhouse vegetables, with tomato, peppers, and cucumber identified as the principal crops. To facilitate regional diversification, the biological adaptation and techno-economic viability of Vanilla planifolia are examined. The physiological requirements of this orchid, an obligate CAM plant, regarding light intensity and water-use efficiency highlight the need to implement active heating systems, a double internal roof, high-density shading, and misting to emulate the tropical conditions required for this crop in Mediterranean-climate greenhouses. Globally, the market value fell from 898 million USD in 2020 to nearly 328 million USD in 2025, revealing extreme price volatility. Around 75% of global production is absorbed by European and North American markets. While primary production is concentrated in Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea, strategic commercial roles are maintained by traders in non-producing nations such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Between 2022 and 2024, a systemic collapse was recorded in export revenues. During this period, mean prices fell from 130.83 USD/kg to 44.57 USD/kg. In 2025, wholesale prices rose slightly to 48.59 USD/kg, and global vanilla demand stands at around 6760 t, a volume similar to that of previous years. Viable cultivation of Vanilla planifolia in southeastern Spain and processing it into cured pods are favored by its geographical proximity to European markets. This strategic positioning can ensure optimal harvest maturity and achieve superior biochemical quality through the incorporation of agro-industrial procedures. This information will provide the knowledge necessary to design a field trial aimed at validating Vanilla planifolia as a crop of interest for Mediterranean greenhouses. Full article

Water management is a key factor affecting crop physiology and rhizosphere microbial ecology in protected agriculture. However, the responses of root development and bacterial community structure to different lower irrigation limits and drip irrigation flow rates in coir substrates remain poorly understood. This study investigated greenhouse-grown tomatoes in the Gobi region under three lower irrigation limits (30%, 50%, and 70% of substrate water-holding capacity) and two drip irrigation flow rates (1 and 2 L·h⁻¹). Substrate moisture, root traits, bacterial community structure, co-occurrence networks, and functional potential were evaluated. Increasing the lower irrigation limit maintained higher and more stable substrate moisture and generally enhanced root length, root surface area, root tip number, and root activity. W3Q1 promoted greater spatial expansion of the root system, whereas W2Q2 produced the largest root volume and maintained relatively high root activity. Irrigation combination significantly altered bacterial community structure but had limited effects on bacterial richness. W2Q1 enriched Bacillota-related taxa, whereas W2Q2 enriched Pseudomonadota and exhibited greater bacterial network connectivity and modularity. FAPROTAX-based functional prediction indicated that the bacterial communities were mainly associated with chemoheterotrophy, organic matter decomposition, and nitrogen transformation. Overall, the lower irrigation limit primarily regulated substrate moisture and root traits, whereas the effects of drip irrigation flow rate were trait- and irrigation-limit-dependent, with significant main and interaction effects on root volume. These findings provide a basis for optimizing precision irrigation in coir-substrate tomato cultivation in arid greenhouse systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effect of three different cultural media—coconut coir, peat moss, and deep-water culture—on the metabolomic profiles of two tomato cultivars, Heinz and Roma. Tomato fruit quality is influenced by intricate interactions between the genotype and root-zone environment; nevertheless, little is known about how substrate-based systems compare metabolically to deep-water hydroponics. Methods: Fruit samples from both cultivars grown under controlled greenhouse conditions were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy to identify treatment-dependent biochemical changes. Polar metabolites were extracted using a methanol–water solvent solution and examined using a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. Spectral datasets were processed and analyzed with multivariate statistical tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). Results: Distinct clustering patterns were observed, indicating both cultivar-specific and cultivation-system-dependent metabolic differentiation. The PCA model displayed excellent explanatory and predictive capacity, while supervised OPLS-DA improved group discrimination, demonstrating that both genotype and growing medium significantly influenced the chemical composition of the fruit. Soluble sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), sugar alcohols, organic acids such as citric and malic acids, and a variety of amino acids involved in nitrogen metabolism and stress reactions were among the key distinguishing factors. Carbohydrate-related spectral areas (3.0–5.5 ppm) were highly associated with treatment separation, indicating that the cultivation system had a significant impact on carbon allocation and energy metabolism. Conclusions: Fruits grown in deep water culture have distinct metabolic fingerprints from those grown on coconut coir and peat moss, implying that root-zone oxygen availability and nutrient dynamics may influence primary and secondary metabolism. Full article

In protected cultivation, light intensity, spectral quality, red/far-red ratio, photoperiod and diel fluctuation can alter the belowground biological environment by modifying carbon allocation, root architecture, root exudation, nutrient acquisition, immune tone and rhizosphere physicochemistry. Direct community-level evidence in vegetables remains sparse, but targeted experiments on bacterial colonization, arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, beneficial fungi and root pathogens show that light can condition specific plant–microbe interactions. This review develops a molecular framework for light–root–microbiome interactions in protected vegetable crops and distinguishes direct community evidence, targeted colonization or symbiosis evidence, crop-specific indirect evidence and mechanistic analogues. We synthesize how photoreceptors and PIF-, HY5-, hormone- and immunity-related pathways regulate root niche construction, while also considering direct microbial photoreception. Experimental examples include tomato rhizosphere responses to shading, R:FR-dependent colonization by Serratia plymuthica, phyB–HY5–strigolactone control of tomato mycorrhization, light-intensity effects on lettuce–AMF interactions, spectrum-dependent Trichoderma harzianum colonization and light sensing by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. The evidence supports the view that light acts as a conditional regulator whose effects depend on crop genotype, microbial partner, substrate, nutrient status and developmental stage. Progress will require factorial lighting experiments coupled with exudomics, stable-isotope tracing, absolute microbial quantification, isolate genomics, synthetic communities and pathogen-challenge assays. Full article

The disposal of stone mine tailings (SMTs) near agricultural lands has become a major environmental concern because of their elevated concentrations of environmentally hazardous metals (EHMs). The minimization of the potential detrimental effects of soil pollution on crop cultivation and food safety are the major concerns in modern agricultural practice. Vermitechnology has emerged as a sustainable bioconversion approach for biotically stabilizing mine tailings into a nature-friendly organic amendment. However, the agronomic potential and environmental safety of vermiprocessed stone mine tailings remain poorly understood. To fill this research gap, this study assessed the effectiveness of mine-tailing-derived vermicompost as an organic amendment for Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) cultivation. Vermicompost was prepared from both inorganic mine tailings and organic cow dung (1:1 and 2:1 ratios, w/w) together using earthworm Eisenia fetida species. The results demonstrated that the treatment amended with 1:1 vermicomposted tailings supplemented with the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (T3) outperformed all other treatments by enhancing soil microbial activity, the concentration of bioavailable NPK, improved fruit yield, different biochemical parameters, and reduced post-harvest bioavailable Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cd concentration. Severity Adjustment Margin of Exposure (SAMOE) analysis indicated estimated dietary risk (Class 5) for Cr (VI) and Cd in tomatoes grown on untreated mine tailings, whereas vermicompost-amended treatments reduced the risk to low or negligible levels. Overall, the findings suggest that vermicomposted stone mine tailings emerged as a potential complementary soil amendment and an eco-friendly strategy which improve crop growth while reducing metal availability and its associated health risks. Full article

The continuous growth of the global population and the need to ensure food security require the development of sustainable agricultural technologies capable of maintaining crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria belonging to the genera Azotobacter and Azospirillum have attracted increasing interest due to their ability to improve plant nutrition and stimulate physiological processes associated with growth and productivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the commercial biostimulant Azotofertil, based on Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum lipoferum, on the agrophysiological response of tomato and pepper plants, in comparison with conventional nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three fertilization treatments and three biological replicates for each crop species. Soil pH, cultivable Azotobacter spp. populations, plant height, photosynthetic pigment content, vitamin C content, and total yield were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis. The application of Azotofertil significantly increased the abundance of cultivable Azotobacter spp., photosynthetic pigment content, and vitamin C content, while no statistically significant differences were observed for soil pH or plant height. The most pronounced effect was observed for photosynthetic pigment content, which increased by 26% in tomato and by 21% in pepper compared to the control. Full article

The adoption of agroecological practices has recently gained increasing attention. However, significant disparities persist between farmers’ awareness and actual implementation. This study addresses this gap by developing an integrated analytical framework to identify farmer typologies and explain the heterogeneity of agroecological adoption among Romanian tomato growers, considered as a case study within the broader context of Romanian vegetable production. Based on a survey of 196 active cultivators, the analysis combines principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis to identify latent behavioral dimensions and classify farmers into distinct typologies. In addition, an Agroecological Adoption Index (AAI) is constructed to assess and compare adoption levels across groups. The results reveal four statistically distinct farmer typologies: informed farmers with low adoption, practice-oriented low-constraint farmers, high-adoption agroecological farmers, and pragmatic adopters. The findings demonstrate that adoption is not solely determined by knowledge levels but is strongly shaped by perceived barriers, particularly limited access to information, financial constraints, and uncertainty. By moving beyond single-factor explanations, this study highlights the multidimensional nature of agroecological adoption and provides empirical evidence of the interaction between cognitive, economic, and structural determinants. The results offer important policy implications, suggesting that effective interventions should combine targeted training, advisory services, and financial support tailored to specific farmer profiles within horticultural production systems. Full article

Agriculture plays a key role in global food production, whereas organic waste management remains an important environmental challenge. Organic residue-derived compost represents a sustainable strategy for nutrient recycling, soil fertility improvement, and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers in horticultural systems. This study systematically reviewed the scientific literature on the application of compost in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) cultivation to evaluate its effects on agronomic performance and production systems. A database search from 2004 to July 2025 identified 86 studies that met the predefined eligibility criteria. The analysis showed an increasing trend in research over the last two decades, with publications peaking in 2021. Most studies were conducted in Latin America, particularly in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, highlighting the relevance of the cherry tomato crop. The application of compost was associated with improved plant growth, nutrient availability, and crop productivity. The production cycles ranged from 37 to 220 days, with shorter cycles commonly observed in tropical environments. Rice husk compost is among the most frequently used organic amendments. Overall, compost represents an effective strategy to enhance agronomic performance and promote sustainable cherry tomato production worldwide. Full article

Nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NLR, historically termed NBS-LRR) proteins are among the most rapidly evolving components of plant innate immunity, yet comparative analyses of NLR subfamily diversification between wild and cultivated accessions of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) have remained limited. Here, we compared the NLR gene family across three representative tomato accessions—the wild species S. chilense and the cultivated tomatoes S. lycopersicum Heinz1706 (large-fruited) and S. lycopersicum LA1464 (cherry tomato)—by integrating genome-wide identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, motif analysis, orthologous clustering, selection-pressure assessment, and expression profiling. We identified 220, 223, and 245 candidate NLR genes in S. chilense, Heinz1706, and LA1464, respectively, and classified them into TIR-type (TNL) and coiled-coil-type (CNL) subfamilies at a consistent ratio of approximately 1:5 across all three accessions. Motif analysis revealed pronounced structural divergence between TNL and CNL proteins, most notably in the region corresponding to the second conserved motif of the NB-ARC domain. Orthologous clustering identified 67 gene clusters shared among the three accessions; within these, TNL genes showed greater sequence divergence (higher Ka and Ks values) than CNL genes but significantly lower Ka/Ks ratios (ω), indicating stronger purifying selection despite their greater raw divergence. Expression profiling further showed that CNL genes were more broadly expressed across tissues and were induced by multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns, whereas TNL gene expression was more spatially restricted and preferentially induced by effector-related treatments. These results indicate that the TNL and CNL subfamilies of the tomato NLR repertoire have followed distinct evolutionary trajectories and regulatory strategies. As these conclusions are based on comparative genomic and transcriptomic evidence from three accessions rather than on functional validation, they should be regarded as hypotheses; nonetheless, they offer candidate genomic resources and a comparative framework that may inform future disease-resistance breeding in tomato. Full article