Search Results (794)

Tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) is a valuable agricultural crop worldwide due to its nutritional value and culinary applications, making it one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the human diet. However, excessive solar UV-B radiation represents a significant factor in decreasing productivity, marketable yields, and fruit quality in tomato crops by causing damage to both DNA and the photosynthetic system, as well as chlorophyll degradation. The application of silicon nanoparticles has been shown to increase tolerance to abiotic stressors, including enhanced UV-B radiation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the protective effects of foliar silicon nanoparticle (SiNP) application on photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and secondary metabolites under enhanced UV-B stress in tomato plants. Photosynthetic parameters (stomatal conductance to water vapor, net CO₂ assimilation rate, transpiration rate, and intercellular CO₂ molar fraction), biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), chlorophylls, and carotenoids were evaluated. The application of SiNPs showed beneficial effects on plants grown under ambient UV-B conditions, increasing photosynthetic parameters while also enhancing chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. In plants exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation, SiNP treatment helped to maintain and even improve photosynthetic parameters and stomatal function in leaves while also promoting the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments. Additionally, the application of SiNPs also resulted in a slightly higher content of lycopene and total carotenoids in tomato fruits. Full article

Plants are promising biofactories for high-value compounds, and integrating vertical farming (VF) with plant molecular farming (PMF) enhances the efficiency and sustainability of these systems. Catharanthus roseus (L.) is the only natural source of vinblastine (VLB) and vincristine (VCR), key anticancer alkaloids used in chemotherapy. This study assessed the morpho-physiological responses and the organ-specific anticancer-related terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA) production in nine C. roseus cultivars grown in a VF system. Results revealed a significant intraspecific variability (between and within plant series) concerning both plant growth and alkaloid profile. Although total anticancer-related TIA concentration was 1.6- to 5.9-fold higher in leaves than in flowers, the key anticancer alkaloids VLB and VCR exhibited distinct patterns depending on the cultivar, with ‘C-Red’ showing a higher concentration of both alkaloids in leaves, while ‘C-XDR-PN’ and ‘C-XDR-WT’ had a significantly higher concentration of VCR in flowers (3.15 and 4.05-times higher, respectively). This cultivar-dependent variability, in the production of specific anticancer alkaloids, highlights the importance of a proper cultivar selection for their commercial production. Our findings show that VCR concentration may serve as a more reliable cultivar selection marker for anticancer alkaloid yield than total biomass or overall TIA content in VF systems. Full article

This study evaluated the qualitative and quantitative performance of lettuce (cv. Romana) grown using different cultivation systems under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions equipped with photoluminescent glass panels. Five systems were compared: outdoor soil (PSO), indoor soil (PSI), aeroponic (A), hydroponic with inorganic nutrients (HSN), and hydroponic with organic nutrients (HSO). Morphological, physiological, and quality parameters were measured alongside solar irradiance and extended PAR. The results showed that aeroponics significantly outperformed other systems in fresh weight (52.7 g), photosynthetic pigments, and carotenoids, while HSO showed the lowest yield and quality. Although PSO had the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, it exhibited poor yield due to lower water use efficiency and light-induced stress. The PCA analysis highlighted distinct groupings among systems, with A linked to yield and pigment concentration, and PSO associated with antioxidant traits. Despite a 44.8% reduction in solar radiation inside the greenhouse, soilless systems—especially aeroponics—proved effective for maintaining high productivity and quality. These findings support the integration of soilless systems and photoluminescent technologies as sustainable strategies for high-efficiency lettuce production in controlled environments. Full article

Intergrown mixtures of nanostructured manganese oxide phases have been obtained using a highly complexing agent (ethylenediamine) and a weak complexer (urea) during their solvothermal synthesis. In this work, through a detailed structural analysis, it is evidenced the formation of an intergrown mixture of three distinct manganese oxide phases (β-MnO₂, α-Mn₂O₃, and Mn₃O₄). Scanning electron microscopy shows that the products have just one morphology, indicating that the different manganese oxide phases may have grown together, organizing themselves in a 3D crystal network. The reaction mechanisms are discussed in this paper. It is of great interest to produce intergrown mixtures of manganese oxide phases to take advantage of the availability of the different oxidation states of Mn in neighboring crystallites for applications like catalysis. Full article

Fertilization strategies are pivotal in sustainable agriculture, affecting both soil health and crop quality. This study investigated the impact of a circular fertilization approach based on agro-industrial residues—specifically, a blend of sulfur bentonite and orange processing waste (RecOrgFert PLUS)—on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) grown in Mediterranean conditions (Condofuri, Southern Italy). The effects of RecOrgFert PLUS were compared with those of a synthetic NPK fertilizer, an organic fertilizer (horse manure), and an unfertilized control. Results demonstrated that RecOrgFert PLUS significantly improved soil organic carbon (3.37%), microbial biomass carbon (791 μg C g⁻¹), and key enzymatic activities, indicating enhanced soil biological functioning. Broccoli cultivated under RecOrgFert PLUS also exhibited the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds, including total phenols (48.87 mg GAE g⁻¹), vitamin C (51.93 mg ASA 100 g⁻¹), and total proteins (82.45 mg BSA g⁻¹). This work provides novel evidence that combining elemental sulphur with orange processing waste not only restores soil fertility but also boosts the nutraceutical and nutritional value of food crops. Unlike previous studies focusing on soil or plant yield alone, this study uniquely integrates soil health indicators with bioactive compound accumulation in broccoli, highlighting the potential of circular bio-based fertilization in functional food production and Mediterranean agroecosystem sustainability. Full article

Apples and pears are among the most popular and frequently consumed fruits worldwide. The polyphenol and dietary fibre components of these fruits are known to influence the gut microbiota and the subsequent human health outcomes. This study investigated the effects of New Zealand grown apples and pears with differing polyphenol contents on the structure and function of the human gut microbiota. Five apple and two pear cultivars underwent in vitro human digestion and microbial fermentation. Samples taken at 0 and 18 h were analysed for changes in pH, microbial composition, and organic acid production. The change in pH after faecal fermentation was influenced by the type of fruit (apple or pear), with lower pH being observed in the apples. Significant apple or pear cultivar effects were observed for the gut microbiome and organic acid production. The apple cultivar ‘Golden Hornet’ produced the least butyrate and the greatest microbial alpha diversity, while the pear ‘PremP009’ showed greater butyrate production with increases in a butyrogenic species (Acidaminococcus intestini). Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of cultivar and type of fruit on nutrient absorption and microbial fermentation and the impact of these on human health. Full article

This study explores the revival of cotton (Gossypium spp. L.) farming in Italy through sustainable practices, addressing economic and water-related challenges by integrating cultivar selection, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation, and deficit irrigation under organic farming. Field trials evaluated two widely grown Mediterranean cultivars (Armonia and ST-318) under three irrigation levels (I-100: 100% crop water requirement; I-70: 70%; I-30: 30%) across two Sicilian soil types (sandy loam vs. clay-rich). Under I-100, lint yields reached 0.99 t ha⁻¹, while severe deficit (I-30) yielded only 0.40 t ha⁻¹. However, moderate deficit (I-70) maintained 75–79% of full yields, proving a viable strategy. AMF inoculation significantly enhanced plant height (68.52 cm vs. 65.85 cm), boll number (+22.1%), and seed yield (+12.5%) (p < 0.001). Cultivar responses differed: Armonia performed better under water stress, while ST-318 thrived with full irrigation. Site 1, with higher organic matter, required 31–38% less water and achieved superior irrigation water productivity (1.43 kg m⁻³). Water stress also shortened phenological stages, allowing earlier harvests—important for avoiding autumn rains. These results highlight the potential of combining adaptive irrigation, resilient cultivars, and AMF to restore sustainable cotton production in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of soil-specific management. Full article

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are considered a functional food due to their high content of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. This study evaluated four cultivars (G3, G4, G5, and G7) grown under Mediterranean climate conditions, focusing on their physicochemical properties (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH), bioactive compound (sugars and organic acids, total and individual phenolic and carotenoid compounds, and antioxidant activities (DPPH and CUPRAC assay)), and aromatic profiles (by GC-MS) to assess their suitability for fresh consumption or incorporation into food products. G4 exhibited the most favorable physicochemical characteristics, with the highest total soluble solids (20.2 °Brix) and sugar content (92.8 g 100 g⁻¹ dw). G5 stood out for its lower titratable acidity (0.34%) and highest ripening index (54.8), indicating desirable flavor attributes. Concerning bioactive compounds, G3 and G4 showed the highest total phenolic content (17.9 and 19.1 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw, respectively), with neochlorogenic acid being predominant. G4 was notable for its high carotenoid content, particularly zeaxanthin (1722.6 μg g⁻¹ dw). These compounds significantly contributed to antioxidant activity. Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles revealed alcohols and aldehydes as the dominant chemical families, with hexanal being the most abundant. G5 and G7 exhibited the highest total VOC concentrations. Principal component analysis grouped G3 and G4 based on their high sugar and phenolic content, while G5 and G7 were characterized by their complex aromatic profiles. Therefore, G3 and G4 are promising candidates for fresh consumption and potential functional applications, while G5 and G7 are particularly suitable for new product development due to their nutraceutical and aromatic value. Full article

Drought and water scarcity are some of the most important challenges facing agricultural producers in dry environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of algae extract and zeolite in terms of their biostimulant action on water stress tolerance to obtain better growth and production of tomato Lycopersicum esculentum L. grown in an open field under suboptimum and deficient soil moisture content. Large plots had a suboptimum soil moisture content (SSMC) of 25% ± 2 [28% below field capacity (FC)] and deficient soil moisture content (DSMC) of 20% ± 2 [11% above permanent wilting point (PWP)]; both soil moisture ranges were based on field capacity FC (32%) and PWP (18%). Small plots had four treatments: algae extract (AE) 50 L ha⁻¹ and zeolite (Z) 20 t ha⁻¹, a combination of both products (AE + Z) 25 L ha⁻¹ and 10 t h⁻¹, and a control (without application of either product). By applying AE, Z, and AE + Z, plant height, plant vigor, and chlorophyll index were significantly higher compared to the control by 20.3%, 10.5%, and 22.3%, respectively. The effect on relative water content was moderate—only 2.6% higher than the control applying AE, while the best treatment for the photosynthesis variable was applying Z, with a value of 20.9 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, which was 18% higher than the control. Consequently, tomato yield was also higher compared to the control by 333% and 425% when applying AE and Z, respectively, with suboptimum soil moisture content. The application of the biostimulants did not show any mitigating effect on water stress under soil water deficit conditions close to permanent wilting. These findings are relevant to water-scarce agricultural areas, where more efficient irrigation water use is imperative. Plant biostimulation through organic and inorganic extracts plays an important role in mitigating environmental stresses such as those caused by water shortages, leading to improved production in vulnerable agricultural areas with extreme climates. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the forage yield, quality, and weed suppression potential of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) grown as sole crops and in mixtures under organic farming conditions in Bilecik, Turkey, during the 2020–2021 growing season. The experiment included 15 treatments comprising monocultures and mixed sowing at different ratios. Measurements included morphological traits, forage yield components (green herbage, hay, and crude protein), fiber content, botanical composition, and weed biomass. The results reveal significant differences among treatments in terms of growth parameters and forage performance. Monocultures of IFVN 567 and Bartigra showed the highest green and hay yields, while mixtures such as IFVN 567 + Trinova and IFVN 567 + Bartigra outperformed in terms of land equivalent ratio (LER) and protein yield, demonstrating a clear advantage in land use efficiency. Furthermore, these mixtures showed superior weed suppression compared to monocultures. Overall, the findings suggest that carefully selected vetch–ryegrass combinations can enhance forage productivity, nutritional quality, and weed management under organic systems. Full article

Red soil regions commonly experience land degradation and low nutrient availability. Excessive fertilizer use in recent years has intensified these challenges, necessitating scientifically informed fertilization strategies to ensure agricultural sustainability. To identify optimal fertilization strategies for maize cultivation in Yunnan’s red soil regions, this study conducted field experiments involving partial substitution of nitrogen fertilizer with organic manure to determine whether this approach improves soil health and boosts maize yield. Four treatments were compared in a randomized complete block design over one growing season: no fertilization (NF), soil testing and formula fertilization (STF), 15% organic fertilizer (swine manure) replacing nitrogen fertilizer (OF15), and 30% organic fertilizer replacing nitrogen fertilizer (OF30). The results indicated that substituting organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer reduced soil acidification while increasing total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP), thereby enhancing soil physicochemical properties. Maize grown under OF30 exhibited improved agronomic traits including plant height, stem diameter, ear height, and ear length. Additionally, the partial replacement of synthetic fertilizer with organic fertilizer notably increased maize yield and the weight of 100 grains, but there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between OF15 and OF30. Moreover, the OF30 treatment generated the highest economic return of 25,981.73 CNY·ha⁻¹. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed that substituting organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer notably influenced total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), and yield, with maize yield positively correlated with TP and AP content. This study presents evidence that replacing 30% of nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer is a viable strategy to enhance soil health, maize productivity, and profitability in Yunnan’s red soil regions, providing a crucial scientific foundation to support sustainable agricultural development in the region. Full article

Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring element in soils, and at adequate concentrations, it is essential for plant survival. However, excessive Cu can lead to contamination, impairing soil quality and affecting the development of living organisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses of Stizolobium aterrimum plants grown in soils contaminated with increasing doses of copper. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under controlled temperature conditions. Five treatments were applied (0, 30, 60, 240, and 480 mg dm⁻³). After 51 days of cultivation, the plants were harvested, and their tissues were separated into leaves, roots, and nodules. Nitrogen compounds were extracted, and the contents of total soluble amino acids, ureides, and soluble proteins were quantified. The activity of the nitrogenase enzyme was analyzed in vivo. The results indicate that Stizolobium aterrimum is partially tolerant to copper contamination, exhibiting adequate growth and metabolism in the presence of moderate Cu concentrations. However, increasing Cu levels in the soil reduce fresh biomass production and lead to higher copper accumulation in the root system. High soil Cu concentrations also affect the absorption of other nutrients, in addition to copper itself. Cu doses around 240 mg dm³ can already be considered toxic. Full article

Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) are biodiversity hotspots that have been increasingly cleared to cultivate coffee under full sun exposure, replacing traditional shaded agroforestry systems. This study evaluated the impact of TMCF clearing on soil quality by analyzing 108 samples from undisturbed primary and secondary forests and deforested coffee plantations in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our findings indicate that forest clearing has a substantial adverse impact on soil nutrient status. Soils from undisturbed plots had total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations 4.83 units higher than those from cleared plots. Nitrogen levels were reduced by 28–61%, and available potassium declined by 23–51% in soils that had been cleared. Conversely, the available phosphorus levels exhibited a modest increase (ranging from 23% to 27%) following the clearing process, presumably attributable to diminished plant uptake and augmented mineralization in conditions characterized by diminished organic matter. However, given that phosphorus is not a limiting factor for coffee growth, this marginal gain does not compensate for the broader degradation of soil fertility. The study emphasizes that allowing TMCFs to be used for sun-grown coffee results in long-term nutrient depletion through erosion and leaching, which poses a threat to both the productivity of the soil and the ecological integrity of these valuable forest systems. Full article

In China, agriculture is currently highly dependent on chemical nitrogen. This leads to low nitrogen use efficiency and high nitrogen losses. Considering the issues caused by excessive chemical fertilizer, integrated nutrient management using organic and chemical fertilizer sources is important. To clarify how partial substitution of chemical fertilizer by organic fertilizer affects rice yield, physiological traits, and nitrogen use efficiency, we conducted a two-year field trial in 2021 and 2022, and used two rice cultivars, Shendao47 (SD47) and Shendao505 (SD505), which were grown in the field with five fertilization treatments: (1) CK (zero N application); (2) CF (100% chemical fertilizer); (3) OR10 (10% organic fertilizer + 90% chemical fertilizer); (4) OR20 (20% organic fertilizer + 80% chemical fertilizer); and (5) OR30 (30% organic fertilizer + 70% chemical fertilizer). The results show that the partial organic substitution (OR) treatments improved the yield by 1–10% for two cultivars by increasing effective panicles and grain filling. The increase in grain filling was related to the photosynthetic parameters, including LAI, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate during the grain-filling stage. The photosynthetic parameters of OR treatments were higher than those of CF treatment. Additionally, with the increase in organic fertilizer application rates, the grain yield, agronomic N use efficiency, partial factor productivity of applied N, and physiological N use efficiency increased at first and then decreased, peaking in OR20 treatment. Conclusively, the 20% organic fertilizer with 80% chemical fertilizer is a promising option for higher yield and improved N utilization for both cultivars. This study provides a sustainable nutrient management strategy to improve crop yield with high nutrient use efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding metabolome adjustment under saline–alkaline conditions is crucial for enhancing crop tolerance capacity and ensuring food security. Although soil salinization impairs wheat seedlings’ growth, metabolome plasticity under saline–alkaline stress remains poorly understood. Here, we delved into dynamic physiological and metabolome shifts in wheat seedlings grown on SAS (saline–alkaline soil) on the 7th and 15th days post-germination (DPG). Methods: A self-developed and cultivated high-generation salt–alkali wheat variety (011) was grown on SAS and control soil, followed by comparative physiological, biochemical, and metabolomics analyses of seedlings. Results: The seedlings’ saline–alkaline stress responses were developmentally regulated with reduced growth, increasing accumulation of proline and soluble sugars, and differential antioxidant response. LC-MS-based global metabolomics analysis revealed significant metabolite profile differences, with 367 and 485 differential metabolites identified on the 7th and 15th DPG, respectively, between control and treatment. Upregulation of saccharides, flavonoids, organic acids (citrate cycle-related), phenolic acids, amino acids and derivatives, phytohormones, and sphingolipid metabolism was essential for seedlings’ growth on SAS. The key induced metabolites in seedlings grown on SAS include saccharic acid, trehalose, sucrose, glucose, L-citramalic acid, phellodendroside, scutellarin, anthranilate-1-O-sophoroside, lavandulifolioside, N-methyl-L-glutamate, etc. Up-regulated phytohormones include abscisic acid (3.8-fold, 7th DPG and 3.18-fold, 15th DPG), jasmonic acid (1.93-fold, 15th DPG), and jasmonoyl isoleucine (2.03-fold, 15th DPG). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of ABA and jasmonic acid in regulating salt–alkali tolerance in wheat seedlings. Moreover, this study depicts key pathways involved in salt–alkali tolerance in wheat seedlings and unveils key DMs, offering resources for boosting wheat production on SAS. Full article