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17 pages, 6045 KB  
Article
Estimation of Citrus Leaf Relative Water Content Using CWT Combined with Chlorophyll-Sensitive Bands
by Xiangqian Qi, Yanfang Li, Shiqing Dou, Wei Li, Yanqing Yang and Mingchao Wei
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020467 - 10 Jan 2026
Viewed by 149
Abstract
In citrus cultivation practice, regular monitoring of leaf leaf relative water content (RWC) can effectively guide water management, thereby improving fruit quality and yield. When applying hyperspectral technology to citrus leaf moisture monitoring, the precise quantification of RWC still needs to address issues [...] Read more.
In citrus cultivation practice, regular monitoring of leaf leaf relative water content (RWC) can effectively guide water management, thereby improving fruit quality and yield. When applying hyperspectral technology to citrus leaf moisture monitoring, the precise quantification of RWC still needs to address issues such as data noise and algorithm adaptability. The noise interference and spectral aliasing in RWC sensitive bands lead to a decrease in the accuracy of moisture inversion in hyperspectral data, and the combined sensitive bands of chlorophyll (LCC) in citrus leaves can affect its estimation accuracy. In order to explore the optimal prediction model for RWC of citrus leaves and accurately control irrigation to improve citrus quality and yield, this study is based on 401–2400 nm spectral data and extracts noise robust features through continuous wavelet transform (CWT) multi-scale decomposition. A high-precision estimation model for citrus leaf RWC is established, and the potential of CWT in RWC quantitative inversion is systematically evaluated. This study is based on the multi-scale analysis characteristics of CWT to probe the time–frequency characteristic patterns associated with RWC and LCC in citrus leaf spectra. Pearson correlation analysis is used to evaluate the effectiveness of features at different decomposition scales, and the successive projections algorithm (SPA) is further used to eliminate band collinearity and extract the optimal sensitive band combination. Finally, based on the selected RWC and LCC-sensitive bands, a high-precision predictive model for citrus leaf RWC was established using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results revealed that (1) CWT preprocessing markedly boosts the estimation accuracy of RWC and LCC relative to the original spectrum (max improvements: 6% and 3%), proving it enhances spectral sensitivity to these two indices in citrus leaves. (2) Combining CWT and SPA, the resulting predictive model showed higher inversion accuracy than the original spectra. (3) Integrating RWC Scale7 and LCC Scale5-2224/2308 features, the CWT-SPA fusion model showed optimal predictive performance (R2 = 0.756, RMSE = 0.0214), confirming the value of multi-scale feature joint modeling. Overall, CWT-SPA coupled with LCC spectral traits can boost the spectral response signal of citrus leaf RWC, enhancing its prediction capability and stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Agriculture)
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17 pages, 4496 KB  
Article
Integrated Effects of Irrigation Amounts, Fertilizer Types, and Tillage Practices on Crop Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Processing Tomato
by Ruyue Zheng, Junwei Tan, Guanhua Huang and Zailin Huo
Water 2026, 18(1), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010123 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Irrigation effects on processing tomato have been comprehensively studied, whereas the integrated effects of irrigation and agronomic measures lack systematic investigations. This study employed a two-year field experiment to investigate the interactive effects of irrigation, fertilizer, and tillage practices on the crop growth, [...] Read more.
Irrigation effects on processing tomato have been comprehensively studied, whereas the integrated effects of irrigation and agronomic measures lack systematic investigations. This study employed a two-year field experiment to investigate the interactive effects of irrigation, fertilizer, and tillage practices on the crop growth, total yield, and fruit quality of processing tomato. The experimental treatments comprised three irrigation levels (full irrigation, mild water deficit, and moderate water deficit), combined with two fertilizer strategies (synthetic fertilizer only and partial substitution of synthetic fertilizer with manure), and two tillage practices (ridge planting and flat planting). It was found that the partial organic fertilizer substitution and the ridge planting significantly improved the total tomato yield by 13.11% and 75.54% on average, respectively, compared to the synthetic fertilizer application and flat planting, although they led to more salt accumulation in the top soil layer. However, the extent of the increase greatly varied over different irrigation levels and years. The mild water deficit led to a yield increase of 9.22% compared to full irrigation, while the moderate water deficit resulted in an obvious yield loss of 25.95%. Moreover, the ridge planting, the partial organic fertilizer substitution, and water deficit had strong positive effects on the fruit quality and the tillage–irrigation interaction had strong effects on the fruit quality, but it showed negligible effects on the tomato yield. In contrast, the tomato yield was very sensitive to the fertilizer–irrigation interaction, while the fruit quality showed nonsignificant sensitivity to the tillage–irrigation interaction. Finally, the combination of ridge planting, partial organic fertilizer substitution, and a mild water deficit was highlighted as a sustainable cropping production system for processing tomato to achieve an enhanced total yield and fruit quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water, Agriculture and Aquaculture)
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28 pages, 3111 KB  
Article
Foliar Application of Nanoselenium Enhances Drought Tolerance in Brassica oleracea var. italica Through Antioxidant Reinforcement and Pigment Stabilization
by Simona Ioana Vicas, Cristina Adriana Rosan, Daniela Padilla-Contreras, Simona Daniela Cavalu, Richard Zsiros, Ioana Maria Borza, Daniela Gitea, Carmen Violeta Iancu, Ertan Yildirim, Murat Aydin, Melek Ekinci, Esma Yigider and Manuel Alexandru Gitea
Life 2026, 16(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010070 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 297
Abstract
Drought stress is one of the major constraints limiting crop productivity, primarily through oxidative damage, pigment degradation, and metabolic imbalance. Nanostructured selenium particles (SeNPs) have recently attracted attention for their potential to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress. In this study, green-synthesized SeNPs, [...] Read more.
Drought stress is one of the major constraints limiting crop productivity, primarily through oxidative damage, pigment degradation, and metabolic imbalance. Nanostructured selenium particles (SeNPs) have recently attracted attention for their potential to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress. In this study, green-synthesized SeNPs, with a main hydrodynamic size distribution in the range of 90–100 nm, were foliar applied to broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) plants grown under well-watered (100% water holding capacity) and drought (50% water holding capacity) conditions at concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 50 ppm. Drought stress significantly decreased chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids, while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline levels, confirming oxidative stress and membrane damage. SeNPs treatments partially mitigated these effects by enhancing pigment stability, increasing carotenoid content, and reducing both MDA and proline accumulation. Phenolic and flavonoid responses exhibited a dose-dependent pattern with the highest stimulation at 50 ppm under drought and moderate enhancement at 10 ppm under optimal irrigation. Antioxidant capacity assays demonstrated that SeNPs modulate plant redox metabolism, in a context-dependent manner, particularly under water deficit. Peroxidase (POD) activity was also significantly induced under drought stress, mainly at 20 ppm. These results indicate that foliar-applied SeNPs can influence physiological and biochemical responses associated with drought tolerance in broccoli. The observed effects are consistent with nanoparticle–leaf surface interactions contributing to redox regulation and stress adaptation, rather than implying direct nanoparticle internalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological Responses of Plants Under Abiotic Stresses)
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21 pages, 1893 KB  
Article
Improving Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency in Intensive Cropping by Optimized Management and Crop Rotations
by Huanxuan Chen, Jiawen Qi, Shangyu Guo, Xinsheng Niu, Robert M. Rees, Chong Zhang and Xiaotang Ju
Plants 2026, 15(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010007 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) and water are key resources for crop production and improving the efficiency with which they are used remains a major global challenge in intensive cropping systems. Here, we report how crop yield, N and water use efficiency, N surplus, and economic [...] Read more.
Nitrogen (N) and water are key resources for crop production and improving the efficiency with which they are used remains a major global challenge in intensive cropping systems. Here, we report how crop yield, N and water use efficiency, N surplus, and economic benefits can be improved from optimized management and crop rotations. A conventional winter wheat–summer maize double cropping (CN/WM) rotation in a three-year field experiment in the North China Plain is compared with alternative optimized rotations. The first three optimized treatments were wheat–summer maize rotation with optimized N and irrigation rates, tillage and straw management (ON/WM), and partial manure substitution (ONM/WM) or biochar addition (ONB/WM); the fourth optimized treatment was winter wheat–summer maize–spring maize producing three harvests in two years (ON/WMM); and the last was spring maize incorporating green manure during the fallow season for one harvest per year (ON/GM). The results showed that the ON/WM, ONM/WM, and ONB/WM had comparable yields to CN/WM, but significantly increased N use efficiency by 19–41% and water use efficiency by 13–20% and reduced N surplus to 353–531 kg N ha−1 2yr−1. From these three optimized treatments, the ONM/WM performed better, with a comprehensive evaluation index of 0.66 and the highest economic benefits. The ON/WMM and ON/GM treatments also significantly increased N and water use efficiency but resulted in relatively low crop yields and profits; nevertheless, they significantly reduced water use and are suitable for water saving cropping systems. We concluded that optimized management-combined manure with synthetic N fertilization in wheat–summer maize rotations can achieve high crop productivity, environmental, and economic benefits, which contribute to a more sustainable crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macronutrients and Micronutrients in Plant Growth and Development)
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27 pages, 5995 KB  
Article
Optimizing Water and Nitrogen Management Strategies to Unlock the Production Potential for Onion in the Hexi Corridor of China: Insights from Economic Analysis
by Xiaofan Pan, Haoliang Deng, Guang Li, Qinli Wang, Rang Xiao, Wenbo He and Wei Pan
Plants 2026, 15(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010006 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Water and nitrogen are the key factors restricting the productivity improvement of onion in the Hexi Oasis. Unreasonable water and fertilizer management not only increases input costs, but also causes environmental pollution of farmland soil, thereby affecting the sustainable development of agriculture. To [...] Read more.
Water and nitrogen are the key factors restricting the productivity improvement of onion in the Hexi Oasis. Unreasonable water and fertilizer management not only increases input costs, but also causes environmental pollution of farmland soil, thereby affecting the sustainable development of agriculture. To explore the effects of the water–nitrogen interaction and optimized combination schemes on onion yield, water–nitrogen use efficiency, and economic benefits under mulched drip irrigation in the Hexi Oasis, a four-year (2020–2023) water–nitrogen coupling regulation experiment was conducted at the Yimin Irrigation Experimental Station in Minle County, Hexi Corridor. The onion was used as the test crop and three irrigation levels were established, based on reference crop evapotranspiration (ETc): low water (W1, 70% ETc), medium water (W2, 85% ETc), and sufficient water (W3, 100% ETc), as well as high nitrogen N3 (330 kg·ha−1), medium nitrogen N2 (264 kg·ha−1), and low nitrogen N1 (198 kg·ha−1). Meanwhile, no nitrogen application N0 (0 kg·ha−1) was set as the control at three irrigation levels. This study analyzed the effects of different water and nitrogen supply conditions on onion quality, yield, water–nitrogen use efficiency, and economic benefits. A water–nitrogen economic benefit coupling model was established to optimize water–nitrogen combination schemes targeting different economic objectives. The results revealed that medium-to-high water–nitrogen combinations were beneficial for improving onion quality, while excessive irrigation and nitrogen application inhibited bulb quality accumulation. Both yield and economic benefits increased with the increasing amount of irrigation, whereas excessive nitrogen application showed a diminishing yield-increasing effect, simultaneously increasing farm input costs and ultimately reducing the economic benefits. In the four-year experiment, the N3W3 treatment in 2020 achieved the highest yield, economic benefits, and net profit, reaching 136.93 t·ha−1, 20,376.3 USD·ha−1, and 14,320.8 USD·ha−1, respectively, with no significant difference from the N2W3 treatment. From 2021 to 2023, the N2W3 treatment achieved the highest yield, economic benefits, and net profit, averaging 130.87 t·ha−1, 28,449.5 USD·ha−1, and 21,881.5 USD·ha−1, respectively. Lower irrigation and nitrogen application rates mutually restricted the water and nitrogen utilization, resulting in low water use efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency, nitrogen partial factor productivity, and nitrogen agronomic use efficiency. The relationship between the irrigation amount, nitrogen application rate, and the economic benefits of onion fits a bivariate quadratic regression model. This model predicts that onion’s economic benefits are highly correlated with the actual economic benefits, with analysis revealing a parabolic trend in economic benefits as water and nitrogen inputs increase. By optimizing the model, it was determined that when the irrigation amount reached 100%, the ETc and nitrogen application rate was 264 kg·ha−1, and the economic benefits were close to the target range of 27,000–29,000 USD·ha−1; this can be used as the optimal water and nitrogen management model and technical reference for onion in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area, which can not only ensure high yield and quality but also improve the use efficiency of water and nitrogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water and Nitrogen Management in the Soil–Crop System (3rd Edition))
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17 pages, 1216 KB  
Article
Preliminary Evaluation of Sustainable Treatment of Landfill Leachate Using Phosphate Washing Sludge for Green Spaces Irrigation and Nitrogen Recovery
by Tilila Baganna, Assmaa Choukri, Mohamed Sbahi and Khalid Fares
Nitrogen 2025, 6(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6040113 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 223
Abstract
Water scarcity is an increasingly critical global issue, particularly in arid regions like Morocco. Innovative approaches, such as the use of alternative water sources like landfill leachate, offer promising solutions. In this study, phosphate washing sludge was used to treat landfill leachate with [...] Read more.
Water scarcity is an increasingly critical global issue, particularly in arid regions like Morocco. Innovative approaches, such as the use of alternative water sources like landfill leachate, offer promising solutions. In this study, phosphate washing sludge was used to treat landfill leachate with the aim of producing irrigation-quality water and recovering nitrogen from the resulting sediment. A total of 40 L of raw leachate was treated with three concentrations of phosphate washing sludge (25%, 37%, and 50%). This volume was processed at the laboratory scale as a proof of concept for potential larger-scale applications. After 24 to 36 h of mixing and agitation, the mixture underwent sedimentation, yielding clear supernatants and nitrogen-rich sludge pellets. These pellets showed a significant increase in organic matter content, from 6.4% to 13.5%, representing an enhancement of 110.9%, thus demonstrating partial leachate depollution and organic matter enrichment. Microbiological analyses revealed a 98.9% reduction in fecal streptococci. The supernatants met irrigation water standards in terms of pH and electrical conductivity, and phytotoxicity tests on maize seeds confirmed their suitability for irrigation. Additionally, the recovered nitrogen-rich sediment presents a valuable input for composting and soil amendment. Full article
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19 pages, 1082 KB  
Article
Effects of Optimized Water–Fertilizer Management on Common Bean Performance in High-Latitude, High-Altitude Regions
by Changqing Li, Shuting Li, Chuanjing An, Ziyi Wu, Haixu Wang, Xiaojing Wang, Shuyue Jin, Ruixue Sun, Baoyue Zhang, Xiuling Chen and Jiqing Wang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121487 - 9 Dec 2025
Viewed by 393
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of water–fertilizer coupling on the water and fertilizer use efficiency, yield, and quality of fresh common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in high-latitude and high-altitude regions. For field water-saving, in 2022, six treatments were established, with irrigation rates [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of water–fertilizer coupling on the water and fertilizer use efficiency, yield, and quality of fresh common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in high-latitude and high-altitude regions. For field water-saving, in 2022, six treatments were established, with irrigation rates of 100% FC (W1), 90% FC (W2), 80% FC (W3), 70% FC (W4), 60% FC (W5), and 50% FC (W6). Based on the experiment in 2022, a two-factor experiment (irrigation and fertilizer application rate) was implemented in 2023, and three fertilizer (N−P2O5−K2O) gradients were established: F1 (260−192−255 kg/ha), F2 (195−144−192 kg/ha), and F3 (131−97−127 kg/ha). Based on 2022, three irrigation rates were established at percentages of FC: W7 (100% FC), W8 (80% FC), and W9 (60% FC). Experiments in both years revealed a quadratic relationship (parabola equation) between yield and the rates of both irrigation and fertilization. Excessive fertilization did not consistently enhance yield, and reduced fertilizer application resulted in higher fertilizer partial factor productivity (PFP). Both years of experiments indicated that maintaining soil moisture at 80%~90% field capacity (FC) significantly improved fresh pod yield and water use efficiency (WUE) compared to other treatments. Under the same fertilizer level, reduced irrigation increased key fresh pod quality indicators, such as single-pod weight and soluble sugar content. In contrast, across varying fertilizer rates, these same indicators showed a positive correlation with the amount of fertilizer applied. Vitamin C (VC), soluble protein (SP), soluble solids content (SSC), and nitrate content (NC) reached their highest levels under high fertilizer treatment (N−P2O5−K2O: 260−192−255 kg/ha). Based on the differential comprehensive evaluation models, the study concluded that maintaining soil moisture at 80%~90% FC and applying fertilizer between N−P2O5−K2O: 195−144−192 kg/ha and N−P2O5−K2O: 260−192−255 kg/ha was the optimal strategy. This approach can alleviate the water scarcity pressure in high-latitude and high-altitude regions, and facilitate the selection of common bean management practices that maintain yield while improving quality and PFP, thereby offering theoretical and practical guidance for adapting water–fertilizer regimes to local climatic conditions. Full article
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15 pages, 2388 KB  
Article
Sustainable Composites from Recycled Polypropylene and Hazelnut Shell Flour for Application in Irrigation Systems
by Francesco Paolo La Mantia, Roberto Scaffaro, Giuseppe Balsamo, Carmelo Giuffré, Erica Gea Rodi, Simone Corviseri and Maria Clara Citarrella
Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3207; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233207 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 442
Abstract
The irrigation sector urgently needs more eco-sustainable materials able to guarantee the same performance as traditional fittings manufactured from virgin fossil-based polymers. In this study, sustainable composites were developed by melt-compounding virgin and recycled polypropylene (RPP) with hazelnut shell (HS) powder with or [...] Read more.
The irrigation sector urgently needs more eco-sustainable materials able to guarantee the same performance as traditional fittings manufactured from virgin fossil-based polymers. In this study, sustainable composites were developed by melt-compounding virgin and recycled polypropylene (RPP) with hazelnut shell (HS) powder with or without maleic-anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PPC) coupling agent. The materials were characterized by a rheological and mechanical point of view. At high shear rates, the viscosity curves of matrices and composites converge, making the difference between neat and filled systems negligible in terms of processability. This indicates that standard injection-molding parameters used for the neat matrices can also be applied to the composites without significant adjustments. Tensile tests showed that adding 10 wt% HS powder increased the elastic modulus by approximately 30% (from 960 MPa to 1.2 GPa) while reducing elongation at break by about 90% compared with neat RPP. The use of PPC mitigated this loss of ductility, partially restoring tensile strength and increasing EB from 6% to 18% in RPP-based composites (+200%). Finally, sleeve bodies and nuts injection-molded from RPP/HS5 and RPP/HS5/PPC successfully resisted internal water pressure up to 3.5 bar without leakage or structural damage. These findings demonstrate that agro-industrial waste can be effectively valorized as a functional filler in recycled polypropylene, enabling the manufacture of irrigation fittings with mechanical and processing performances comparable to those of virgin PP and supporting the transition toward a circular economy. Full article
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23 pages, 1375 KB  
Review
Integrated Pest Management of Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Soybean: Current Strategies and Future Prospects
by Vivek Hemant Khambhati and Zhi-Yuan Chen
J. Fungi 2025, 11(12), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11120823 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1142
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) or white mold, is a soil-borne hemibiotrophic fungus that causes substantial soybean yield losses worldwide. This pathogen infects over 400 plant species and persists in soil for extended periods through [...] Read more.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) or white mold, is a soil-borne hemibiotrophic fungus that causes substantial soybean yield losses worldwide. This pathogen infects over 400 plant species and persists in soil for extended periods through melanized sclerotia, which can survive under extreme environmental conditions. The wide host range, environmental adaptability, and longevity of sclerotia make SSR a persistent challenge in soybean production. No single management tactic provides reliable control, which underscores the importance of integrated pest management (IPM). Cultural practices such as crop rotation with non-hosts, optimized row spacing, adjusted seeding rates, and targeted irrigation are fundamental to reducing inoculum and modifying canopy microclimates to slow infection. Although genetic resistance remains partial, the deployment of cultivars with stable performance across environments contributes to disease suppression, particularly when combined with fungicide applications. However, fungicide efficacy is inconsistent and limited due to environmental concerns and potential resistance. Advances in disease modeling have improved the timing and precision of chemical control, while biological control agents and RNA interference approaches offer promising future options. This review synthesizes current IPM strategies for SSR and explores emerging alternatives to support sustainable soybean production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Management of Plant Fungal Diseases)
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17 pages, 829 KB  
Article
Foliar Application of Aqueous Extracts from the Algal Biomass of Laminaria digitata and Phaeodactylum tricornutum as Strategy to Mitigate Boron Toxicity in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
by Ulises Navarro-Zapata, Valeria Navarro-Pérez, Ijaz Ahmad, Rafael Perez-Millan, Francisco García-Sánchez and Silvia Simón-Grao
Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111398 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Boron (B) toxicity is a relevant problem in Mediterranean regions, where irrigation water may present high concentrations of this micronutrient. In this study, the potential of aqueous extracts from the brown macroalga Laminaria digitata and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, applied alone or [...] Read more.
Boron (B) toxicity is a relevant problem in Mediterranean regions, where irrigation water may present high concentrations of this micronutrient. In this study, the potential of aqueous extracts from the brown macroalga Laminaria digitata and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, applied alone or in combination with metalloids (Se, Si) and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn), was evaluated to improve the tolerance of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown under excess B (15 mg L−1). The extracts were applied foliarly, and growth parameters, gas exchange, chlorophyll content, mineral composition, B accumulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic profile were analyzed. Excess B significantly reduced root development, net photosynthesis, and metabolic balance, evidencing a strong physiological impact. The application of algal extracts partially mitigated these adverse effects, mainly through improvements in photosynthesis, water use efficiency, and the accumulation of osmoprotective metabolites (proline, tryptophan, glucose). In particular, L. digitata promoted a significant increase in total biomass and greater physiological recovery compared with P. tricornutum. Conversely, formulations enriched with metalloids and micronutrients did not provide consistent additional benefits and even induced metabolic imbalances. Multivariate analysis (PCA) confirmed that relative tolerance was associated with physiological and metabolic variables rather than nutritional changes. Overall, these results highlight the potential of algal extracts, especially L. digitata, as effective biostimulants to mitigate boron toxicity in tomato. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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25 pages, 1831 KB  
Review
Phytotherapy in Pediatric Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Clinical Applications and Evidence
by Zorela Elena Miclăuș, Rahela Tabita Moca, Ruxandra-Ilinca Matei, Abel Emanuel Moca, Adriana Țenț and Anca Porumb
Children 2025, 12(11), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12111559 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1114
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Phytotherapy, the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes, has gained increasing attention in dentistry as a natural, well-tolerated, and culturally acceptable adjunct to conventional treatments. In pediatric dentistry, its potential relevance lies in its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Phytotherapy, the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes, has gained increasing attention in dentistry as a natural, well-tolerated, and culturally acceptable adjunct to conventional treatments. In pediatric dentistry, its potential relevance lies in its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which may support oral health, caries prevention, pulp vitality, and gingival health. This narrative review aimed to summarize the current clinical evidence regarding the application of phytotherapeutic agents in pediatric oral care. Methods: A narrative review was conducted according to SANRA guidelines, including clinical studies on plant-based products used for preventive or therapeutic purposes in children and adolescents. Results: Forty-three clinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly investigated agents included licorice, green tea, cocoa husk, cranberry, pomegranate, Aloe vera, and miswak. These agents demonstrated antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria, reduction in plaque and gingival indices, and favorable healing in pulp therapies. In endodontics, Aloe vera-derived acemannan and Ankaferd Blood Stopper® showed outcomes comparable to conventional materials, while pomegranate and apple cider vinegar exhibited partial antibacterial effects as irrigants. Conclusions: Phytotherapy shows promise as a complementary approach in pediatric dentistry, contributing to caries prevention, gingivitis control, and pulp healing. However, current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short-term follow-ups, and heterogeneity in formulations. Further trials are required to confirm efficacy, ensure safety, and standardize phytotherapeutic applications in pediatric oral care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Dentistry & Oral Medicine)
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14 pages, 1604 KB  
Article
Decoupled Leaf Physiology and Branch-Level BVOC Emissions in Two Tree Species Under Water and Nitrogen Treatments
by Shuangjiang Li, Diao Yan, Xuemei Liu, Maozi Lin and Zhigang Yi
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111708 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 486
Abstract
Soil water availability and nitrogen (N) deposition critically influence biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions, thereby affecting atmospheric chemistry. However, their differential short- and long-term effects remain unclear. Here, Ormosia pinnata and Pinus massoniana seedlings were exposed to three water regimes (moderate drought, [...] Read more.
Soil water availability and nitrogen (N) deposition critically influence biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions, thereby affecting atmospheric chemistry. However, their differential short- and long-term effects remain unclear. Here, Ormosia pinnata and Pinus massoniana seedlings were exposed to three water regimes (moderate drought, MD; normal irrigation, NI; near-saturated irrigation, NSI) and two nitrogen (N0; 0 kg N ha−1 yr−1; N80; 80 kg N ha−1 yr−1) treatments for 20 months. Branch-level BVOC emissions and leaf physiological and biochemical traits were examined after 8 months (short term) and 16 months (long term). In the short term, P. massoniana predominantly emitted α-pinene, β-pinene, and γ-terpinene, whereas O. pinnata emitted isoprene (ISO). After prolonged exposure, ISO became the dominant in both species. Short-term MD and NSI conditions stimulated ISO emissions in O. pinnata, with N80 addition further amplifying this effect. In contrast, long-term treatments tended to suppress ISO emissions in O. pinnata, particularly under N80. Short-term water treatments had no significant effect on monoterpene (MT) emissions in P. massoniana. Under long-term water treatments, N80 suppressed ISO emissions; nevertheless, ISO emission rates (ISOrate) progressively increased with increasing soil water availability. Although leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gs), and photosynthesis-related enzymes exhibited partial correlations with BVOC emissions, an overall decoupling between leaf traits and emission patterns was evident. Our findings demonstrate the significant changes in both BVOC composition and emission magnitudes under the joint effects of water availability and nitrogen deposition, providing important implications for improving regional air quality modeling and BVOC emission predictions. Full article
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21 pages, 4871 KB  
Article
Study on Spatio-Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Vegetation Carbon Sink in the Hexi Corridor, China
by Qiang Yang, Shaokun Jia, Chang Li, Wenkai Chen, Yutong Liang and Yuanyuan Chen
Land 2025, 14(11), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14112215 - 8 Nov 2025
Viewed by 468
Abstract
As a critical ecological barrier in the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, the spatio-temporal evolution of vegetation carbon sequestration in the Hexi Corridor is of great significance to the ecological security of this region. Based on multi-source remote sensing and meteorological [...] Read more.
As a critical ecological barrier in the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, the spatio-temporal evolution of vegetation carbon sequestration in the Hexi Corridor is of great significance to the ecological security of this region. Based on multi-source remote sensing and meteorological data, this study integrated second-order partial correlation analysis, ridge regression, and other methods to reveal the spatio-temporal evolution patterns of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) in the Hexi Corridor from 2003 to 2022, as well as the response characteristics of GPP to air temperature, precipitation, and Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD). From 2003 to 2022, GPP in the Hexi Corridor showed an overall increasing trend, the spatial distribution of GPP showed a pattern of being higher in the east and lower in the west. In the central oasis region, intensive irrigation agriculture supported consistently high GPP values with sustained growth. Elevated air temperatures extended the growing season, further promoting GPP growth. Due to irrigation and sufficient soil moisture, the contributions of precipitation and VPD were relatively low. In contrast, desert and high-altitude permafrost areas, constrained by water and heat limitations, exhibited consistently low GPP values, which further declined due to climate fluctuations. In desert regions, high air temperatures intensified evaporation, suppressing GPP, while precipitation and VPD played more significant roles. This study provides a detailed analysis of the spatio-temporal change patterns of GPP in the Hexi Corridor and its response to climatic factors. In the future, the Hexi Corridor needs to adopt dual approaches of natural restoration and precise regulation, coordinate ecological security, food security, and economic development, and provide a scientific paradigm for carbon neutrality and ecological barrier construction in arid areas of Northwest China. Full article
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19 pages, 1002 KB  
Article
Yield Components Analysis in Partially Interspecific Lines of Cotton and Irrigation-Nitrogen Effects
by Vasileios Greveniotis, Elisavet Bouloumpasi, Adriana Skendi, Athanasios Korkovelos and Constantinos G. Ipsilandis
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11746; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111746 - 4 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Cotton production in Mediterranean regions is increasingly constrained by limited water availability, making it essential to identify genotypes that can maintain yield under reduced irrigation. In this study, four partially interspecific cotton lines (Pa7) and the commercial cultivar Celia were evaluated under two [...] Read more.
Cotton production in Mediterranean regions is increasingly constrained by limited water availability, making it essential to identify genotypes that can maintain yield under reduced irrigation. In this study, four partially interspecific cotton lines (Pa7) and the commercial cultivar Celia were evaluated under two nitrogen rates designed to test resource-use efficiency and three irrigation regimes across two growing seasons in Greece. A strip–split plot design with three replications was used, and field data were analyzed with ANOVA, stability indices, and multivariate tools (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction—AMMI, and Genotype plus Genotype × Environment—GGE biplots). Results showed that moderate irrigation consistently ensured stable seed cotton yields, whereas a higher water supply increased the plant height without proportional yield benefits, while fertilizer supplied in the specific quantities showed a lower impact on yield stability. Genotype × environment interactions were highly significant: Celia confirmed its high stability, while line M3 combined good stability with favorable agronomic traits. Yield was strongly associated with boll weight and lint percentage, indicating their usefulness as indirect selection criteria. These findings highlight the agronomic potential of partially interspecific cotton lines and demonstrate that moderate irrigation can sustain productivity while reducing water inputs, contributing to a more efficient use of resources in cotton production under water-limited conditions. These results provide practical insights for breeding and water management strategies aiming to sustain cotton productivity under Mediterranean water-limited conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Science and Technology)
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Article
Comprehensive Growth Evaluation of Subsurface Drip-Irrigated Walnuts Based on the TOPSIS-GRA Coupled Model
by Jingbo Xu, Jinghua Zhao, Tingrui Yang, Ming Hong, Liang Ma and Qiuping Fu
Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111301 - 29 Oct 2025
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Abstract
A field experiment was conducted on 16-year-old ‘Wen 185’ walnut trees in Aksu, Southern Xinjiang, to identify optimal water and fertilizer management under subsurface drip irrigation. Four irrigation levels were established: 75% ETc (W1), 100% ETc (W2), 125% ETc (W3), [...] Read more.
A field experiment was conducted on 16-year-old ‘Wen 185’ walnut trees in Aksu, Southern Xinjiang, to identify optimal water and fertilizer management under subsurface drip irrigation. Four irrigation levels were established: 75% ETc (W1), 100% ETc (W2), 125% ETc (W3), and 150% ETc (W4). These were combined with three fertilizer levels: N 270, P 240, K 300 kg ha−1 (F1), N 360, P 320, K 400 kg ha−1 (F2), and N 450, P 400, K 500 kg ha−1 (F3). This resulted in a total of 12 treatments. This study assessed the impact of different water and fertilizer treatments on walnut growth dynamics, yield, fruit quality, water and fertilizer use efficiency, and soil nitrate residue. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to construct comprehensive growth and photosynthesis indices (CGI and CPI). Parameters significantly correlated with yield and quality were then screened via Pearson analysis, and a game theory-based combination weighting method was adopted to determine weights for integrating six categories of indicators: growth, photosynthesis, yield, quality, resource use efficiency, and environmental impact. A coupled TOPSIS-GRA model was developed for comprehensive evaluation. Furthermore, binary quadratic regression was employed to optimize the application ranges of water and fertilizer. The results showed that the W2F2 treatment achieved the highest rank by synergistically enhancing growth, photosynthetic performance, yield, and quality. This treatment also maintained high water use efficiency (WUE) and partial factor productivity of fertilizer (PFP) and effectively reduced nitrate accumulation in deep soil layers. The CGI and CPI, derived from PCA, effectively quantified phenological growth and photosynthetic characteristics. Correlation analysis identified seven core parameters, among which IV-CPI correlated most strongly with yield. In contrast, II-CPI was more closely associated with increased single-fruit weight and reduced tannin content. Within the comprehensive evaluation system that used game theory-based combination weighting, yield received the highest weight (0.215), while IV-CPI was assigned the lowest (0.011). The TOPSIS-GRA coupled model identified the W2F2 treatment as the highest-ranked. Furthermore, regression optimization determined the optimal total seasonal application ranges to be 5869.94–6519.81 m3 ha−1 for irrigation and 975.54–1107.49 kg ha−1 for fertilization. The coupled TOPSIS-GRA model enabled a balanced assessment of the objectives: high yield, superior quality, resource use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Thus, it provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of subsurface drip-irrigated walnut orchards in Southern Xinjiang. Full article
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