Search Results (295)

Background: The implementation of advanced agronomical strategies, including the use of antitranspirant, in order to mitigate the negative effects of environmental stress, particularly heat stress on plants, has become a focal area of research in the Mediterranean basin. This region is characterized by hot and dry summer that affects plant physiology. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Sicily (South Italy) on 12-year-old avocado cv. Hass grafted onto Walter Hole rootstock. Two subplots each of forty homogenous trees were selected and treated (1) with calcium carbonate (DECCO Shield^®) and (2) with water (control) at the following phenological phases: 711, 712 and 715 BBCH. The climatic parameters were recorded throughout the year. Physiological measurements (leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential) were measured at 105, 131 and 168 days after full bloom. Fruit growth was monitored, and physico-chemical analyses were carried out at harvest. Results: The antitranspirant increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf transpiration (−26.1%). Fruit growth rate increased during summer, although no morphological and qualitative difference was observed at harvest. PCA highlighted the positive effect of the calcium carbonate on overall plant physiology. Conclusions: Antitranspirant foliar application reduced heat stress effects by improving physiological responses of avocado trees. Full article

Residential and agricultural buildings must prioritize environmental sustainability, employing locally sourced, bio/geologically sustainable materials, and reversible construction methods. Hence, adobe construction and earth-based building methods are experiencing a comeback. This article describes the hygrothermal performances of a real scale agricultural building prototype, in real field conditions, built and designed to be energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and well-suited for the hot, dry climates typical of the Mediterranean region during summer. The building prototype is a small modular two room construction, one room based on wood (for control purpose) and the other one on raw earth. The experimental set up highlights the passive cooling and humidity regulation potential provided by raw earth and adobe brick technology in agricultural buildings used for fruit and vegetable storage. Such passive cooling alternatives in the Mediterranean climate could reduce the need for energy-intensive and environmentally impactful cold storage rooms. Full article

The wild tomato (Solanum sisymbriifolium) is a globally distributed shrubby weed with both negative and positive impacts, including its invasive properties and the potential for pharmaceutical and traditional medicinal uses. Despite its ecological significance, the plant’s reproductive biology and pollination ecology remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the floral biology, pollination ecology, and plant reproduction of the weed species. Some flower traits, such as flowering intensity, flower display size, and pollen and ovule production, peaked during spring, summer, and the monsoon, while flower longevity and stigmatic receptivity were the longest in winter. The plant species was self-compatible (ISI = 0.02), heavily depended on pollinators (IDP = 0.72), and experienced minimal pollination limitation (D = 0.10) under open-pollination conditions. Flower visitors’ traits (e.g., abundance, diversity, and richness) were higher in the spring, summer, and the monsoon, and these were lower in winter. The vital pollination service was provided by Amegilla zonata, Ceratina binghami, Lasioglossum cavernifrons, Nomia (Curvinomia) strigata, Tetragonula pagdeni, Xylocopa aestuans, Xylocopa amethystina, Xylocopa fenestrata, and Xylocopa latipes. Reproductive success, as indicated by fruit and seed set, varied seasonally, being higher during the spring–monsoon period and lower in winter. These findings support effective management of this weed species and help conserve the associated bee populations. Full article

This study addressed a significant and relevant issue, specifically the production of high-quality fruit planting material linked to an economically viable nursery operation. The process considered both the pedo-climatic conditions of the region where the fruit planting material was cultivated and the technological elements utilized. The objective of this research was to gather information regarding the necessity and effectiveness of implementing localized irrigation for plum trees in the nursery in the context of various fertilization treatments. It also aimed to investigate the variations in leaf area among Cacanska Lepotica and Stanley plum cultivars subjected to various irrigation (non-irrigated control, 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm) and fertilization (unfertilized control, N₈P₈K₈, N₁₆P₁₆K₁₆, and N₂₄P₂₄K₂₄) methods. The study was conducted within a private nursery situated in the northwest region of Romania using a 4 × 2 × 4 split-split-plot design with five replications. This research took place in the summer of 2024, in the second field of the nursery during the growth stage of grafted trees. The implementation of various NPK fertilization methods (8%, 16%, and 24%) led to enhancements in leaf surface developments (increased by 6.53–16.14% compared to the control). The application of fertilization ranging from 8 to 16% and subsequently from 16 to 24% was effectively absorbed by the plum trees, resulting in a substantial growth of 180–226 cm². Irrigation with 30 mm generated significant increases in the leaf area of 4.42–14.27% compared to the control. To obtain optimal yields of grafted trees, it is advisable to utilize a combination of irrigation and NPK fertilization. To promote the appropriate growth and development of the trees, it is essential to monitor the soil moisture levels and to implement irrigation during times of water shortage when the trees exhibit heightened water usage. The research findings indicated that both cultivars experienced similar advantages from 24% NPK fertilization and 30 mm of irrigation; therefore, the implementation of the aforementioned technological elements is strongly recommended. Full article

Peach (Prunus persica) is a fruit crop of significant economic and cultural value, particularly in Japan, where it is cherished for its symbolism of summer and high quality. However, its production is threatened by bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap), a pathogen that also affects other Prunus species such as nectarines, plums, apricots, and almonds. Xap thrives in warm, humid environments and causes symptoms such as water-soaked lesions, necrotic spots, premature defoliation, and fruit blemishes, leading to reduced yield and marketability. Traditional control methods, including copper-based bactericides and antibiotics, are increasingly ineffective due to resistance development and environmental concerns. This review focuses on the biology, epidemiology, and pathogenic mechanisms of Xap, with particular emphasis on its impact on peach production in Japan. We discuss various disease management strategies, such as integrated disease management, biostimulants, cellulose nanofibers, plant defense activators, and biological control agents, alongside novel molecular approaches targeting bacterial virulence factors. By incorporating these innovative and eco-friendly methods with traditional practices, this review offers insights into the potential for sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions to manage bacterial spot and mitigate its impact on peach production. Full article

Urban green areas, while providing numerous benefits, can also produce negative impacts, often referred to as “ecosystem disservices”. While fallen fruits, leaves, and branches may pose tripping hazards, falling trees present a more significant threat to the safety of citizens and buildings. A study was conducted to identify the factors that most influence tree falls, aiming to enhance monitoring and maintenance in high-risk areas and develop preventive felling plans. The analysis was carried out in the city of Venice (Italy) using data from 2019 to 2022. Key variables included daily rainfall and cumulative rainfall over the four days preceding tree falls, minimum temperature, average wind speed and direction, and maximum gust speed on the day of the event and two days prior, as well as detailed information on the affected trees from the municipal GreenSpaces application database (R3GIS). The distribution of fallen trees was assessed in relation to these parameters, and a spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed. The results revealed that tree falls were more frequent during the summer season, coinciding with more intense weather events, especially those characterized by gusts of strong wind (>15 m/s). Street trees and trees in groups, particularly those in parks and densely populated urban areas, were most affected. Tree falls during a single event often occurred in clusters within a radius of approximately 1.5 km. Species analysis indicated that maintaining a diverse mix of tree species could reduce the number of fallen trees, as different species exhibit varying levels of resistance to wind pressure and adaptability to urban conditions. Addressing these findings can help to create more sustainable and livable urban environments, maximizing the benefits of green spaces while mitigating their ecosystem disservices. Full article

Heat stress severely inhibited the flower bud growth and development of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) in summer, resulting in severe production damage. Protein phosphorylation plays a key role in plant protein regulatory networks in response to abiotic stress, while the mechanism of phosphorylation regulation response to heat stress in passion fruit is still unknown. In this study, 97.62% of passion fruit floral buds withered and fell off after 2 h of heat stress, compared to 3.33% after 0.5 h. A total of 10,614 phosphorylation sites across 2906 proteins were identified by phosphoproteomic analysis. Among them, 1343 differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRPPs) were mainly located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and chloroplast. The DRPPs whose phosphorylation sites were induced by heat stress were mainly involved in the ‘ABC transporters’, ‘Plant hormone signal transduction’, and ‘MAPK signaling’ pathways. In addition, the accumulations of ABA and H₂O₂ were induced under heat stress for 0.5 h. Through protein interaction prediction and qRT-PCR analyses, we identified a key protein PePP2C1, in which the levels of gene expression, protein expression, and phosphorylation were induced by heat stress. The transient assays showed that the overexpression of PePP2C1 inhibited the accumulation of H₂O₂. Our results suggested the potential role of phosphoproteins under heat stress in the floral buds of passion fruit. The findings in this study contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of phosphoproteins in response to heat stress. Full article

Watermelon is a widely cultivated fruit and vegetable that is native to Africa and has become one of the world’s important summer fruits. Watermelon seed vigor has a critical impact on watermelon planting and yield, and seed water content is a key factor in maintaining vigor during seed storage and germination. In this study, reflectance and transmittance spectral data from hyperspectral imaging were fused to improve the detection accuracy of moisture content in watermelon seeds. First, watermelon seed samples with different water content gradients were prepared by dividing all 456 selected watermelon seeds into 10 groups and drying them in a drying oven at 60 °C for 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 min. Reflectance and transmission spectra of 456 watermelon seeds were collected by a hyperspectral imaging system, and the single spectral data were subsequently used to build PLSR and LSSVR models for quantitative analysis of watermelon seed moisture content. Model performance is enhanced by Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), Unrelated Variable Elimination (UVE), and primary and intermediate data fusion methods. Primary data fusion improves model predictions compared to single models based on reflectance and transmission spectra. The intermediate data fusion of the feature spectral data of reflectance and transmittance selected by the CARS algorithm improves the prediction effect of the model more obviously, in which the model with the best prediction accuracy is Raw-CRAS-LSSVR, whose $R_P^2$ and RMSEP are 0.9149 and 0.0144, respectively, which improves the prediction effect of the model built by a single full-spectrum datum by 5.72%. This study demonstrates that hyperspectral reflectance and transmission imaging techniques combined with data fusion can effectively detect watermelon seed moisture content quickly and with high accuracy. Full article

The extent of single- and multi-cropping systems in any region, as well as potential changes to them, has consequences on food security and land- and water-resource use, raising important management questions. However, addressing these questions is limited by a lack of reliable data on multi-cropping practices at a high spatial resolution, especially in areas with high crop diversity. In this paper, we develop and apply a relatively low-cost and scalable method to identify double-cropping at the field scale using satellite (Landsat) imagery. The process combines machine learning methods with expert labeling. The process evaluates multiple machine learning methods, including an image classification of a time-series, trained on data where cropping intensity labels were created by experts who are familiar with regional production practices. We demonstrate the process by measuring double-cropping extent in a part of Washington State in the Pacific Northwest United States—an arid region with cold winters and hot summers with significant production of more than 60 distinct types of crops including hay, fruits, vegetables, and grains in irrigated settings. Our results indicate that the current state-of-the-art methods for identifying cropping intensity—which apply simpler rule-based thresholds on vegetation indices—do not work well in regions with a high crop diversity and likely significantly overestimate double-cropped extent. Multiple machine learning models were applied on Landsat-derived vegetation index time-series data and were able to perform better by capturing nuances that the simple rule-based approaches are unable to. In particular, our (image-based) deep learning model was able to capture nuances in this crop-diverse environment and achieve a high accuracy (96–99% overall accuracy and 83–93% producer accuracy for the double-cropped class with a standard error of less than 2.5%) while also identifying double-cropping in the right crop types and locations based on expert knowledge. Our expert labeling process worked well and has potential as a relatively low-cost, scalable approach for remote sensing applications. The product developed here is valuable for the long-term monitoring of double-cropped extent and for informing several policy questions related to food production and resource use. Full article

The hybrid development of pumpkins, utilizing local genetic material, has recently garnered attention in India. This study aimed to evaluate the combining ability, heterosis, and per se performance of pumpkin hybrids for yield-related and biochemical traits. In the present investigation, eight parental lines of pumpkins were hybridized using a half-diallel mating design, resulting in 28 F₁ hybrids (reciprocals not included). The produced F₁ hybrids, parental lines, and a commercial check were assessed in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the summers of 2023 and 2024. The results obtained in the study show that the best performers with the most desirable characteristics were P-7 for total soluble solid, dry matter content, and average fruit weight; P-3 for total carotenoids, number of seeds per fruit, and antioxidant activity; P-2 for yield per plant and flesh thickness; and P-8 for number of fruits per plant. The parent P-5 for fruit number, average fruit weight, and yield per plant; P-2 for flesh thickness and antioxidant activity; P-7 for TSS and dry matter content; P-1 for fruit number; and P-3 for total carotenoids were noted as the best general combiners in terms of the effects of the parental lines on general combining ability. Conversely, the crosses P-2 × P-5 for yield per plant and flesh thickness and P-1 × P-2 for DPPH activity were found to outperform better-parent heterosis and standard heterosis in terms of heterosis and the specific combining ability magnitude of the F₁ hybrids. Thus, the findings of this study reveal that these hybrids possess strong potential for commercial cultivation, contributing to the development of high-yielding and nutritionally superior pumpkin hybrids after being tested in various seasons and locations. Full article

Grapes, one of the most delicious and refreshing fruits in the world, are a source of sugar, minerals, and vitamins. Summer pruning affects ripening, disease control, yield, and quality parameters by controlling the vine microclimate. In our study, leaf removal, fruit thinning, and cluster thinning and their combination were applied to the Alphonse Lavallée grape variety, aiming to improve yield, cluster, and berry characteristics. As a result of the applications, cluster and berry characteristics, SSC, pH, titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and color parameters were examined. In our study, all summer pruning applications and their combinations caused increases in cluster and berry parameters (weight, length, and width) compared to the control. In addition to these, the SSC, pH, and maturity index increased and TA decreased. All these applications also increased berry detachment and skin rupture force, which have an important place in road resistance in table grape varieties. Significant improvements were also seen in the quality parameters of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. In addition, there were increases in the lightness and chroma values that determine the fruit quality in table grapes. Considering all these data, the summer pruning applications we made had significant effects on yield and quality. It is thought that cutting a part of the clusters instead of the whole cluster will especially prevent the yield loss experienced in cluster thinning applications. Full article

There are a multitude of raspberry and blackberry varieties, and each of them develops differently depending on environmental factors and cultivation technology, so much research is needed to see which variety has the best yield in a desired area. This paper studied the growth under natural soil and specific climate conditions in the Bucharest–Ilfov region of Romania of a raspberry plantation and a blackberry plantation, both in their first year of vegetation. The studied interval, the period of June to October 2024, was established from the beginning of the ripening of the first fruits to the late ripening of the fruits. The study analyzed the correlations between the vegetative and productive parameters of the raspberry variety “Delniwa” and the blackberry variety “Thornfree” on productivity per plant. During the study period, good shoot formation was observed, with an average height of 1400 mm for raspberries and 3474 mm for blackberries (r = 0.99 to raspberries and r = 0.98 to blackberries); a good development of the average stem diameter of 8.54 mm for raspberries and 12.78 mm for blackberries (r = 0.96 la zmeur si r = 0.89 la mur), of the number of ripe fruits harvested (r = 0.68 to raspberries and r = 0.58 to blackberries), all of which are correlated with increased productivity of 820 g/plant for raspberries and 2050 g/plant for blackberries. The experimental data were statistically analyzed using linearized, polynomial and hyperbolic models to identify the relationships between the studied variables and to highlight growth variations and fruit production in raspberries and blackberries throughout the season. In the first year of vegetation, both crops recorded constant growth but with different rhythms: raspberries showed constant fruit production, with a peak in June–July and a slight resumption in September, while blackberries had high production at the beginning of summer, followed by a significant decrease in August. The results obtained support farmers who grow raspberries and blackberries under similar natural pedo-climatic conditions, contributing to crop planning and production optimization. Full article

The success of double cropping in Vitis vinifera L. cultivated in temperate climates relies on bud forcing efficiency, which requires the prompt unlocking of apical dormant buds with sufficient fruitfulness. Chemical dormancy-breaking strategies need to be tested to enhance dormant bud forcing in summer pruning, as hydrogen cyanamide, the most used agent, could damage green organs. This study tested whether foliar applications of cytokinins and auxins could modulate dormancy release, potentially affecting bud forcing dynamics and shoot fruitfulness. The forcing treatments involved trimming primary shoots at the eighth node, removing lateral shoots, and retaining the main leaves and inflorescences. Five treatments were investigated: unforced control, control + 6-Benzyladenine application, forcing (FR), forcing + 6-Benzyladenine application (FBA), and forcing + Naphthaleneacetic acid application (FNAA). Phenological evolution, vegetative and productive parameters, and physiological characteristics have been assessed. Results showed that among the forcing treatments, FBA showed the highest forced/primary shoots ratio (106%), followed by FR (94%) and FNAA (21%). Primary yields were similar across treatments (2.74 kg), but total yield was highest in FBA (4.78 kg, including 2.02 kg from forced grapes), followed by FR (3.62 kg, with 1.09 kg forced). FNAA yielded no forced crop. During forced grapes maturation, photosynthesis rates were higher in forced leaves (11.1 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, as FR and FBA average) than primary leaves (−32%). Forced grapes ripened 47 days later and achieved higher sugar content (21.7 °Brix) and titratable acidity (10.6 g/L) than primary grapes. The findings suggest cytokinins application enhances bud forcing, supporting the feasibility of double cropping, while auxins limited it. Full article

Light quality is a fundamental factor in greenhouses, since different light wavelengths affect plant photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis differently, they thus affect crop growth and productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an experimental greenhouse cover film with UV-to-Red spectral shifting properties on photosynthesis, plant growth, fruit yield, and the quality of two crops spanning over a year-long cultural cycle: aubergines (Solanum melongena L.), as a spring–summer crop, followed by strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), as an autumn–spring crop. Trials were carried out in a multispan greenhouse where two sectors were covered, each one with a different light diffusing polyethylene film: one sector was covered with a UV-to-Red photoluminescent film, doped with a blend of rare-earth elements partially converting the UV solar radiation into Red wavelengths, while a light diffusing polyethylene film was used as the control. At the physiological level, spectral shifting affected the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related to the photochemistry of photosynthesis, which were found to be positively related to crop yield. Moreover, differential analysis of the fast Chlorophyll a fluorescence transients (or OJIP kinetics) showed that spectral shifting affected different steps of the plant photochemical metabolism. Full article

Rapid urbanization and increasing land scarcity have made urban agriculture and efficient space utilization critical directions in modern agriculture. Ougan, a fruit tree valued for both its economic and ecological benefits, holds significant promise for dwarfing cultivation techniques. In this study, a root-irrigation method was used to apply paclobutrazol at various concentrations (200, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/L) to Ougan seedlings, with a control group for comparison. Growth parameters include an average daily increase of plant height, stem girth, new branches, and new branch girth, as well as physiological indices such as leaf SPAD values, leaf nitrogen content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and transpiration rate, were measured during both spring and summer growth periods. The results demonstrate that PBZ exerts a distinct concentration-dependent regulatory effect on Ougan growth: higher concentrations significantly inhibited plant height while promoting increases in stem diameter, with several parameters exhibiting a unimodal response. Short-term (spring) PBZ application enhanced certain photosynthetic parameters, such as net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance; however, prolonged exposure (summer) resulted in a decline in photosynthetic efficiency and overall leaf physiological status. Through comprehensive evaluation using principal component analysis and PLS-SEM, the 500 mg/L PBZ treatment was identified as achieving the optimal balance between growth inhibition and the maintenance of photosynthetic and nutritional status, closely approximating the ideal dwarfing effect. This study elucidates the complex regulatory effects of PBZ on the growth, photosynthesis, and carbon assimilation of Ougan through natural climate, providing robust technical parameters and theoretical support for future dwarf cultivation practices. These findings facilitate the development of dwarf fruit trees into bonsai vegetation, demonstrating significant horticultural application potential. Full article