Search Results (326)

Oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol.) is an Andean crop with high nutritional and cultural value; however, its vegetative propagation makes it challenging to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality planting material. In this study, an efficient and reproducible in vitro propagation protocol was established for the oca genotype OT–001 (Amazonas, Peru), integrating shoot multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization. One-centimeter nodal segments were cultured in MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin (KIN) at increasing concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mg L⁻¹. For rooting, one-centimeter shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at increasing concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mg L⁻¹. The variables evaluated four weeks after treatment initiation were regeneration percentage, rooting percentage, number of shoots per explant, number of roots per explant, number of nodes, and shoot length. The regeneration rate reached 100% with both BAP and KIN treatments; however, shoot proliferation was highest with 1.0 mg L⁻¹ BAP, producing an average of 7.4 shoots per explant compared to 2.3 shoots in the control. Meanwhile, KIN concentrations of 0.2–0.5 mg L⁻¹ promoted the development of longer shoots (up to 31.4 mm). In rooting, although the control achieved 93.3%, auxin supplementation improved root architecture. IBA at 0.1 mg L⁻¹ achieved 100% rooting with the longest roots (23.9 mm), while 2.0 mg L⁻¹ IBA maximized the number of roots (14.2 roots per explant). With NAA, the root systems were dense but shorter. The in vitro-regenerated plantlets exhibited 100% survival after 15 and 30 days of acclimatization in sterile agricultural soil, demonstrating the high quality of the plant material obtained. The protocol enables the production of homogeneous and vigorous plantlets throughout the year and provides a practical foundation for the ex situ conservation of oca germplasm and its commercial propagation. It also establishes the basis for advanced applications such as genetic transformation and gene editing. Full article

The sustainable cultivation of Moringa oleifera is constrained by limited availability of high-quality planting materials. This study established an integrated propagation framework combining seed, cutting, and air-layering methods for the rapid and reliable multiplication of superior genotypes with good morphological traits and elevated astragalin content. Seed pretreatment trials showed that simple soaking for 12 h significantly reduced mean germination time without affecting final germination percentage, while a topsoil–cocopeat–compost mixture enhanced early seedling survival and growth. HPLC profiling identified four genotypes with significantly higher astragalin concentrations (187–281 ppm), linking phytochemical quality with propagation performance. Vegetative propagation experiments revealed that cutting position and girth strongly influenced regeneration success. Cutting position experiments showed clear positional differences, with basal cuttings achieving the highest rooting response. Bottom cuttings produced the highest number of shoots (4.22), nodes (5.00), and thickest shoots (24.65 mm), as well as the highest rooting percentage. Middle cuttings developed the longest shoots (40.21 cm) and the greatest number of roots (32.83), with a rooting percentage of 66.70%. Top cuttings showed the lowest performance across all shoot and root traits. Larger-diameter cuttings produced more shoots but fewer roots while smaller-diameter cuttings produced more roots but fewer shoots. Air-layering with Jiffy-7 pellets achieved the highest root number (43.83) and length (7.23 cm), with 100% survival. Overall, the study provides a robust, mechanism-supported propagation strategy that enables large-scale, uniform production of superior Moringa genotypes, strengthening future programs in clonal improvement, genetic conservation, and sustainable agroforestry development. Full article

Bamboo seeds (often called bamboo rice) are nutritionally rich, offering protein, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Chimonobambusa utilis seeds, especially, represent an underexplored nutritional resource with exceptional edible and agricultural potential. Here, we report that Ch. utilis seeds contain remarkably high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (67.39% of total lipids), with linoleic and linolenic acids comprising 36.5% and 26.7%, respectively, exceeding major vegetable oils by 1.5 to 3.3-fold. Comprehensive plant growth regulator (PGR) screening revealed distinct regulatory patterns: gibberellic acid (GA₃, 8.66 µM) exhibits biphasic dose–response kinetics, cytokinins (6-BA, 222.0 µM) show nonlinear responses transitioning from low-concentration inhibition to high-concentration promotion with preferential lateral root induction, while auxins (NAA, 134.2 µM) demonstrate unimodal responses with concentration-dependent efficacy, achieving the strongest root-promoting effect (27% increase, p < 0.05). Mechanistically, optimal phytohormone treatments sustained elevated soluble sugar levels and differentially modulated key enzymes. Notably, 6-BA potently suppressed sucrose synthase activity while NAA maximally stimulated starch biosynthetic enzyme activities (AGPase and GBSS), identifying sucrose metabolism as a pivotal regulatory node. Comparative evaluation of germination capacity and seedling vigor revealed that individual treatments with 8.66 µM GA₃, 222.0 µM 6-BA, or 134.2 µM NAA achieved the best performance among tested concentrations, reducing germination time by 5 days and increasing germination percentage by 4.2 to 6.3% relative to control. These findings establish Ch. utilis as a premium oil crop candidate and provide mechanistic insights into phytohormone-mediated germination control with broad implications for bamboo seed biology and propagation optimization. Full article

Developing reliable in vitro propagation methods for rowanberry genotypes is essential for their use in breeding and horticultural programs. While different rowanberry species and cultivars are primarily valued for their ornamental and forestry properties, poor seed germination and the low success rate of conventional vegetative techniques constrain their propagation. Micropropagation offers a practical approach to obtaining uniform, disease-free plant material for selection, hybridization, and the subsequent horticultural use of particular valuable genotypes. Shoot multiplication of a prospective sweet rowanberry cultivar ‘Discolor’ was studied on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 mg L⁻¹, thidiazuron (TDZ) at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg L⁻¹, and 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP) at a concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹. Root induction was evaluated on a half-strength MS medium (50% MS) supplemented with 1 mg L⁻¹ of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). TDZ at 1 mg L⁻¹ yielded the highest multiplication coefficient. However, media with TDZ at a lower concentration (0.5 mg L⁻¹) or BAP (2–4 mg L⁻¹) provided the best balance between proliferation rate and shoot quality. These media promoted the growth of vigorous, well-elongated shoots with minimal callus formation. In contrast, the phytohormone 2iP did not elicit physiological response in the in vitro multiplication of explants. The best rooting results were obtained using a 50% MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L⁻¹ IAA, which provided the highest rooting percentage and root quality. IBA produced slightly lower, though comparable, results, while NAA resulted in weak, sporadic root formation. The established protocol enables the efficient in vitro propagation of the studied cultivar. This system supports its application in breeding and fruit production programs, as well as in maintaining valuable genetic resources within the genus Sorbus. Full article

Background: Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Crassulaceae) is a rare medicinal species in the Kazakh Altai, yet information on its population structure and genetic diversity remains limited. This study presents findings from an investigation of natural R. quadrifida populations. Methods: The morphometric characteristics, population age structure, and genetic diversity of the plants were analysed using PCR-based genome profiling. Genetic diversity within R. quadrifida populations was assessed using PCR primers for binding sites complementary to a specific region at the 3′ terminus of a particular tRNA. Results: The populations exhibited variations in morphological traits, age structures, and reproductive strategies. The IVA-1, IVA-2 and KOK populations represent the most mature stages, characterized by a dominance of vegetative reproduction and a disturbed age structure, with a predominance of senile and virgin individuals. In contrast, the LIN-1 and LIN-2 population is characterized by a balanced age structure, encompassing all ontogenetic groups, and a mixed reproductive system that includes both sexual and vegetative propagation. Genetic diversity, as measured by Shannon’s information index, ranged from 0.194 to 0.247, indicating low genetic diversity in R. quadrifida. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significantly greater variation within populations (62%) than among populations (38%). Genetic diversity was higher in the LIN-1 and LIN-2 populations, which employs a mixed reproductive system (clonal and seeds), than in populations dominated by vegetative reproduction. Both LIN populations, characterized by a mixed reproductive system, exhibited higher genetic diversity than the KOK, IVA-1 and IVA-2 populations, where vegetative reproduction predominated. Conclusions: These results underscore the necessity for priority conservation measures, including monitoring population size and age structure in populations with low levels of seed reproduction and disturbed age structure. Additional measures include supporting in situ and ex situ conservation, such as clonal collection, seed banks, and tissue cultures, as well as restricting the harvesting of medicinal raw materials. Full article

The successful establishment of young chestnut orchards is increasingly challenged by drought stress and limited irrigation availability, especially in areas with limited water access. This study evaluated the effects of ridge planting and plastic foil mulching, individually and in combination, on the early growth and stress physiology of vegetatively propagated Castanea sativa × C. crenata ‘Marsol’ trees under rainfed conditions. Over a two-year field trial, vegetative traits, photosynthetic pigments, and leaf phenolic profiles were assessed to determine treatment effects. Ridge planting combined with foil mulching significantly improved tree growth, leading to a 2.6-fold increase in leaf number and 1.6-fold increase in height compared to control (flat planting without foil). This treatment also minimized stress indicators, such as chlorosis and elevated phenolic content. Notably, the ellagitannin chestanin emerged as a dominant stress-related metabolite in the first year, suggesting its potential as an early biochemical marker of transplantation stress. Over time, a compositional shift in phenolic groups, from hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanols to flavonols and hydroxybenzoic acids, was observed, reflecting the plant’s transition from acute stress response to developmental acclimation. These results support ridge planting with foil as a practical, climate-adaptive solution for chestnut orchard establishment and highlight chestanin as a candidate marker for stress monitoring in young trees. Full article

Adventitious root (AR) formation is critical for the vegetative propagation of peach rootstocks. While miRNAs are known to regulate AR development, the role of specific miRNAs and target genes in peach rootstocks remains poorly understand. In this study, we profiled the miRNAome of ‘GF677’ peach rootstock during indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)-induced AR formation. Samples were collected at key four time points (2 h, 2, 10, and 17 days) based on the dynamic changes in endogenous auxin and root morphogenesis. A total of 188 miRNAs were identified, including 60 novel miRNAs. There were 28, 45, 59, 18, 30, and 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in the following six comparison groups of libraries: 2 h vs. 2 d, 2 h vs. 10 d, 2 h vs. 17 d, 2 d vs. 10 d, 2 d vs. 17 d, and 10 d vs. 17 d, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that the target genes of DEMs were predominantly associated with signal transduction and metabolism. Specifically, the plant hormone signaling and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were enriched across all the six comparison groups, while each group exhibited a unique enriched pathway. Additionally, the functional validation of miR319, a DEM, through transgenic analysis in Arabidopsis revealed its regulatory role in AR development. Collectively, this study provides the first insights into the role of miRNAs in peach adventitious rooting, laying a theoretical foundation for improving the vegetative propagation of peach rootstock. Full article

Plant species sensitive to desiccation or vegetatively propagation are difficult to store and transport in the germplasm for space travel. Applying plant tissue culture can help to create a Plant Germplasm Bank for this species. For this purpose, the Compact Growth Chamber (CGC) was created to store and transport in vitro explants, maintaining them for long periods in Slow-Grown Storage (SGS). Explants under SGS have reduced growth metabolism to complete space missions. This study aimed to evaluate the CGC efficacy in the long term of in vitro storage of explant of Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), a tropical species that vegetatively propagates and has high nutritional value. For this, three CGCs were connected, side by side, with different LED light spectra (CGC1: Red spectrum; CGC2: 50% Red + 50% Blue spectra-control; CGC3: Blue spectrum), each one containing nine test tubes with taioba explants (one per test tube), and LED lights intensity adjusted for 30 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The CGCs were maintained for 120 days in the darkroom, at 25 ± 2 °C temperature and 50–60% humidity, and, at the end, the growth and morphological parameters of taioba plantlets were evaluated. These results demonstrate that the explant storage in CGC3 showed lower root numbers and root lengths than in CGC1 and CGC2. In addition, the Blue spectrum in CGC3 reduced the root oxidation and browning, resulting in 100% live explants. This study provides that the CGC fulfilled its proposed function of transporting and storing the in vitro explants for space travel. Full article

The Cutting Development Chamber (CDC) design is presented as an innovative solution to crucial human challenges, such as food and plant medicinal production. Unlike conventional propagation chambers, the CDC is a much more comprehensive research tool, specifically designed to optimize plant reproduction from cuttings. It maintains precise control over humidity, temperature, and lighting, which are essential parameters for plant development, thus maximizing the success rate, even in difficult-to-propagate species. Its modular design is one of its main strengths, allowing users to adapt the chamber to their specific needs, whether for research studies or for larger-scale propagation. The most distinctive feature of this chamber is its ability to collect detailed, labeled data, such as images of plant growth and environmental parameters that can be used in artificial intelligence tasks, which differentiate it from chambers that are solely used for propagation. A study that validated and calibrated the chamber design using cuttings of various species demonstrated its effectiveness through descriptive statistics, confirming that CDC is a powerful tool for research and optimization of plant growth. In validation experiments (Aloysia citrodora and Stevia rebaudiana), the system generated 6579 labeled images and 67,919 environmental records, providing a robust dataset that confirmed stable control of temperature and humidity while documenting cutting development. Full article

Daknamu (Broussonetia × kazinoki), the primary fiber source for hanji (traditional Korean handmade paper), provides fibers that are highly durable and used in fine-edition publishing as well as in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage materials and historic books. However, hanji production has declined due to decreased farm cultivation of B. × kazinoki, emphasizing the need for efficient vegetative propagation. This study evaluated the effects of three rooting media (commercial substrate, a mixture of commercial substrate and decomposed granite soil, and decomposed granite soil) and two plant growth regulators (auxins), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), including a rooting powder containing 0.8% IBA, on rooting performance and physiological responses. Decomposed granite soil produced the highest rooting rate, and the rooting effect index peaked with the rooting powder treatment. Exogenous auxins consistently increased the rooting rate and improved root traits. Photosynthetic activity was enhanced in decomposed granite soil, indicating improved water uptake following root development. Chlorophyll fluorescence showed a low F_v/F_m ratio and a JIP pattern indicative of stress. Soil analyses confirmed greater aeration and drainage in decomposed granite soil but revealed limitations in post-rooting water and nutrient availability. Root traits were positively correlated with photosynthetic parameters and available phosphorus, whereas electrical conductivity, cation-exchange capacity, moisture, organic matter, total nitrogen, and exchangeable cations were negatively correlated. Decomposed granite soil combined with 1500 mg·L⁻¹ IBA or rooting powder provided practical conditions for nursery-scale propagation. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing efficient cutting propagation systems for B. × kazinoki in farms and nurseries. Full article

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is a key multipurpose shrub of Eurasia valued for its ecological resilience, nutritional properties, and economic importance. This study examines the regenerative capacity, cold tolerance, productivity, and vegetative propagation efficiency of H. rhamnoides populations originating from East Kazakhstan and maintained at the Altai Botanical Garden (ABG). Between 1981 and 2024, five natural populations (Kendyrlyk, Kaindysu, Tersayryk, Shetlasty, and Karatal Sands) were evaluated under both natural and introduction conditions. A total of 68 clonal forms were propagated and assessed for longevity, yield stability, and morphological traits. The results demonstrated high ecological plasticity and adaptation to the sharply continental climate of East Kazakhstan, withstanding winter temperatures of −38 to −44 °C without damage. Long-lived genotypes (up to 32 years) exhibited consistent productivity, yielding 3.7–14.5 kg per plant (4.6–17.5 t/ha). Large-fruited cultivars such as ‘Yubileinaya Kotukhova’, ‘Shetlastinka’, and ‘Asem’ reached fruit masses up to 95.8 g of 100 berries. Vegetative propagation by green cuttings proved highly effective, with rooting rates up to 90% when treated with HB-101, exceeding control treatments by 14.7%. Stable thickets formed by root suckers persisted for nearly four decades, confirming strong clonal stability and adaptive capacity. These findings underscore the significant potential of H. rhamnoides germplasm from East Kazakhstan for breeding cold-hardy, high-yielding cultivars suited to continental climates. This research highlights the importance of ex situ conservation at ABG and provides a foundation for further genetic, biochemical, and breeding studies aimed at enhancing the productivity and sustainability of this ecologically and economically valuable species. Full article

Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings and in vitro microcuttings enables large-scale multiplication of superior genotypes in various crop species. This approach is widely used both to propagate and select trees with desirable genetic traits as well as to preserve a significant proportion of genetic diversity. However, successful plant regeneration using this technique requires the development of an adventitious root (AR) system at the base of cuttings or microcuttings. Reduced root formation and functionality strongly limit the application of vegetative propagation, both in vivo and in vitro. The complex process of AR development is greatly influenced by the physiological state of the donor plant, as well as by genetic and environmental factors. Among the environmental factors involved, light quality and intensity have been mainly studied empirically. This review summarizes advances in understanding how light quantity and quality influence in vitro rooting of micropropagated plants, emphasizing species-specific responses. Furthermore, medium components such as sugars and growth regulators, which interact significantly with light, are also considered. Based on existing studies across different plant species, particularly in the absence of growth regulators, the most effective spectrum for root induction is a temporary enrichment of red light, either alone or combined with small amounts of blue or green light. An efficient root growth occurs when the explants are re-exposed to white light, typically at intensities of 40–50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. After root development, exposing the microcuttings to higher intensities could help acclimatization. Finally, considering its capacity to precisely regulate light quality and intensity, LED technology offers a valuable tool for optimizing the rooting process and reducing production costs. Full article

The rapid and reliable acquisition of canopy-related metrics is essential for improving decision support in viticultural management, particularly when monitoring individual vines for targeted interventions. This study presents a spatially explicit workflow that integrates Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) imagery, 3D point-cloud analysis, and Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) to detect and monitor individual grapevines throughout the growing season. Vines are identified directly from 3D point clouds without the need for prior training data or predefined row structures, achieving a mean Euclidean distance of 10.7 cm to the reference points. The OBIA framework segments vine vegetation based on spectral and geometric features without requiring pre-clipping or manual masking. All non-vine elements—including soil, grass, and infrastructure—are automatically excluded, and detailed canopy masks are created for each plant. Vegetation indices are computed exclusively from vine canopy objects, ensuring that soil signals and internal canopy gaps do not bias the results. This enables accurate per-vine assessment of vigour. NDRE values were calculated at three phenological stages—flowering, veraison, and harvest—and analyzed using Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) to detect spatial clusters and outliers. In contrast to value-based clustering methods, LISA accounts for spatial continuity and neighborhood effects, allowing the detection of stable low-vigour zones, expanding high-vigour clusters, and early identification of isolated stressed vines. A strong correlation (R² = 0.73) between per-vine NDRE values and actual yield demonstrates that NDRE-derived vigour reliably reflects vine productivity. The method provides a transferable, data-driven framework for site-specific vineyard management, enabling timely interventions at the individual plant level before stress propagates spatially. Full article

Urban agriculture in space-constrained cities requires compact, reproducible propagation systems. Therefore, the aim of this Technical Note is to design, implement, and functionally validate a low-cost, modular hydroponic chamber (SSHG) for early-stage vegetative propagation. This system couples DHT11-based temperature/RH monitoring with rule-based actuation—irrigation 4×/day and temperature-triggered ventilation—under the control of an Arduino Uno microcontroller; LED lighting was not controlled nor analyzed. Two 15-day trials with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) yielded rooting rates of 61.7% (37/60) and 43.3% (26/60) under a deliberate minimal-input configuration without nutrient solutions or rooting hormones. Environmental summaries and spatial survival maps revealed edge-effect patterns and RH variability that inform irrigation layout improvements. The chamber, bill of materials, and protocol are documented to support replication and iteration. Thus, the SSHG provides a transferable baseline for educators and researchers to audit, reproduce, and improve small-footprint, controlled-environment propagation. Beyond its technical feasibility, the SSHG contributes to sustainability by leveraging low-cost, readily available components, enabling decentralized seedling production in space-constrained settings, and operating under a minimal-input configuration. In line with widely reported hydroponic efficiencies (e.g., lower water use relative to soil-based propagation), this open and replicable platform aligns with SDGs 2, 11, 12, and 13. Full article

The Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada is among the top ten blueberry producing regions globally. Viral diseases are established in the region and significantly reduce average yields. While testing for two viruses is routine, characterization of all the viruses present in the region is incomplete. We used high-throughput sequencing to obtain an unbiased overview of RNA viruses present in 97 plants collected across the region. In addition to known viruses, we identified four luteoviruses previously unidentified in the region. Two of them matched the blueberry virus L (BlVL) and blueberry virus M (BlVM). recently found in the USA, while the third constitutes a new major variant of BlVM (BlVM-2), and the fourth a new luteovirus, which we named blueberry virus N (BlVN). The genome sequences were ~5 kbp long and contained four open-reading frames similar to other luteoviruses. PCR screening revealed that these luteoviruses are widespread in the region, and that plants typically harbour more than one of these luteoviruses. While luteoviruses are typically vectored by aphids, they were also present in nursery stock, indicating that spread also occurs via vegetative propagation. Full article