Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Topic “Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture” offers updated information on the study of agricultural crops and those with future application and agroindustrial importance under their proposed conditions (favorable environments and arid and/or desert areas). The contributions reflected in the work used as a premise result from physiological, biochemical, botanical, and biological perspectives, as well as interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment in which these develop. The results aim to guide the efficiency of soil, water, and environmental resources by relying on traditional and new biotechnological techniques. These findings aim to generate models of sustainable agri-food production systems that can be transferred or applied by professionals in agronomic sciences, biology, biochemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology, as well as those who are in charge of areas, subjects, or production systems related to plant production. The results will exceed the strict propaedeutic level, attracting those interested in the most advanced contemporary research in functional plant biology. This Special Issue explains and demonstrates that plants within a plant functional biology system can be efficiently incorporated into the agri-food or reforestation sector. Understanding these processes opens a new perspective essential for students and professionals of modern agricultural sciences.

Dr. Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente
Dr. Bernardo Murillo-Amador
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.6	6.3	2011	18.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Agronomy agronomy	3.4	6.7	2011	17 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Crops crops	1.9	2.4	2021	22.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Horticulturae horticulturae	3.0	5.1	2015	16.7 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	20 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Plants plants	4.1	7.6	2012	16.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Agrochemicals agrochemicals	-	-	2022	27 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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All Agriculture Agronomy Crops Horticulturae Microorganisms Plants Agrochemicals

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24 pages, 3527 KB  

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Lightweight ConvNeXt for Peach Ripeness Classification

by Xudong Lin, Dehao Liao, Zhiguo Du, Bin Wen, Zhihui Wu, Xianzhi Tu and Yongjie Zhang

Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020134 - 25 Jan 2026

Viewed by 113

Abstract

Accurate grading of peach ripeness is essential for determining optimal harvest timing, postharvest storage potential, and market value. However, traditional methods are often inefficient and highly subjective. Meanwhile, existing deep learning models face challenges in balancing complexity with accuracy. To address this, this [...] Read more.

Accurate grading of peach ripeness is essential for determining optimal harvest timing, postharvest storage potential, and market value. However, traditional methods are often inefficient and highly subjective. Meanwhile, existing deep learning models face challenges in balancing complexity with accuracy. To address this, this paper proposes a lightweight improved model named LightConvNeXt-FCS, which centers on a novel lightweight module named LightBlock. This module drastically reduces the parameter count and computational overhead. To preserve representational capacity, auxiliary structures—including attention enhancement, cross-stage connections, and multi-scale fusion—are incorporated. Experimental results show that the model requires only 2.75 M parameters and 624.23 M FLOPs, representing a 90.1% reduction in parameters and an 86.0% decrease in computational cost compared to ConvNeXt-Tiny, with the model size compressed to 9.9% of the original, while achieving an accuracy of 94.62%, slightly outperforming the original model. This approach effectively resolves the common trade-off between model complexity and accuracy. By achieving high accuracy with a lightweight architecture, it provides a more feasible solution for deploying rapid and intelligent fruit ripeness grading systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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17 pages, 3151 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effects of Diluted Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) on Various Sprout Crops and Its Role in Autophagy Regulation

by Injung Song, Suji Hong, Yoon Ju Na, Seo Yeon Jang, Ji Yeong Jung, Young Koung Lee and Sung Un Huh

Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020207 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 236

Abstract

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has gained attention across agricultural, medical, cosmetic, and sterilization fields due to its production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Although PAW has been primarily explored for seed germination and sterilization in agriculture, its role as a [...] Read more.

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has gained attention across agricultural, medical, cosmetic, and sterilization fields due to its production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Although PAW has been primarily explored for seed germination and sterilization in agriculture, its role as a nutrient source and physiological regulator remains less understood. In this study, PAW generated by a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) system contained approximately 1000 ppm nitrate (NO₃⁻) and was designated as PAW1000. Diluted PAW solutions were applied to sprout crops—wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativus), and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)—grown under hydroponic and soil-based conditions. PAW100 and PAW200 treatments enhanced growth, increasing fresh biomass by up to 26%, shoot length by 22%, and root length by 18%, depending on the species. In silico analysis identified nitrogen-responsive transcripts among several autophagy-related genes. Consistent with this, fluorescence microscopy of Arabidopsis thaliana GFP-StATG8 lines revealed increased autophagosome formation following PAW treatment. The growth-promoting effect of PAW was diminished in atg4 mutants, indicating that autophagy contributes to plant responses to PAW-derived ROS and RNS. Together, these findings demonstrate that diluted PAW generated by SDBD enhances biomass accumulation in sprout crops, and that autophagy plays a regulatory role in mediating PAW-induced physiological responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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17 pages, 2614 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Bacillus velezensis RF2 Rescued from Citrus Phyllosphere: Dual Mechanisms and Broad-Spectrum Activity for Controlling Citrus Bacterial Canker

by Rui-Fang Luo, Si-Yu Zhang, Ya-Xiao Wu, Zi-Yi Jiao, Min-Li Bao, Yu-Ting Lan, Ting-Ting Zhang, Ru-Yu Zeng, Abdulhamid Yusuf, Yun-Zeng Zhang, Min Li and Shuo Duan

Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010121 - 6 Jan 2026

Viewed by 274

Abstract

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC), caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), threatens citrus production worldwide. Long-term dependence on copper-based bactericides not only poses environmental risks but also accelerates the emergence of copper-resistant Xcc strains. To develop safe and efficient alternative control [...] Read more.

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC), caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), threatens citrus production worldwide. Long-term dependence on copper-based bactericides not only poses environmental risks but also accelerates the emergence of copper-resistant Xcc strains. To develop safe and efficient alternative control strategies, 72 bacterial strains were isolated from the phyllosphere of citrus plants naturally infected by CBC and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Using an Xcc-GFP-based screening method, we systematically screened a highly effective strain, which was identified as Bacillus velezensis RF2 (Bv-RF2). Both inhibition zone assays and bioactivity tests of the crude methanolic extract of Bv-RF2 demonstrated stable antibacterial activity under UV irradiation, protease treatment, high temperature, and across a wide pH range. Whole-genome sequencing and antiSMASH analysis revealed multiple predicted NRPS/PKS-type biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Together with metabolomic profiling, these data provide hypotheses for candidate metabolites that may contribute to antagonism. Bv-RF2 was associated with the induction of PR gene expression in immune-related pathways implicated in CBC responses. In sweet orange leaves, Bv-RF2 infiltration was associated with transient induction of defense-related (PR) genes, consistent with an ISR-like, priming-related response. In addition, Bv-RF2 inhibited the growth of fungal pathogens associated with citrus anthracnose and brown spot in vitro, indicating broad inhibitory potential under the tested conditions. Collectively, Bv-RF2 represents a promising candidate for developing environmentally friendly strategies against CBC and other citrus diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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19 pages, 2656 KB  

Open AccessReview

Biotechnological Improvement of Nutri-Cereal Finger Millet: Current Status and Future Prospects

by Stanislaus Antony Ceasar

Crops 2025, 5(6), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5060087 - 25 Nov 2025

Viewed by 562

Abstract

Climate change and widespread micronutrient deficiencies threaten food security in the semi-arid tropics. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a climate-resilient “nutri-cereal” rich in calcium, zinc, iron and dietary fiber. Finger millet is a promising crop for addressing climate stress and [...] Read more.

Climate change and widespread micronutrient deficiencies threaten food security in the semi-arid tropics. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a climate-resilient “nutri-cereal” rich in calcium, zinc, iron and dietary fiber. Finger millet is a promising crop for addressing climate stress and nutrient deficiencies. However, it remains under-explored and relatively neglected in breeding and genetic improvement programs compared to major cereals. This review synthesizes recent biotechnological advances and outlines future directions for finger millet improvement. Foundational resources now include a chromosome-scale reference genome, expanding transcriptome, diverse global germplasm panels, and growing reports of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for key traits including yield, stress tolerance, blast resistance, and mineral contents. Tissue culture studies reported both somatic embryogenesis and direct regeneration. Stable genetic transformation has been achieved in finger millet via Agrobacterium-mediated methods, particularly using shoot apical meristem (SAM) and by biolistics (gene gun) methods. Genome editing has not yet been reported, but we propose a practical roadmap leveraging reported tissue culture genetic transformation protocols for applying the CRISPR/Cas system for trait improvements. Using new biotechnological methods, along with pangenome, speed breeding, and helpful microbiomes, will make finger millet a strong and reliable food source for the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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13 pages, 1835 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Sprayed Application of Recombinantly Expressed CpRap2.4A Confers Protective Activity Against Heat Stress in Nicotiana tabacum

by Diobel González-Stewart, Francisco Guillén-Chable, Miguel Ángel Herrera-Alamillo, Roberth Armando Us Santamaría, José Luis Andrade, Anne C. Gschaedler Mathis, Enrique Castaño, Luis Joel Figueroa-Yáñez and Luis Carlos Rodríguez-Zapata

Crops 2025, 5(6), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5060080 - 6 Nov 2025

Viewed by 404

Abstract

Drastic changes in temperature, salinity of soils and drought are some of the most studied abiotic stressors in important crops. Plants have developed various biochemical mechanisms to counteract these conditions. Transcription factors play a significant role in regulating stress responses. Previously, in our [...] Read more.

Drastic changes in temperature, salinity of soils and drought are some of the most studied abiotic stressors in important crops. Plants have developed various biochemical mechanisms to counteract these conditions. Transcription factors play a significant role in regulating stress responses. Previously, in our lab, it was identified that the CpRap2.4a protein, which belongs to the AP2/ERF superfamily, is related to the response to abiotic stress from extreme temperature, and confers thermal tolerance to Carica papaya CV. This study presents a randomized experimental strategy for the analysis of the physiological and biochemical responses of Nicotiana tabacum plants subjected to heat stress, and how the foliar application of the recombinantly expressed CpRap2.4a can modulate beneficial responses. Plants subjected to heat stress present a healthier physiology, as clearly shown by biochemical parameters. Moreover, physiological parameters also suggest an improvement of heat tolerance compared with the control group. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that stomatal aperture and conductance are the key mechanisms for how recombinantly expressed CpRap2.4a can act as a regulatory player to heat stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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10 pages, 1154 KB  

Open AccessCommunication

Strain-Dependent Lactic Acid Fermentation of Capsosiphon fulvescens Hydrolysate by Lactobacillus spp.

by Hyeongjin Hwang

Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2295; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102295 - 2 Oct 2025

Viewed by 662

Abstract

Seaweeds are promising third-generation biomass for biobased chemicals, yet their use for lactic acid (LA) production remains underexplored. We evaluated LA production from the dilute-acid hydrolysate of the aquacultured green alga Capsosiphon fulvescens (C.Agardh) Setchell & N.L. Gardner. The dried biomass contained 53.4% [...] Read more.

Seaweeds are promising third-generation biomass for biobased chemicals, yet their use for lactic acid (LA) production remains underexplored. We evaluated LA production from the dilute-acid hydrolysate of the aquacultured green alga Capsosiphon fulvescens (C.Agardh) Setchell & N.L. Gardner. The dried biomass contained 53.4% carbohydrate (dry-weight basis). HPLC showed a monosaccharide profile enriched in L-rhamnose and D-xylose, with lower levels of D-mannose, D-glucose, D-glucuronolactone, and D-glucuronic acid. Batch fermentations with three Lactobacillus strains revealed clear strain-dependent kinetics and carbon partitioning. Maximum LA titers/yields (time at maximum) were 2.0 g L⁻¹/0.49 g g⁻¹ at 9 h for L. rhamnosus, 2.3 g L⁻¹/0.30 g g⁻¹ at 36 h for L. casei, and 2.8 g L⁻¹/0.23 g g⁻¹ at 48 h for L. brevis; L. rhamnosus achieved the highest yield on sugars consumed, whereas L. brevis reached the highest titer by utilizing a broader sugar spectrum, notably xylose; L. casei showed intermediate performance with limited xylose use. Co-products included acetic and succinic acids (major) and trace 1,2-propanediol and acetaldehyde, consistent with flux through Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas versus phosphoketolase pathways. These results demonstrate that C. fulvescens hydrolysate is a viable marine feedstock for LA production and highlight practical levers—expanding pentose/uronic-acid catabolism in high-yield strains and tuning pretreatment severity—to further improve both yield and titer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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14 pages, 1037 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Moderate Electroporation on E. coli Membrane Permeability

by Ester Bar-Hanun, Ester Hanya, Abhishiktha Chiliveru and Rivka Cahan

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081925 - 18 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1543

Abstract

This study examined the membrane permeability of E. coli, which were exposed to a moderate pulsed electric field (PEF) (3.3 kV/cm). The membrane permeability of E. coli was examined as a function of time after exposure to PEF. When comparing the percentage [...] Read more.

This study examined the membrane permeability of E. coli, which were exposed to a moderate pulsed electric field (PEF) (3.3 kV/cm). The membrane permeability of E. coli was examined as a function of time after exposure to PEF. When comparing the percentage of propidium iodide (PI) permeability at a given time from PEF exposure, it appeared that as the bacterial density increased, there was a decrease in PI permeability. The permeability to PI in the bacterial suspensions of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 OD, 90 min after exposure, was 56.4 ± 4.08%, 43.91 ± 0.75%, and 29.47 ± 3.31%, respectively. Membrane permeability was also examined in different phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) concentrations. At 0.05 OD there was a linear correlation between PBS concentrations (0.56, 0.75, and 1 mM) and PI permeability (28.36 ± 2.22%, 61.08 ± 3.17%, and 98.2 ± 0.9%, respectively). At the higher bacterial densities of 0.1 and 0.5 OD, this phenomenon was not evident. Examination of bacterial membrane permeability using 4, 70, and 250 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran revealed that PEF led to 4kDa FITC-dextran permeabilization of 27.94 ± 3.76%. The PEF parameters used did not influence the bacterial cell size and viability. This study shed light on bacterial membrane permeability as a function of conductivity and bacterial density under PEF exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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21 pages, 997 KB  

Open AccessReview

Decoding Potential Co-Relation Between Endosphere Microbiome Community Composition and Mycotoxin Production in Forage Grasses

by Vijay Chandra Verma and Ioannis Karapanos

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131393 - 28 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

Cultivated pasture grasses contribute forage to more than 40% of cattle produced in 11 southern states in the USA. In recent years the increasing intoxication of cattle feeding on pasture grasses raised serious concerns about their palatability. While molecular and metagenomics techniques have [...] Read more.

Cultivated pasture grasses contribute forage to more than 40% of cattle produced in 11 southern states in the USA. In recent years the increasing intoxication of cattle feeding on pasture grasses raised serious concerns about their palatability. While molecular and metagenomics techniques have revealed the great diversity of microbial composition and functional richness of the grass endosphere microbiome, meta-sequencing techniques enable us to gain a bird’s-eye view of all plant-associated microbiomes as a ‘holobiont’. Plant holobionts provide a more comprehensive approach where one can define the functions of microbial communities and feedback between the core and satellite microbiomes of a targeted host. In the near future we will be able to tailor our grasses and their endosphere microbiomes through the host-directed selection of a ‘modular microbiome’, leading to ‘plant enhanced holobionts’ as a microbiome-driven solution to managing the intoxication of pasture grasses in livestock. The present review aims to understand the potential co-relation between the endosphere microbiome community composition and mycotoxin production in forage grasses in the southern United States. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture)

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