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This study evaluated the postharvest evolution in terms of quality and functional traits of recently introduced mini plum tomato cultivars, differing for fruit pigmentation. The cultivars Santy Naranja (orange fruit) and Melange (dark red, green-striped fruit), along with the well-established 'Angelle' (red fruit), were monitored during refrigerated storage (10 °C) for 0, 7, and 14 days (hereafter S0, S7, and S14, respectively) inside closed polylactic acid trays. 'Melange' displayed the highest fruit fresh weight loss and total soluble solids (TSS) (9.28 °Bx), along with the lowest firmness (4.69 N), whereas 'Santy Naranja' showed the strongest color deviation during the storage period. Titratable acidity (TA) was relatively stable in 'Melange', while 'Angelle' experienced the highest decrease between S7 and S14, resulting in stronger TSS/TA fluctuations. Regarding the functional traits, 'Melange' had the highest total polyphenols content (TPC), whereas 'Angelle' excelled in total carotenoid content (TCC), ascorbic acid content (AsA), and fruits' antioxidant activity, as revealed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. With reference to storage time, the O2 concentration in the headspace, TPC, AsA, and DPPH decreased between S0 and S14, whereas CO2 concentration, TCC, and FRAP increased, but these variations were mostly cultivar-dependent. This study provides insights into the postharvest behavior of novel mini plum tomato typologies and their ability to maintain quality over time, providing information for developing strategies to preserve their sensory and nutraceutical characteristics during refrigerated storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Winter cultivation in South Italy significantly challenges greenhouse tomato yield and quality. • Innovative use of a plant-derived biostimulant (PDB) was explored to mitigate environmental stresses. • The PDB markedly enhanced tomato yield, quality traits, and concentrations of phenols and carotenoids. • The PDB significantly boosted the fruit concentrations of 10 out of 12 minerals, excluding Ni and V. • The study underscores the potential of PDBs in producing mineral-rich but Ni-poor tomatoes. The present experiment addressed the effects of a plant-derived biostimulant (PDB, Bioup® TF) on fruit quality and composition of two greenhouse cherry tomato cultivars (Caravaggio and Creativo) grown during the autumn-winter. The biostimulant application enhanced the marketable fruit yield up to 1.148 g m−2 of 'Creativo' (+16 %) and increased the fruit dry matter, firmness, and chroma (C*), particularly of 'Caravaggio' (by 23, 12, and 11 %, respectively). 'Caravaggio' also showed the strongest increase in total polyphenols (+26 %) and carotenoid contents (+50 %) in response to the treatment. This trend paralleled the strongest rise of the in vitro antioxidant activity of its fruit extracts, as revealed by the DPPH and FRAP assays. Moreover, the biostimulant treatment resulted in higher concentrations of 10 among 12 minerals analyzed in fresh fruit. This effect was particularly relevant for calcium, manganese, and copper, whereas 'Caravaggio' proved the strongest rise for potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Interestingly, the biostimulant application did not promote or even reduced the concentration of nickel in fresh 'Caravaggio' and 'Creativo' (-38 %) fruit, respectively. This suggests that the integration of PDBs in the framework of agronomic strategies could assist in producing Ni-poor tomatoes while increasing, at the same time, their levels in health-promoting minerals. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Grafting has potential to improve chill tolerance in vegetable crops. • We studied Capsicum baccatum (CB) and C. pubescens (CP) accessions as rootstocks for pepper. • CB 9 and CP 3 were more vigorous than the commercial rootstock 'Capsifort' under chilling stress. • When grafted onto CB 9 and CP 3 the scion 'Tiberio' showed a higher chill tolerance. • We selected suitable rootstock germplasm to improve chill tolerance of grafted pepper. This study evaluated the effectiveness of rootstocks germplasm to enhance the chilling tolerance of Capsicum annum L. We compared 2 accessions of C. baccatum , i.e., CB 5 and CB 9, and 3 accessions of C. pubescens , i.e., CP 2, CP 3, and CP 4, together with commercial controls across 3 experiments. Experiment 1 (Exp 1) aimed to evaluate these genotypes adaptation compared to rootstock cv. 'Capsifort' to chilling temperatures and was performed in growth chambers for 28 days under two thermal regimes, i.e. optimal (25–15 °C for 12 h/day) and suboptimal (15–5 °C for 12 h/day). In Exp 2 the scion cv. Tiberio was grafted onto these rootstocks and grown under suboptimal temperature for 28 days in comparison to ungrafted control. Exp 3 evaluated the same graft combinations in a commercial greenhouse, to assess the effects of grafting on fruit yield and quality of the scion 'Tiberio' compared to ungrafted and self-grafted controls. In Exp 1, CP 3 showed the best photosynthetic performances, whereas CP 2 and CP 3 outperformed 'Capsifort' for plant biomass under suboptimal temperature. In Exp 2, chlorophyll fluorescence was higher in the combination 'Tiberio'/CB 9 than in 'Tiberio', while 'Tiberio'/CP 3 had a higher photosynthetic rate. The stomatal conductance was higher in 'Tiberio'/CP 3 and 'Tiberio'/CP 4 than in 'Tiberio'. All the graft combinations reduced the leaf proline content compared to the ungrafted plants. In Exp 3 the graft combinations 'Tiberio'/'Capsifort', 'Tiberio'/CB 5, 'Tiberio'/CB 9 and 'Tiberio'/CP 3 produced the highest marketable yields, but 'Tiberio'/'Capsifort', 'Tiberio'/CB 5, and 'Tiberio'/CB 9 had the highest number of discarded fruits per plant. 'Tiberio'/CP 2 fruits had lower titratable acidity values than 'Tiberio', whereas 'Tiberio'/CB 9 had the highest antioxidant activity. Overall, our results showed that CB 9 and CP 3 consistently proved positive performance on 'Tiberio', while CP 2 performed well under low temperature conditions only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carrot has a great potential for iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) biofortification. • Foliar sprays can increase Zn and Fe concentration in carrots roots. • Zn-EDTA and FeSO 4 gave the highest mineral increase. • Zn-EDTA and Fe-DTPA are more bioaccessible than the sulfate forms of the minerals. Hidden hunger is a worldwide problem, with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency being the most common causes of mineral deficiency. Vegetable biofortification is an effective strategy to fight mineral deficiency, especially when commonly consumed vegetables are utilized, as in the case of carrots. This biofortification study aimed to investigate the response of the off-season carrot cv. Dordogne to different forms of foliar applications of Fe and Zn. The crop received four applications of both minerals, either in the form of inorganic salt (FeSO 4 and ZnSO 4) or chelated forms (Fe-DTPA and Zn-EDTA), at a concentration of 6 mM of these elements. FeSO 4 was efficient in increasing the Fe concentration in carrots (by 52%), while Fe-DTPA caused no significant differences. Regarding Zn, both forms were effective in the biofortification, but Zn-EDTA proved to be more efficient in increasing root Zn concentration (+94%) than ZnSO 4 (+57%). Bioaccessibility data, measured after in vitro digestion, showed that biofortified carrots with the chelated forms retained a full bioaccessibility of the minerals (around 100% as in control carrots). However, the sulfate-biofortified carrots showed reduced bioaccessibility values (60% and 80% for Fe and Zn, respectively). The results also showed an increase in dry matter, total nitrogen content and antioxidant activity in plants treated with Zn-EDTA. This trend paralleled the increase of polyphenols and total carotenoids content, suggesting the overall benefit of biofortification strategies conducted in the field. In conclusion, our study revealed that chelated forms of both minerals are preferable in the biofortification programs of carrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bracts of the globe artichoke inflorescence vary in their pigmentation and the extent of fleshy thorn development. Here, a genetic analysis of these two traits is presented, based on a pre-existing and well-characterized mapping population derived from a cross between a globe artichoke variety and a cultivated cardoon. While both traits appeared to be simply inherited when the number of trait classes was limited to three (pigmentation) or two (thorniness), extending the classification to a larger number of states generated continuous distributions appropriate for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. The seven QTL identified by this means, mapping to five different linkage groups, were all expressed across two growing seasons. The largest effect QTL mapped onto homologues linkage group in each parental maps, and explained up to 69 and 73 % of the phenotypic variance respectively for bracts pigmentation and thorniness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broomrapes are holoparasitic weeds responsible for high yield losses in tomato. The efficacy of available means to control them once they have attacked the crop is very limited. Due to this effective and environmental-friendly strategies to prevent these attacks on greenhouse tomato are needed. Both soil solarization and organic supplementation have been proposed to reduce broomrape attacks. However, a setup in their implementation, especially for eradicating broomrape seedbank from highly infested soils, is still needed before they can be widely adopted as a resolutive commercial practice. A set of two experiments was carried out in Southern Italy (37°03′N, 15°18′E, 10 m a.s.l.) to study (i) the effect of repeated solarization (for 1–3 consecutive years) and (ii) a single cycle of soil solarization combined with three levels of organic supplementation (0, 0.35 and 0.70 kg m −2 ), on broomrape seedbank dynamic and fruit yield of greenhouse tomato plants. Soil solarization alone during summer months increased mean maximum soil temperature by about 8.0–13.2 °C (at 5 cm depth) and 4.1–9.3 °C (at 15 cm depth). After one single cycle of soil solarization alone, seedbank mortality accounted for ∼99% of viable seeds, while induced seeds dormancy accounted for the remaining ∼1%. Complete seedbank eradication was achieved after the second year of solarization, while tomato fruit yield, starting from 3.43 kg plant −1 in unheated soil, peaked after the third year of solarization (6.58 kg FW plant −1 ). Organic supplementation prior to solarization further increased the temperature of solarized soil at both 5 and 15 cm soil depths (by up to 4.3 °C, on average) and enhanced the efficacy of solarization against broomrape seedbank. Indeed, total seeds mortality was induced after a single cycle of solarization combined with 0.35 kg m −2 organic supplement, while tomato yield was enhanced up to 0,70 kg m −2 supplement (9.44 kg FW plant −1 ). Our results show that in Mediterranean climatic conditions at least two consecutive years of soil solarization are needed to completely eradicate broomrape seedbank from a highly infested soil. However, the efficacy of this technique may be improved when combined with organic supplementation, with positive effects on the yield of greenhouse tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globe artichoke ( Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), whose immature inflorescences ( capitula) are consumed as a vegetable all over the world, contributes significantly to the agricultural economy of the Mediterranean basin. Here, we describe a QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis aimed at elucidating the mode of inheritance of seven main and first-order capitulum traits. Mapping was carried out in an F population obtained by crossing a globe artichoke with a cultivated cardoon ( C. cardunculus var. altilis). A total of 100 QTL associated with the seven capitulum traits were mapped to 23 chromosomal regions, scattered over 12 of the 17 linkage groups. Among these, 73 were expressed in both growing seasons, while the others were only detected in one season. Up to nine QTL per trait were identified, and major QTL, responsible for some 20 % of the phenotypic variation, were detected for capitulum length, diameter, shape index and fresh weight. The QTL for correlated traits frequently co-localized, most likely due to pleiotropy. This study represents the first report on yield traits QTL in globe artichoke. The QTL identified, along with linked markers, particularly those located in four hot-spot QTL regions are of practical interest for crop improvement based on marker-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sicily, the increasing use of exotic globe artichoke germplasm is eroding the presence of autochthonous landraces, including the long established 'Violetto di Sicilia'. Ten clones have emerged from a clonal selection programme in this landrace, and here we describe the variation that they capture both at the level of AFLP-based genotype and phenotypically with respect to key productivity traits, on the basis of two seasons of field evaluation. The clonal selections yielded, on average, 8.9 heads per plant (equivalent to a fresh weight yield of 1.28 kg). Two clones yielded particularly well in both growing seasons (10.6 heads, equivalent to 1.46 kg per plant), while another pair produced particularly large heads (on average 165 g) and a high receptacle incidence (on average 19.3 g 100 g fresh weight). Both the number of days to first harvest and the quantity of head dry matter were subject to a significant degree of 'clone × year' interaction. Yield, the number of heads per plant and receptacle incidence were associated with a moderate (0.30-0.53) broad sense heritability, indicating that these traits could be successfully improved by phenotype-based clonal selection. AFLP fingerprinting was able to discriminate between all the clones, based on only three primer combinations. A principal component analysis based on the AFLP fingerprints was used to compare the selected clones with a set of individuals chosen on the basis of maximum genetic diversity. This comparison suggested that the new clone set was representative of the genetic variation present in 'Violetto di Sicilia', because the diversity captured by the two sets was largely overlapping, confirming the possibility of carrying out clonal selection in this globe artichoke landrace without compromising its preservation in situ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient fertilization is a central topic in sustainable agriculture since fertilization strongly influences both crop performances and environmental impact. In several Mediterranean regions, globe artichoke fertilization is still empirically oriented toward nitrogen overdressing and insufficient phosphorus supply. To date, there is a lack of systematic research on the relationships between nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizations, especially in terms of nutrient efficiency. Here, in a 2-year experiment, we studied the effects of two phosphorus fertilization rates, 50 and 150 kg PO ha, and four nitrogen fertilization rates, 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg N ha, on earliness, yield characteristics and nutrient efficiency indices of two globe artichoke genotypes: the traditional vegetatively propagated 'Violetto di Sicilia' and the modern 'seed'-propagated 'Opal F'. The nutrient efficiency indices included partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFP), total factor productivity (TFP) and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (N). Results show that the highest phosphorus rate allowed to reduce nitrogen supply from 450 to 300 kg ha without compromising earliness or yield of the crop. The highest phosphorus rate also increased PFP up to 6.9 kg heads dry weight ha kg and N up to 2.5 Δ kg dry weight ha kg, thus indicating a better nitrogen utilization of the crop, especially at lower doses. 'Opal F', as compared to 'Violetto di Sicilia', showed higher PFP of 8.1 versus 5.2 kg heads dry weight ha kg and TFP of 4.0 versus 2.4 kg heads dry weight ha kg, especially at low nitrogen supplies. We conclude that balancing nitrogen and phosphorus supplies, together with the adoption of globe artichoke genotypes characterized by more efficient utilization of soil mineral nutrients, are effective tools to promote both yield performances and a more sustainable nitrogen fertilization of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A three-year experiment was conducted in Sicily (South Italy) aimed at evaluating the effects of three fertilization levels (low, medium and high) and two harvest times (flowering vs. achenes ripening) on aboveground biomass, grain and energy yield of five Cynara cardunculus genotypes (three cultivated cardoons, one wild cardoon accession and one globe artichoke line). The cultivated cardoons showed the highest aboveground dry biomass yield (on average 26 t ha−1 y−1), grain yield (on average 1.2 t ha−1 y−1) and energy yield (on average 450 GJ ha−1 y−1). Among these, ‘Bianco avorio’ and ‘Gigante di Lucca’ were able to maximize their biomass and energetic response under medium fertilization level, and improved, also, their performances along the three-year experiment. The shift in harvest time from flowering to achenes ripening decreased the aboveground biomass yield (grain excepted) (on average, from 21.1 to 19.0 t ha−1 y−1), but without significant effects on energy yield, as a consequence of the energy obtained from grains. The results show that combining an adequate choice of genotype and agronomical technique can make C. cardunculus a very competitive and sustainable energy crop in Mediterranean environment. Agronomical and breeding innovations are needed to further improve and stabilize crop performances and its agro-ecological sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the last few decades, the improvement of tomato aroma and flavour has gained growing attention among breeders, agronomists and food technologists, as it is reputed as a key tool to further consolidate tomato consumption in the global market. However, this represents a difficult task, since more than 400 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) differently contribute to tomato aroma and its flavour perception. The recent development of molecular tools has allowed us to identify some of the major alleles influencing the volatile composition of tomatoes. Nonetheless, such composition involves an intricate weave of polygenic systems, highly influenced by external, pre and postharvest factors. With few exceptions, our knowledge about the effects of these determinants is still scarce, making it difficult to draw sound conclusions to best manage the future genetic potential. The present review examines the existing knowledge on major VOCs influencing tomato organoleptic quality, including their classification, metabolic pathways, genetics, and technical features that affect their concentrations in fruits. Particular emphasis is placed on preharvest and postharvest factors influencing their quantitative and qualitative expression, whose integrated study with omic tools will be increasingly necessary for the perspective of disseminating reliable operational indications throughout the production/distribution chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inefficient nitrogen (N) use leads to economic losses and environmental harm. Improving N use efficiency (NUE) is crucial. The use of plant biostimulants (PBs), integrated with good agronomic practices, offers a sustainable solution. Aims: The study explores the potential use of exhausted cell culture media from plant cell cultures (Nicotiana sp. and Gardenia sp.) as PBs, assessing their role in enhancing plant physiological status and NUE. It also compares their effectiveness against commercial PBs. Methods: Two experiments (Experiments 1 and 2) were conducted using cherry tomato plants. In the first one, the two media were applied at different concentrations as a foliar spray to define the optimal dose. This outcome was used to set up Experiment 2, in which both media were compared to commercial PBs under optimal and reduced N supply. Measurements included plant growth, chlorophyll (Chl) content, and NUE indices. Moreover, Experiment 2 examined gene expression related to N assimilation, transport, and response to oxidative stress. Results: Both experiments demonstrated a significant increase in leaf area (≈11%) and aboveground biomass (≈13%) using exhausted media. Furthermore, Experiment 2 demonstrated enhancements in Chl content (≈10%) and plant N accumulation (≈20%). These findings indicate that exhausted media has a comparable efficacy to commercial PBs. Conclusions: The study underscores the practical viability of exhausted cell culture media as effective PBs for tomato growth in both N conditions. This approach aligns with sustainability objectives by repurposing by‐products to enhance plant resilience against abiotic stress and potentially improve the efficiency of N fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment addressed the effects of different iron (Fe) concentrations in the nutrient solution supplied as Fe-HBED, i.e., 0.02 (Fe0, control), 1.02 (Fe1), and 2.02 mmol L−1 (Fe2) on lettuce ('Nauplus' and 'Romana') yield and compositional traits. This experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using an open soilless cultivation system, at the experimental farm of the University of Catania (Sicily, Italy: 37°24′31.5″ N, 15°03′32.8″ E, 6 m a.s.l.). The addition of Fe-HBED reduced the plants' aboveground biomass (−18%, averaged over Fe1 and Fe2), but promoted their dry matter content (+16% in Fe2). The concentration of chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidants peaked at Fe2, along with the antioxidant capacity and concentration of stress indicators in leaves. The Fe content in leaves was promoted in the Fe-treated plants (+187% averaged over Fe1 and Fe2). 'Romana' showed the highest Fe accumulation (reaching 29.8 mg kg−1 FW in Fe1), but 'Nauplus' proved a higher tolerance to the Fe-derived oxidative stress. The Fe2 treatment maximized leaf N, P, K, S, and Zn contents, while those of Ca, Mg, Mn, and B peaked at Fe1. Overall, our study revealed the effectiveness of Fe-HBED in increasing the Fe content and improving the nutritional quality of lettuce grown in soilless cultivation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is essential for adequate earliness and the commercial attractiveness of carrots, but its excess could generate fast decay during postharvest, mostly in bunched carrots exhibiting their highly perishable leaves. A field experiment was conducted over the 2016–2017 growing season to address the effects of two N fertilization rates (120 and 240 kg N ha−1, hereafter N120 and N240, respectively) and leaf presence/absence (leaf+ and leaf−) on physicochemical and compositional traits of carrots cv. 'Dordogne', after storage at 4.0 ± 0.5 °C, 95–96% relative humidity (RH) for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 days (hereafter S0–S24). Before storage, carrots were arranged in bunches and packaged in common low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches (thickness 95 μm), 54 × 24 cm size, with 16 holes of 5 mm size. N240 carrots compared to N120 showed higher cumulative weight loss (CWL) and firmness reduction, with differences at S24 equal to 108 vs. 41 g kg−1 fresh weight (FW) and 13.3 vs. 14.5 N, respectively. N240 compared to N120 increased also the color deviation (ΔE*ab, +126%) and nitrates content (+93%) of carrots and slowed down their temporal increase of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Leaf+ carrots compared to leaf boosted CWL and firmness reduction, with differences at S24 equal to 90 vs. 58 g kg−1 FW and 12 vs. 17 N, respectively. In addition, leaf presence increased reducing sugars (+17%) and decreased nitrates (−24%) contents. This research has shown the possibility of improving the desirable quality and shelf-life of carrots by halving the N dose commonly supplied by growers and marketing bunched carrots within 12 days from the start of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Eggplant waste are promising sources of phytochemicals. • We evaluated genotype and ripening stage for phytochemical content of eggplant fruits. • Peel anthocyanins content was higher at commercial ripening stage. • Pulp polyphenols and glycoalkaloids content peaked at overripening stage. The influence of ripening stage was evaluated on fruit characteristics of three widely cultivated eggplant cultivars (Birgah , Black Bell and Black Moon), with the aim to characterize their fruit residual waste for phytochemicals extraction. At overripening stage, eggplant fruits showed the highest average weight, dry matter content and weight incidence of the pulp. Total anthocyanins concentration of the peel (mainly represented by nasunin) was higher at commercial ripening, whereas total polyphenols (most of all 5- O -caffeoylquinic acid) and steroidal glycoalkaloids (α-solasonine and α-solamargine) peaked at the overripening stage. Because of these modifications, every ton of fresh fruit gave up to 59 g of total anthocyanins, 1054 g CAE of total polyphenols and 252 g of total glycoalkaloids, depending on cultivar and fruit ripening stage. This study highlighted the possibility to manage the choice of cultivar and harvest time in the view of valorise this raw material for phytochemical extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effects of the O2 root zone level and grafting on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis and growth of cherry tomato grown in a hydroponic system. Two O2 concentrations in the root zone, namely Ox (saturation level) and Ox- (2–3 mg L−1), were applied for 30 days on self-grafted cherry tomato Dreamer or grafted onto the hybrids Arnold, Beaufort, Maxifort and Top Pittam. Root hypoxia increased minimum fluorescence (by 10%) while it decreased variable fluorescence and the maximum quantum yield of PSII (up to 16 and 8%, respectively). Moreover, it reduced leaf photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance (by 12, 17 and 13%, respectively), whereas it increased leaf electrolyte leakage (by 2.1%). The graft combinations showed a different ability in buffering the effects of root hypoxia on plant growth and related components, and these differences were related to their root biomass. The minimum fluorescence was negatively correlated to plant growth, so it may be a useful indicator to select tolerant rootstocks to root hypoxia. Our results suggest the occurrence of both diffusive and metabolic constraints to tomato photosynthesis under root hypoxia, a condition that can be mitigated by selecting rootstocks with a more developed root system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bio-agronomical response, along with the arsenic (As) translocation and partitioning were investigated in self-grafted melon "Proteo", or grafted onto three interspecific ("RS841", "Shintoza", and "Strong Tosa") and two intraspecific hybrids ("Dinero" and "Magnus"). Plants were grown in a soilless system and exposed to two As concentrations in the nutrient solution (0.002 and 3.80 mg L−1, referred to as As− and As+) for 30 days. The As+ treatment lowered the aboveground dry biomass (−8%, on average), but the grafting combinations differed in terms of photosynthetic response. As regards the metalloid absorption, the rootstocks revealed a different tendency to uptake As into the root, where its concentration varied from 1633.57 to 369.10 mg kg−1 DW in "Magnus" and "RS841", respectively. The high bioaccumulation factors in root (ranging from 97.13 to 429.89) and the low translocation factors in shoot (from 0.015 to 0.071) and pulp (from 0.002 to 0.008) under As+, showed a high As mobility in the substrate–plant system, and a lower mobility inside the plants. This tendency was higher in the intraspecific rootstocks. Nonetheless, the interspecific "RS841" proved to be the best rootstock in maximizing yield and minimizing, at the same time, the As concentration into the fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality and chemical composition of two fresh-cut cauliflower cultivars (the white type ‘Flamenco’ and the green type ‘Monteverde’), grown in a soilless system with two electrical conductivities of the nutrient solutions (2.0 and 4.0 dS m −1 ), were investigated in order to evaluate the effect of salinity on product characteristics and shelf-life during cold storage (14 d at 4 °C). Preharvest salinity of 4.0 dS m −1 increased the floret’s dry matter and soluble solids content in both genotypes and improved their colour retention during storage. The postharvest CO 2 production was higher in salt-stressed florets compared to control, but after 7 d of storage control florets showed an acceleration in respiratory metabolism, indicating an intensification of senescence processes. Preharvest salt stress increased the concentration of glucosinolates in a genotype-dependent way, improving also the concentration of total polyphenols and ascorbic acid, hence the antioxidant activity of florets. The time-course of secondary metabolites during storage indicated complex interactions among genotype, preharvest growing conditions and different classes of compounds, whose understanding could help in tailoring specific breeding programmes aimed at improving the postharvest nutraceutical profile of the product. Overall, these results demonstrate that the application of a controlled salt stress, through the use of a soilless system, improves fresh-cut cauliflower characteristics, enhancing also the shelf-life of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] is a significant component of the Mediterranean agrarian economy, particularly in Italy, in which the genetic diversity represented by autochthonous germplasm is threatened by the growing use of imported varieties. Characterization of autochthonous germplasm represents both a base for the selection of elite clones, and a means of implementing in situ conservation. We report here the variation present with respect to both head morphology and polyphenol profile (receptacle, outer and inner bracts) within a set of clonal selections from the local variety ‘Spinoso di Palermo’. With a view to finding an economic use of material which is normally considered as waste matter (the outer bracts), we have also evaluated variation in the proportion of waste material and its polyphenol content. Three clones (II, III and VI) produced more polyphenol (caffeoylquinic acids and flavones) than did ‘Spinoso di Palermo’, and the head type produced by II and III was well suited for the fresh market in terms of the size and proportion of receptacle. Clone III produced notable quantities of 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid in its outer and inner bracts (1049 and 1701mgkg−1 dry matter, respectively) and a low volume of waste matter (39.7kgDMt−1 fresh heads) which nevertheless had a relatively high polyphenol content (194.5gt−1 fresh heads). This clone should be suitable as a source of polyphenols for both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The observed variation in polyphenol profile and head morphology offers an opportunity to improve the ‘Spinoso di Palermo’ landrace, and in particular to diversify its possible end-uses. Clonal selection appears to be a positive strategy for enhancing current landraces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The environmental side effects of intensive agriculture have underlined the need to develop sustainable farming systems. In particular, the use of cover cropping in orchards is a means of improving cash crop yield and of reducing the quantity of applied fertilisers. In the Mediterranean environment, subterranean clover species could be the best choice for cover cropping, but they are only poorly adapted to the heavily shaded conditions characteristic of modern high-density orchards. The plant traits needed to improve adaptation of subterranean clover are not well understood. Therefore, in a two-year experiment we studied the effects of four shading levels, of 0%, 40%, 60% and 90% reduction of photosynthetic active radiation, on phenology, growth and development of two subterranean clover species: Trifolium brachycalycinum cv. 'Clare' and T. subterraneum ecotype 'Ragalna'. Our results show that shading progressively delayed seedling emergence by up to 21 days, the initiation of flowering by up to 27 days, and the end of flowering by up to 25 days. Shading also lengthened the life cycle from 237 to 267 days. Shading reduced both soil cover by up to 38.2% and cover crop density by up to 39.7%. Shading lowered both the quantity of above-ground dry biomass by up to 820 g m-2 and photosynthetically active surface area by up to 213 cm2 plant-1. Trifolium brachycalycinum 'Clare' was more productive in terms of above-ground dry biomass yield, but T. subterraneum 'Ragalna' was better adapted to shading in terms of rapid emergence, earliness and the time taken to achieve soil cover. These species differences suggest that the breeding targets for improving the adaptation of subterranean clover to heavy shading are the ability to maintain earliness and the capacity to quickly break down hard-seededness under conditions of partial shade. A rapid initial increase in photosynthetically active surface area is particularly needed for maximising light harvesting during the early growth period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic fortification with microelement as well as macronutrients has been used in recent years with increasing frequency to improve the nutritional quality of plant products for human consumption. Here the influence of pre-harvest foliar micronutrients fertilization (Micro+) including B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn compared to control (Micro−) on mineral profiles of raw and minimally processed potatoes of cv. Bellini was investigated. The mineral profile was analyzed on raw tubers at harvest and on minimally processed potatoes after 0 and 12 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Preliminary results showed that micronutrients fertilization improved mineral composition of raw potatoes, through an increase in tuber concentrations of Fe (+70%) and Zn (+27%), but also of N (+23%), and Mn (+18%). The increased concentrations of minerals in micro-fertilized raw potatoes led to a better concentration in micro-fertilized minimally processed potatoes, even if some minerals were lost in processing, presumably due to skin removal. The reduction was particularly evident in both Micro– and Micro+ samples for Fe (−29%) and Ca (−17%). However foliar micronutrient fertilization markedly improved the Fe and Zn contribution that a 200 g serving of potatoes can give to current recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) both in raw and minimally processed potatoes. Storage for 12 days did not alter the mineral profile of the tubers. Observations of the mineral profiles of the studied samples suggest that the application of foliar microelement-containing solutions was able to fortify both raw and minimally processed potatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Energy crops can contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emission and secure energy supply. [•] We studied the behaviour of wild and cultivated cardoon over 7 growing seasons. [•] The genotypes showed different biomass, achenes and energy yield pattern over time. [•] Both genotypes yielded satisfactorily under zero/reduced inputs conditions. [•] The long-time cropping of Cynara improved, also, the soil fertility characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The effects of a plant biostimulant (PB) on greenhouse cherry tomato were studied. • Analysis of two clusters (2nd vs. 6th) ripening during different periods. • Detailed profile of carotenoids and tocochromanols in tomatoes were reported. • The PB promoted yield and all lipophilic antioxidants but depressed sugars. • Stronger PB effects were noticed on 6th cluster (ripening in winter) A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effects of the application of a plant-derived biostimulant (Bioup® TF) on fruit quality and composition of two clusters (cluster II and cluster VI) of the cherry tomato cultivars 'Eletta', 'Kaucana', and 'Top Stellina'. The biostimulant application promoted fruit yield by 12% (up to 1.3 kg m−2 in 'Kaucana') and increased the concentrations of important functional constituents like phytoene, γ-tocopherol and β-tocopherol by up to 16, 25, and 23%, respectively. Fruits from late-ripe cluster VI showed higher fruit weights, D-fructose, and total sugar contents than those from early-ripe cluster II (by 15, 7 and 5%, respectively), but reduced concentrations of acyclic carotenoids (phytoene and lycopene) and tocochromanols (mainly γ-tocopherol, −44%). 'Top Stellina' showed the highest responsiveness to the biostimulant, as particularly (all- E)-β-carotene, phytofluene, and γ-tocopherol concentrations increased, indicating a genotype-dependent effect of the treatment. However, fruits of all treated genotypes showed a contextual decrease in D-fructose and total sugars in response to the biostimulant (on average by 7 and 10%, respectively), indicating a metabolic load burdening the accumulation of lipophilic antioxidants in cherry tomatoes at the expense of their taste-related C pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Cynara cardunculus includes the globe artichoke (var. scolymus), the cultivated cardoon (var. altilis) and the wild cardoon (var. sylvestris). The three taxa are sexually compatible and originate fertile F progenies, which, given the high heterozygosity of the species, are highly segregating. We report the characterization of two F populations, one bred from a cross between globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon, and the other between globe artichoke and wild cardoon. Both populations featured a wide array of phenotypes in relation to several traits, and some of the newly developed genotypes are of interest for the ornamental market. The two populations were genotyped at 50 microsatellite (SSR) loci: in the globe artichoke × wild cardoon and globe artichoke × cultivated cardoon progenies 116 and 97 alleles were respectively detected. SSR pattern scores were used to produce an UPGMA dendrogram and a PCoA plot. A set of nine SSR loci, evenly dispersed across the genome, was shown to be sufficient to unambiguously identify each segregant. The molecular fingerprinting is useful for establishing the true to type correspondence of propagative materials in nurseries and ensures the effective correspondence between the real and the declared identity of a clone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Asteraceae species Cynara cardunculus (2n = 2x = 34) includes the two fully cross-compatible domesticated taxa globe artichoke (var. scolymus L.) and cultivated cardoon (var. altilis DC). As both are out pollinatorsand suffer from marked inbreeding depression, linkage analysis has focussed on the use of a two way pseudo-test cross approach. Results: A set of 172 microsatellite (SSR) loci derived from expressed sequence tag DNA sequence were integrated into the reference C. cardunculus genetic maps, based on segregation among the F1 progeny of a cross between a globe artichoke and a cultivated cardoon. The resulting maps each detected 17 major linkage groups, corresponding to the species' haploid chromosome number. A consensus map based on 66 co-dominant shared loci (64 SSRs and two SNPs) assembled 694 loci, with a mean inter-marker spacing of 2.5 cM. When the maps were used to elucidate the pattern of inheritance of head production earliness, a key commercial trait, seven regions were shown to harbour relevant quantitative trait loci (QTL). Together, these QTL accounted for up to 74% of the overall phenotypic variance.Conclusion: The newly developed consensus as well as the parental genetic maps can accelerate the process of tagging and eventually isolating the genes underlying earliness in both the domesticated C. cardunculus forms. The largest single effect mapped to the same linkage group in each parental maps, and explained about one half of the phenotypic variance, thus representing a good candidate for marker assisted selection [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Globe artichoke is native to the Mediterranean basin, where it is presumed to have evolved from the wild cardoon. Italy is a leading producer and numerous varietal types, which are usually vegetatively propagated, are grown. At present, Italian germplasm is at risk of genetic erosion due to the recent introduction of varieties selected abroad, as well as the concentration on a limited number of varietal types best fitting market demand. The aim of this study was to assess the level of genetic variation, via AFLP fingerprinting, present in autochthonous globe artichoke germplasm in Sicily, thought to be one of the origins of its domestication. Seven populations were identified, of which three were of the spiny type ‘Spinoso di Palermo’ and four of the non-spiny type ‘Violetto di Sicilia’. A significant genetic differentiation between spiny and non-spiny types was found. In each type, the majority of the genetic variation was present within, rather than between populations, presumably as a consequence of the multiclonal composition of each varietal type. Most of the populations were genetically distinct, as a result of farm fragmentation and adaptation to local pedo-climatic conditions. The genetic distribution detected supplies important information for the implementation of ‘on farm’ germplasm preservation strategies, and stresses the need for clonal selection programmes in order to provide more uniform material to farmers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Phytohormones are key regulators of several stages of plant growth and development as well as provide the regulatory response against various heavy metals stresses by mediating physio-morphological responses and enzymatic activities. The current study evaluated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) foliar applications on the performance of pea grown either in Cu-contaminated (Cu+) and non-contaminated (Cu−) soil. GA3 was applied exogenously (0, 10, 50, and 100 mg·L−1) on 15-days-old plants, and the results show that the increasing concentration of GA3 buffered the phytotoxic effects of Cu, coupled with an increase in plant growth and physiological variables. The results also showed that foliar-applied GA3 up to 100 mg·L−1 alleviated the oxidative stress, as inferred from the lower concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2, which mirrored the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase. In addition, enhanced growth, physiology, and enzymatic activities were also observed in pea plants sprayed with GA3 up to 100 mg·L−1 in Cu− soil. Overall, the foliar application of GA3 boosted phytoextraction of Cu from the soil and alleviated the oxidative stress in pea plants grown in Cu-polluted soil. Copper (Cu) is an essential metal for plants. However, its excess in soil can adversely affect plant metabolism. The current study evaluated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) foliar applications on the performance of pea plants grown either in Cu-contaminated (Cu+) and non-contaminated (Cu−) soil. GA3 was sprayed (0, 10, 50, and 100 mg·L−1) on 15-days-old plants. The results showed that the increasing concentration of GA3 buffered the phytotoxic effects of Cu and enhanced plant growth, photosynthesis, and leaf chlorophyll content. Foliar-sprayed GA3 up to 100 mg·L−1 alleviated the oxidative stress, as inferred from the lower concentrations of MDA and H2O2 (33.3 µmol·g−1 and 182 µmol·g−1, respectively), and boosted the activity of superoxide dismutase (64.4 U·g−1·FW), peroxidase (122.7 U·g−1·FW), and catalase (226.3 U·g−1·FW). Interestingly, GA3 promoted Cu accumulation in different plant parts when compared to untreated plants, likely due to increased photosynthetic and transpiration rates. Overall, foliar application of GA3 promoted phytoextraction of Cu and alleviated the oxidative stress in pea plants grown in Cu+ soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to comparatively assess the effects of fertilization typology (organic, inorganic, and biofertilization) on the growth, yield, and compositional profile of Jew's mallow. The experiment was carried out over two growing seasons, under semi-arid climate conditions on silty loam soil. We adopted three fertilization strategies: (1) inorganic NPK fertilizer (146, 74, and 57 kg ha−1 for N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively), (2) farmyard manure (36 m3 ha−1), and (3) a biofertilizer (a set of mixed cultures of Bacillus spp., Candida spp., and Trichoderma spp. at 36 L ha−1). Treatment combinations were control (without fertilization, T1), NPK fertilizer (T2), farmyard manure (FYM, T3), biofertilizer (T4), NPK+biofertilizer (T5), and FYM+biofertilizer (T6). The T5 treatment maximized both plant and leaf biomass (up to 31.6 and 8.0 t ha−1, respectively), plant height (68.5 cm), leaf area (370 cm m−2), leaf protein content (18.7%), as well as N, P, and K concentration in leaves (2.99, 0.88, and 2.01 mg 100 g−1, respectively). The leaves' weight incidence was lower in T5 treatment (36.7%) as compared to the unfertilized plants (T1). The results revealed that the combined application of inorganic NPK plus biofertilizer is most beneficial to increase growth, yield, and nutrient accumulation in Jew's mallow plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]