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Recently, there has been significant consumer demand for traditional tomato varieties due to their favourable organoleptic qualities; however, the cultivation of these ancient varieties is becoming more restricted due to inadequate shelf life and low productivity. The "Pisanello" is a Tuscany tomato variety mainly cultivated in the provinces of Pisa, Lucca, and Livorno, and the main producers of this ancient tomato are small local farmers. The purpose of this work was, firstly, to study the range of quality parameters of this landrace tomato grown using different cultivation techniques, both in soil and soilless systems. For this purpose, the physicochemical parameters of Pisanello tomatoes grown in six different farms in Tuscany using both soilless and soil methods were investigated. Secondly, Pisanello tomatoes grown using different soilless techniques (rockwool and aeroponics) and soil-grown tomatoes (Pisanello and Goldmar F1) were evaluated from organoleptic and nutraceutical points of view. The sensory profile evaluation of all types of tomatoes under investigation was carried out. The aeroponic cultivation of Pisanello induced higher organoleptic qualities than those of tomatoes cultivated in rockwool (+34% for titratable acidity and +18% for total soluble solids). On the other hand, soilless rockwool-grown tomatoes showed a better sensory profile with respect to aeroponic cultivation. Nevertheless, the Goldmar F1 tomato, morphologically similar to 'Pisanello', received lower scores from the sensory panel compared to the Tuscany landrace tomato. This indicates that ancient tomato varieties selected over decades remain the preferred choice for consumers. Therefore, from a long-term viewpoint, the valorisation of local tomato varieties such as Pisanello can promote the regional commercialization of novel niche products originating from ancient fruit thanks to their acceptability by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various rapid propagation strategies have been discovered, which has facilitated large-scale plant reproduction and cultivar development. These methods, in many plant species, are used to rapidly generate large quantities (900 mini-tubers/m2) of high-quality propagule (free from contamination) at a relatively low cost in a small space. They are also used for plant preservation. This review article aims to provide potential applications for regeneration and clonal propagation. Plant propagation using advanced agrotechnology, such as aeroponics, is becoming increasingly popular among academics and industrialists. The advancement of asexual aeroponic propagation has been achieved through advancements in monitoring and control systems using IoT and smart sensor technology. New sensor technology systems have gained substantial interest in agriculture in recent years. It is used in agriculture to precisely arrange various operations and objectives while harnessing limited resources with minimal human intervention. Modern intelligent technologies and control systems simplify sensor data collection, making it more efficient than manual data collection, which can be slow and prone to errors. Specific ambient variables like temperature, humidity, light intensity, stock solution concentrations (nutrient water), EC (electrical conductivity), pH values, CO2 content, and atomization parameters (frequency and interval) are collected more effectively through these systems. The use of intelligent technologies provides complete control over the system. When combined with IoT, it aids in boosting crop quality and yield while also lowering production costs and providing data directly to tablets and smartphones in aeroponic propagation systems. It can potentially increase the system's productivity and usefulness compared to the older manual monitoring and operating methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Transcriptome analysis in potato varieties revealed genes associated with tuber yield-related traits and developed gene expression markers. This study aimed to identify genes involved in high tuber yield and its component traits in test potato varieties (Kufri Frysona, Kufri Khyati, and Kufri Mohan) compared to control (Kufri Sutlej). The aeroponic evaluation showed significant differences in yield-related traits in the varieties. Total RNA sequencing was performed using tuber and leaf tissues on the Illumina platform. The high-quality reads (QV > 25) mapping with the reference potato genomes revealed statistically significant (P < 0.05) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) into two categories: up-regulated (> 2 Log2 fold change) and down-regulated (< -2 Log2 fold change). DEGs were characterized by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Collectively, we identified genes participating in sugar metabolism, stress response, transcription factors, phytohormones, kinase proteins, and other genes greatly affecting tuber yield and its related traits. A few selected genes were UDP-glucose glucosyltransferase, glutathion S-transferase, GDSL esterase/lipase, transcription factors (MYB, WRKY, bHLH63, and BURP), phytohormones (auxin-induced protein X10A, and GA20 oxidase), kinase proteins (Kunitz-type tuber invertase inhibitor, BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-associated receptor kinase 1) and laccase. Based on the selected 17 peptide sequences representing 13 genes, a phylogeny tree and motifs were analyzed. Real time–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to validate the RNA-seq results. RT-qPCR based gene expression markers were developed for the genes such as 101 kDa heat shock protein, catechol oxidase B chloroplastic, cysteine protease inhibitor 1, Kunitz-type tuber invertase inhibitor, and laccase to identify high yielding potato genotypes. Thus, our study paved the path for potential genes associated with tuber yield traits in potato under aeroponics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global demand for food, propelled by a burgeoning population and the unpredictable shifts in climatic conditions, presents a challenge that traditional plant breeding alone struggles to address. In response to this pressing need, the infusion of intelligent technologies emerges as a pivotal solution, poised not only to boost production but also to meet the burgeoning demand. This transformative approach encompasses a spectrum of cutting-edge tools, including Remote Sensing and GIS, Aeroponics, Drone Technology, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and, ultimately, Robotics. The synergistic integration of these technologies will enhance agricultural monitoring by facilitating precise crop surveillance, early detection and mitigation of diseases and pests, optimization of water resources, accurate mapping of land use and crop types, comprehensive environmental monitoring, real-time weather and climate tracking, efficient nutrient management, precise irrigation and spraying practices, reliable yield prediction, advanced demand forecasting, genetic analysis, and informed decision-making processes. The amalgamation of intelligent technologies with modern plant breeding methodologies signifies a significant advancement towards achieving more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. This convergence not only addresses the immediate need for increased food production but also sets the stage for a resilient and future-ready agricultural landscape. In this era of integration, we witness the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, paving the way for a more abundant and secure agricultural future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication presents an innovative tower cultivation device designed to significantly increase vertical farming's efficiency. The device divides the cultivation system into separate chambers. One division corresponds to the different growth phases of the plants, while another reflects the daily variation in conditions. Each chamber presents slightly different conditions and cultivation patterns from the others. For the early stages, crops are grown horizontally in trays; once they mature, they are transplanted into mobile cultivation towers. The closed circulation of ventilation and irrigation reduces water consumption by up to 95%. A unique separate day–night division optimises light, temperature, and humidity conditions, mimicking natural growth patterns. This approach not only saves water and energy but also improves cultivation in a three-dimensional space. The presented solution focuses on the often-overlooked aspects of cultivating in vertical farms and makes this method of growing much more cost-effective and feasible to implement on a large scale. Our comparative analysis with other vertical farming solutions is based on publicly available data and provides valuable insights, while acknowledging the potential limitations at play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing population, its requirements for food, and the environmental impact of the excessive use of inputs make crop production a pressing challenge. Integrated nutrient management (INM) has emerged as a critical solution by maximizing nutrient availability and utilization for crops and vegetables. This review paper highlights the potential benefits of INM for various vegetables and field crops and explores the conceptual strategies, components, and principles underlying this approach. Studies have shown that a wide range of vegetables and field crops benefit from INM, in terms of increased yield and improvements in yield attributes, nutrient contents and uptake, growth parameters, and various physiological and biochemical characteristics. This paper discusses biostimulants, their categories, and their impact on plant propagation, growth, photosynthesis, seed germination, fruit set, and quality. Additionally, this review explores modern sustainable soilless production techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. These cultivation methods highlight the advancements of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and its contribution to nutrient management, food security and minimizing the environmental footprint. The review concludes by proposing methods and fostering discussions on INM's future development, while acknowledging the challenges associated with its adoption. Finally, this review emphasizes the substantial evidence supporting INM as a novel and ecologically sound strategy for achieving sustainable agricultural production worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local indoor farming plays a significant role in the sustainable food production sector. The operation and energy costs, however, have led to bankruptcy and difficulties in cost management of indoor farming operations. To control the volatility and reduce the electricity costs for indoor farming, the agrivoltaics agrotunnel introduced here uses: (1) high insulation for a building dedicated to vertical growing, (2) high-efficiency light emitting diode (LED) lighting, (3) heat pumps (HPs), and (4) solar photovoltaics (PVs) to provide known electric costs for 25 years. In order to size the PV array, this study develops a thermal model for agrotunnel load calculations and validates it using the Hourly Analysis Program and measured data so the effect of plant evapotranspiration can be included. HPs are sized and plug loads (i.e., water pump energy needed to provide for the hybrid aeroponics/hydroponics system, DC power running the LEDs hung on grow walls, and dehumidifier assisting in moisture condensation in summer) are measured/modeled. Ultimately, all models are combined to establish an annual load profile for an agrotunnel that is then used to model the necessary PV to power the system throughout the year. The results find that agrivoltaics to power an agrotunnel range from 40 to 50 kW and make up an area from 3.2 to 10.48 m2/m2 of an agrotunnel footprint. Net zero agrotunnels are technically viable although future work is needed to deeply explore the economics of localized vertical food growing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pH of the solution in the rhizosphere is an important factor that determines the availability and mobility of nutrients for plant uptake. Solution pH may also affect the root distribution and architecture of apple rootstocks. In this study, we evaluated the effect of solution pH on root system development of apple rootstocks using an aeroponics system designed and developed at Cornell AgriTech Geneva, USA. Four Geneva® apple rootstocks (G.210, G.214, G.41, and G.890) were grown in an aeroponic system under nutrient solution misting featuring continuously adjusted pH levels to three pH treatments (5.5, 6.5, and 8.0). Root development was monitored for 30 days and evaluated regularly for distribution and root mass. Images of the developed roots grown in the aeroponic system were collected at the end of the experiment using a high-resolution camera and analyzed using GiA Roots® software, which generates root architecture parameter values in a semi-automated fashion. The resulting root architecture analysis showed that the Geneva® rootstocks were significantly different for two architecture parameters. The length-to-width ratio analysis represented by two GiA Roots parameters (minor-to-major ellipse ratio and network width-to-depth ratio) showed that G.210 was flatter than G.890, which had a greater tendency to grow downward. Rootstocks G.214 and G.41 displayed similar growth values. The solution pH affected most root architecture parameter measurements where overall root growth was higher at pH 8 than at pH 5.5 and 6.5, which showed similar growth. In general, the average root width tended to decrease at higher pH values. While there were no significant differences in the leaf nutrient concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Cu, and Fe within the four rootstocks, the pH level of the solution had a significant effect on P, Ca, and Mn. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the effect of pH on root architecture in a soil-free (aeroponic) environment and may have implications for apple root behavior under field conditions where pH levels are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in the temperature of nutrient solutions have restricted the use of hydroponic cultivation in the tropics, predominantly due to plant stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature stress under different hydroponic systems on the growth and saponin content of Talinum paniculatum cuttings. Three hydroponic systems, i.e., deep flow technique (DFT), nutrient film technique (NFT), and aeroponic, were tested. The temperature of the nutrient solution was set for each system, i.e., under ambient temperature (UAT) and with controlled temperature (WCT) at 26° C. The cultivation period was 60 days. The result showed peroxidation activity and proline accumulation for the adventitious roots of T. paniculatum cuttings with UAT and WCT, alongside various levels of plasma membrane damage. Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were analyzed by spectrophotometer. Membrane damage was analyzed with Evans blue dye. The results indicated that the levels of MDA and proline accumulation under the three hydroponic systems were higher for the WCT than for the UAT treatment. In contrast, vegetative growth was higher in UAT than in WCT. The saponin content of the adventitious root correlated with the MDA level. Saponin production was triggered by oxidative stress during cultivation, while the adventitious roots had a higher saponin content in all three hydroponic systems with the WCT treatment compared to the UAT treatment. Among the systems, aeroponic was superior for biomass and saponin. Root growth was promoted in the nutrient solution under ambient temperature whereas the production of saponins was stimulated under the controlled temperature. In the aeroponic system, root biomass values of 1.17 and 0.478 g dry weight were obtained under ambient and controlled temperatures, respectively. The total saponin contents differed slightly, namely 189.83 and 195.61 mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroponics and aeroponics are advanced techniques for cultivating plants under controlled conditions without soil in polyhouses to address soil-related problems. An experiment was designed to evaluate the potentiality of soilless methods over conventional soil-based methods for hybrid seed production of tomatoes. For initial standardization of nutrient solution and pH of the media, six different nutrient solutions viz., Hoagland's, CPRI, Chikkaballapur, Ethiopia, USDA and Komosa nutrient solutions, were tested, and pH was standardized. The crop performance was superior in Hoagland's nutrient solution with a pH range of 5.5–6.4. The experiment comprised three methods of production, two parental lines (TAG 1 F and TAG 2 F), and two seed treatments (S1: Control and S2: Thiram @ 2 g kg-1 + chlorpyrifos @3 g kg-1) for hybrid seed production of tomato. A hundred percent survival rate was recorded in a soilless medium, whereas seed treatment increased the percent survival rate by 9% under the conventional system. Soiless method performed better than the conventional method. Aeroponics recorded a higher plant relative growth rate (1.17), fruit weight (124.54 g), total biomass (106.44 g), and seed index (3.95 g). Hydroponics produced a higher number of seeds fruit 1 (98.42), SVI-II (294), and 6% higher protein than the conventional method. The soilless method may open up a new approach for high-quality and year-round healthy hybrid tomato seed production under protected cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food security is at risk due to climate change and outdated agricultural technology. The application of readily available technology and input management increased the food supply by 10 to 30 percent, raising a need for alternative farming practices. Furthermore, this study designed, developed, tested, and evaluated an automated, solar-powered aeroponics structure for plant cultivation and monitoring. A research and development approach was used, adapting the iterative model with its four phases: design (planning the prototype), development (creating program logic and assembling components), testing (functionality testing), and evaluation (assessing strengths and weaknesses of the prototype), creating a manageable and flexible workflow, allowing the researchers to incorporate changes based on ongoing feedback. The researchers constructed a prototype with three (3) main components: a growing chamber, a control panel, and a water reservoir. This system was programmed to read and transmit sensor data to the cloud for monitoring. Testing confirmed the functionality of all parts, and evaluation revealed the prototype to be both user-friendly and adaptable to user preferences. In conclusion, the aeroponics structure's high ratings in functionality, acceptability, and adaptability demonstrate a well-performing and user-friendly prototype. This aeroponics system offers a promising and efficient way to advance agricultural practices through its high adaptability to a wide range of conditions. Farmers will be able to modify the aeroponics structure to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, as it advances. Moreover, the system requires less manual labor due to its automated features, making it an efficient and convenient agricultural innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The rise in agricultural innovation has led to the use of sustainable farming practices, such as aeroponics, which increase crop production. Aeroponics, a soil-free indoor precision farming system, cultivates crops using vertical towers, garnering global attention for its environmentally friendly and productive cultivation methods. Aeroponic systems can grow lettuce, a popular green-leafy vegetable, quickly and with minimal water usage. However, yield prediction is a tedious task in real-world scenarios. To efficiently predict lettuce yield, various scientific experiments have integrated IoT and machine-learning techniques. This research work utilized various machine-learning regression models, including linear, support vector, random forest, and XGBoost, to estimate lettuce yield based on specific growth parameters such as pH, EC, temperature, total dissolved salts (TDS), turbidity, humidity and light. After implementation, the results showed a high prediction accuracy of 93% and minimal error rates produced by the XGBoost regression model when compared with the other regression models. Further, fine-tuning the model parameters enhanced the XGBoost model's performance, enhancing its generalization capability to handle new realtime data. This indicates that optimizing the lettuce yield involves not only using indoor aeroponic farming methods but also utilizing advanced sustainable food production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rapid growth of the Cannabis industry, developing practices for producing young plants with limited genetic variation and efficient growth is crucial to achieving reliable and successful cultivation results. This study presents a multi-faceted experiment series analyzing propagation techniques for evaluating proficiency in the growth and development of Cannabis vegetative cuttings. This research encompasses various (1) soilless propagation methods including aeroponics, horticultural (phenolic) foam, and rockwool; (2) transplant timings; (3) aeroponic spray intervals; and (4) aeroponic reservoir nutrient concentrations, to elucidate their impact on rooting and growth parameters amongst two Cannabis cultivars. Aeroponics was as effective as, and in some cases more effective than, soilless propagation media for root development and plant growth. In aeroponic systems, continuous spray intervals, compared to intermittent, result in a better promotion of root initiation and plant growth. Moreover, raised nutrient concentrations in aeroponic propagation demonstrated greater rooting and growth. The effects of experimental treatment were dependent on the cultivar and sampling day. These findings offer valuable insights into how various propagation techniques and growth parameters can be tailored to enhance the production of vegetative cuttings. These results hold critical implications for cultivators intending to achieve premium harvests through efficient propagule methods and optimization strategies in the competitive Cannabis industry. Ultimately, our findings suggest that aeroponic propagation, compared to alternative soilless methods, is a rapid and efficient process for cultivating vegetative cuttings of Cannabis and offers sustainable advantages in resource conservation and preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is crucial for physical well-being, and its deficiency can lead to severe health consequences. Biofortification has been used to address this deficiency by enhancing vitamin C in plants. Additionally, soilless agriculture has been used to conserve and optimize water use in comparison to conventional agriculture. While hydrogels have been shown to improve water conservation and are used for biofortification in crops, their application has only been explored in soil-based and hydroponic farming. The aeroponics system is a plant-growing method that has shown potential for increasing yields and biomass while conserving water and nutrients. In this paper, we have developed an aeroponic-compatible medium to grow romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) with eggshell powder (ESP) mixed with calcium-alginate hydrogel as a substrate and nutrient source aiming to conserve water and incorporate vitamin C through biofortification. Herein, lower water spray time and higher intervals, with varied gel types and ESP concentrations, resulted in healthy lettuce growth. Plants treated with 0.5% ascorbic acid-absorbed ESP-mixed alginate hydrogel for biofortification showed higher levels of vitamin C compared to the traditional method. This study suggests using an alginate hydrogel–ESP-based substrate in aeroponics to reduce water usage and enhance plant biofortification of vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High temperature stress is an important abiotic factor, which affects tuberization and ultimately causes heavy yield reduction in potato. Objectives: Identification and characterization of genes associated with tuberization under high temperature stress is essential for future management through biotechnology. Methodology: Two contrasting potato varieties Kufri Anand (profuse tuber-bearing) versus Kufri Frysona (very less/scanty tuber-bearing, control) were cultivated in aeroponics under high temperature stress, and transcriptomes were analyzed. Results: Potato cv. Kufri Anand was found superior over control (Kufri Frysona) for tuber yield and its component traits along with root morphology under aeroponics. Transcriptomes of tuber and leaf tissues were analyzed. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were categorised into up-regulated (> 2 log2 fold change, FC) and down-regulated (< -2 log2 FC) genes. DEGs were annotated by gene ontology and KEGG pathways. A few selected up-regulated genes of both tissues were identified, and phylogeny tree and motif analysis were analysed based on 36 peptide sequences representing 15 selected DEGs in this study. Further, gene expression markers were developed and validated by real time qPCR analysis for the identification of high temperature tolerant genotypes. Conclusion: A few key genes associated in tuberization under high temperature conditions were heat shock proteins (e.g. 18.5 kDa class I heat shock protein), sugar metabolism (e.g. glucosyltransferase), transcription factor (e.g. WRKY), and phytohormones (e.g. auxin-induced beta-glucosidase). Our study provides an overview of key genes involved in tuberization under high temperature stress in potato cv. Kufri Anand under aeroponics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize an efficient nutrient system to produce cut Lilium flowers while considering the recent severe water crisis and the high cost of chemicals and fertilizers. Lilium bulbs (Lilium OT Hybrid cv. "Zambesi") were grown in aeroponic (centrifugal) and ultrasonic systems with variable pulse periods. An ultrasonic system (on/off) time in seconds was considered 10/10, 15/5, and 20/0. An aeroponic system was 3/27, 6/24, and 9/21 in seconds. A modified Hoagland nutrient solution was applied, and plants were grown to the flowering stage. The n, plant morpho-physiological responses were evaluated under different systems and operation times. The growth rate in the vegetative stage and plant height were higher in the aeroponic compared to the ultrasonic system, but the effect of pulses was not significant. The highest reproductive growth occurred in 10 and 20% pulses of the aeroponic system. Maximum root length was obtained in 10% of the aeroponic system operation. Maximum but unserious bulb rot was observed in 10% of the aeroponic systems compared to the others. Overall, 10% of the aeroponic system operation was recommendable for Lilium cultivation. Considerably, water consumption was less than half in the ultrasonic system compared to the aeroponic system. Also, the quantum performance of PSII decreased in the time performance by 50%, but it showed better results than the other pulses in the ultrasonic system. The findings reveal that the low water need in the ultrasonic system is a promising achievement. Thus, we recommended performing additional experiments with different pulses and even frequencies to achieve better performances in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By 2050, the global population is anticipated to reach 10 billion, marking a significant 34% increase and raising concerns regarding food availability. Challenges such as the recent pandemic, which led to workforce and input shortages in agriculture, have made it difficult for many countries to maintain adequate food self-sufficiency (SSL). It is crucial to explore various farming methods to ensure that food remains available and affordable, especially in urban areas where over 55% of the population resides. Traditional agriculture faces issues like poor soil and excessive fertilizer use, which harm the environment. These factors threaten sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly in urban environments. Adopting sustainable soilless technology can enhance urban agriculture by providing a controlled environment for producing healthy food and addressing these challenges postpandemic. This review, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) framework, a widely recognized and rigorous method for conducting systematic reviews, focused on urban agriculture, specifically soilless technologies, as emerging trends in crop cultivation. It examined conventional and cutting-edge urban production systems aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. The review examined soilless farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics, highlighting their environmental impact, resource efficiency, and water usage. It carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies compared to conventional soil-based farming. Furthermore, the review showcased the successful cultivation of various fresh vegetables and fruits using soilless technologies, each with advantages supporting urban agriculture and overall food security. The findings suggest that these innovative strategies hold promise in fostering sustainable urban agriculture and ensuring food security during a pandemic. These results lay the groundwork for establishing a framework to assess the sustainability of urban agricultural strategies and their practical application in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pH of the solution in the rhizosphere is an important factor that determines the availability and mobility of nutrients for plant uptake. Solution pH may also affect the root distribution and architecture of apple rootstocks. In this study, we evaluated the effect of solution pH on root system development of apple rootstocks using an aeroponics system designed and developed at Cornell AgriTech Geneva, USA. Four Geneva® apple rootstocks (G.210, G.214, G.41, and G.890) were grown in an aeroponic system under nutrient solution misting featuring continuously adjusted pH levels to three pH treatments (5.5, 6.5, and 8.0). Root development was monitored for 30 days and evaluated regularly for distribution and root mass. Images of the developed roots grown in the aeroponic system were collected at the end of the experiment using a high-resolution camera and analyzed using GiA Roots® software, which generates root architecture parameter values in a semi-automated fashion. The resulting root architecture analysis showed that the Geneva® rootstocks were significantly different for two architecture parameters. The length-to-width ratio analysis represented by two GiA Roots parameters (minor-to-major ellipse ratio and network width-to-depth ratio) showed that G.210 was flatter than G.890, which had a greater tendency to grow downward. Rootstocks G.214 and G.41 displayed similar growth values. The solution pH affected most root architecture parameter measurements where overall root growth was higher at pH 8 than at pH 5.5 and 6.5, which showed similar growth. In general, the average root width tended to decrease at higher pH values. While there were no significant differences in the leaf nutrient concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Cu, and Fe within the four rootstocks, the pH level of the solution had a significant effect on P, Ca, and Mn. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the effect of pH on root architecture in a soil-free (aeroponic) environment and may have implications for apple root behavior under field conditions where pH levels are different.

Various rapid propagation strategies have been discovered, which has facilitated large-scale plant reproduction and cultivar development. These methods, in many plant species, are used to rapidly generate large quantities (900 mini-tubers/m2) of high-quality propagule (free from contamination) at a relatively low cost in a small space. They are also used for plant preservation. This review article aims to provide potential applications for regeneration and clonal propagation. Plant propagation using advanced agrotechnology, such as aeroponics, is becoming increasingly popular among academics and industrialists. The advancement of asexual aeroponic propagation has been achieved through advancements in monitoring and control systems using IoT and smart sensor technology. New sensor technology systems have gained substantial interest in agriculture in recent years. It is used in agriculture to precisely arrange various operations and objectives while harnessing limited resources with minimal human intervention. Modern intelligent technologies and control systems simplify sensor data collection, making it more efficient than manual data collection, which can be slow and prone to errors. Specific ambient variables like temperature, humidity, light intensity, stock solution concentrations (nutrient water), EC (electrical conductivity), pH values, CO2 content, and atomization parameters (frequency and interval) are collected more effectively through these systems. The use of intelligent technologies provides complete control over the system. When combined with IoT, it aids in boosting crop quality and yield while also lowering production costs and providing data directly to tablets and smartphones in aeroponic propagation systems. It can potentially increase the system’s productivity and usefulness compared to the older manual monitoring and operating methods.

Recently, there has been significant consumer demand for traditional tomato varieties due to their favourable organoleptic qualities; however, the cultivation of these ancient varieties is becoming more restricted due to inadequate shelf life and low productivity. The “Pisanello” is a Tuscany tomato variety mainly cultivated in the provinces of Pisa, Lucca, and Livorno, and the main producers of this ancient tomato are small local farmers. The purpose of this work was, firstly, to study the range of quality parameters of this landrace tomato grown using different cultivation techniques, both in soil and soilless systems. For this purpose, the physicochemical parameters of Pisanello tomatoes grown in six different farms in Tuscany using both soilless and soil methods were investigated. Secondly, Pisanello tomatoes grown using different soilless techniques (rockwool and aeroponics) and soil-grown tomatoes (Pisanello and Goldmar F1) were evaluated from organoleptic and nutraceutical points of view. The sensory profile evaluation of all types of tomatoes under investigation was carried out. The aeroponic cultivation of Pisanello induced higher organoleptic qualities than those of tomatoes cultivated in rockwool (+34% for titratable acidity and +18% for total soluble solids). On the other hand, soilless rockwool-grown tomatoes showed a better sensory profile with respect to aeroponic cultivation. Nevertheless, the Goldmar F1 tomato, morphologically similar to ‘Pisanello’, received lower scores from the sensory panel compared to the Tuscany landrace tomato. This indicates that ancient tomato varieties selected over decades remain the preferred choice for consumers. Therefore, from a long-term viewpoint, the valorisation of local tomato varieties such as Pisanello can promote the regional commercialization of novel niche products originating from ancient fruit thanks to their acceptability by consumers.

Digital twins are considered the next step in IoT-based cyber–physical systems; they allow for the real-time monitoring of assets, and they provide a comprehensive understanding of a system behavior, allowing for data-driven insights and informed choices. However, no comprehensive framework exists for the development of IoT-based digital twins. Moreover, the existing frameworks do not consider the aspects introduced by the Industry 5.0 paradigm, such as sustainability, human-centricity, and resilience. This paper proposes a framework based on the one defined as the outcome of a project funded by the European Union between 2010 and 2013 called the IoT Architectural Reference Model (IoT-A or IoT-ARM), with the aim of the development and implementation of a standard IoT framework that includes digital twins. This framework establishes and implements a standardized collection of architectural instruments for modeling IoT systems in the 5.0 era, serving as a benchmark for the design and implementation of an IoT architecture focused on digital twins and enabling the sustainability, resilience, and human-centricity of the information system. Furthermore, a proof of concept of a monitoring digital twin for a vertical farming system has been developed to test the validity of the framework, and a discussion of applications in the manufacturing and service sectors is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilless cultivation under controlled conditions is used for rapid multiplication of early generation virus-free potato seed using aeroponics and other mediums. The plant growth under these systems is affected by different factors like soilless media, nutrient solution concentration used, environment, genotype etc. Besides the composition of nutrient solution its electrical conductivity (EC) influences availability of nutrients and affects plant growth and yield. The two-factorial study on water source and EC was carried out on a cocopeat based medium for a nutrient efficient variety Kufri Gaurav. Well sprouted aeroponically produced minitubers of the variety were planted (at 30 x 15 cm planting density) in soilless medium filled troughs placed under net house. The water source normal tap water was compared with RO (demineralized) water, while EC was considered at three levels 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. The results indicated a proficient growth of the genotype at EC 2.0 (plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length and number of stems). However, for the yield characters, EC 1.0 was found to produce both higher number of tubers, yield as well as harvest index per meter square. Based on the observations it can be inferred that at lower EC the partitioning of the photosynthates is towards the sink (tubers) as compared to the vegetative growth, which would be more desirable under the soilless systems, where limited/managed canopy growth is more desirable, with higher productivity. The study also indicated virus free seed production in soilless medium during the spring season (seed plot period lasts up to December) in northwestern plains of India under net house, giving indication for successive/multiple seed crops under soilless controlled conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to address the issue of decreasing agricultural land due to the increasing population, which has led to the conversion of farmland into residential areas. One solution to this problem is the use of aeroponic farming, especially in urban areas. This study focuses on an Internet of Things (IoT)-based aeroponic lettuce plant nutrition control system that utilizes various sensors to maintain the stability of the nutrient solution. The TDS sensor in the system is capable of maintaining the ppm value of the solution between 560-840 ppm, which is essential for the growth of lettuce plants. When the ppm value falls below the set point, the peristaltic pump is triggered to fill the nutrient solution actively. The DHT22 sensor is used to detect the temperature and humidity levels in the range of 27-33°C and 70%-95%, respectively. The ultrasonic sensor is used to measure the water level in the box. The system's TDS sensor was able to regulate the nutrient solution's level, and an average reading value of 675.08 ppm was obtained. The duration of watering and the level of the nutrient solution are done automatically, and the system can be monitored via smartphone, eliminating the need for manual checking every day. This IoT-based aeroponic lettuce plant nutrition control system provides an efficient and effective solution for urban farming, where space is limited. The system's ability to regulate the nutrient solution's level and monitor the plant's growth via smartphone makes it an ideal solution for urban farmers who want to maximize their yield while minimizing their effort. This research contributes to the development of sustainable agriculture practices that can help address the challenges of food security in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gladiolus is a popular commercial flower crop among top ten cut flowers of international trade. In order to improve the rate of multiplication, eleven gladiolus varieties with three nutrient regimes (N1-96:18:108, N2-128:24:144 and N3-160:30:180 ppm of NPK) were evaluated under aeroponics system. The results revealed that different varieties and nutrient regimes had significant influence on plant growth, corm and cormel production. Among the genotypes, Arka Naveen recorded maximum plant height (109.44 cm), on par with Arka Amar (104.77 cm). The genotype Arka Amar (1.89) recorded highest number of corms per plant, on par with Arka Ranjini (1.78), Arka Aayush (1.44), Arka Naveen (1.44) and Arka Shobha (1.67). However, number of cormels were recorded highest in Arka Aayush (1.67), on par with Arka Amar (1.67) and Arka Ranjini (1.44). Among the nutrient regimes, N2 (128:24:144 ppm NPK) registered maximum plant height (85.44 cm), on par with N3 (160:30:180 ppm NPK) (77.42 cm). The number of corms (1.39) and cormels (3.56) per plant were recorded highest in N2 (128:24:144 ppm of NPK). The genotype Arka Manorama did not produce cormels under aeroponics system. Gladiolus varieties Arka Amar, Arka Aayush and Arka Naveen were found as best suited under aeroponic system for better corm multiplication under the nutrient regime of N2 (128:24:144 ppm of NPK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global demand for food, propelled by a burgeoning population and the unpredictable shifts in climatic conditions, presents a challenge that traditional plant breeding alone struggles to address. In response to this pressing need, the infusion of intelligent technologies emerges as a pivotal solution, poised not only to boost production but also to meet the burgeoning demand. This transformative approach encompasses a spectrum of cutting-edge tools, including Remote Sensing and GIS, Aeroponics, Drone Technology, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and, ultimately, Robotics. The synergistic integration of these technologies will enhance agricultural monitoring by facilitating precise crop surveillance, early detection and mitigation of diseases and pests, optimization of water resources, accurate mapping of land use and crop types, comprehensive environmental monitoring, real-time weather and climate tracking, efficient nutrient management, precise irrigation and spraying practices, reliable yield prediction, advanced demand forecasting, genetic analysis, and informed decision-making processes. The amalgamation of intelligent technologies with modern plant breeding methodologies signifies a significant advancement towards achieving more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. This convergence not only addresses the immediate need for increased food production but also sets the stage for a resilient and future-ready agricultural landscape. In this era of integration, we witness the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, paving the way for a more abundant and secure agricultural future.

There is an urgent need to explore climate-resilient alternative agriculture production systems that focus on resilience, resource efficiency, and disease management. Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation system, gaining interest as it reduces the dependency on agricultural land, and pesticides, and can be implemented in areas with poor soil quality, thus mitigating the negative effects of extreme weather events. Potato is an essential dietary staple crop grown throughout the world and is a major source of food security in underdeveloped countries. However, due to the climatic changes, it is predicted that a significant loss in the suitability of land for potato production would occur, thus leading to potato yield loss. Recently, many case studies have emerged to highlight the advancement of agricultural hydroponic systems that provide a promising solution to the massive production of potato mini tuber at high efficiency. This review paper evaluates popular hydroponic methods and demonstrates how hydroponic has emerged as the go-to, long-term, sustainable answer to the perennial problem of insufficient access to high-quality potato seed stock. The paper discusses the research and innovation possibilities (such as artificial intelligence, nanoparticles, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) that potentially increase tuber production per plant under optimal hydroponic growth circumstances. These approaches are examined considering new scientific discoveries and practical applications. Furthermore, it emphasizes that by enduring significant reforms in soilless food production systems (particularly for potatoes), the food supply of a rapidly growing population can be addressed. Since hydroponics systems are productive and easily automated without soil and optimal environmental conditions, future hydroponics farming is promising. In conclusion, the hydroponics system provides better yield and crop productivity by saving water, energy, and space. Henceforth, it can be the alternate choice for modern sustainable agriculture.

The increasing population, its requirements for food, and the environmental impact of the excessive use of inputs make crop production a pressing challenge. Integrated nutrient management (INM) has emerged as a critical solution by maximizing nutrient availability and utilization for crops and vegetables. This review paper highlights the potential benefits of INM for various vegetables and field crops and explores the conceptual strategies, components, and principles underlying this approach. Studies have shown that a wide range of vegetables and field crops benefit from INM, in terms of increased yield and improvements in yield attributes, nutrient contents and uptake, growth parameters, and various physiological and biochemical characteristics. This paper discusses biostimulants, their categories, and their impact on plant propagation, growth, photosynthesis, seed germination, fruit set, and quality. Additionally, this review explores modern sustainable soilless production techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. These cultivation methods highlight the advancements of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and its contribution to nutrient management, food security and minimizing the environmental footprint. The review concludes by proposing methods and fostering discussions on INM’s future development, while acknowledging the challenges associated with its adoption. Finally, this review emphasizes the substantial evidence supporting INM as a novel and ecologically sound strategy for achieving sustainable agricultural production worldwide.

Abstract Populus is an important tree genus frequently cultivated for economical purposes. However, the high sensitivity of poplars towards water deficit, drought, and salt accumulation significantly affects plant productivity and limits biomass yield. Various cultivation and abiotic stress conditions have been described to significantly induce the formation of apoplastic barriers (Casparian bands and suberin lamellae) in roots of different monocotyledonous crop species. Thus, this study aimed to investigate to which degree the roots of the dicotyledonous gray poplar (Populus × canescens) react to a set of selected cultivation conditions (hydroponics, aeroponics, or soil) and abiotic stress treatments (abscisic acid, oxygen deficiency) because a differing stress response could potentially help in explaining the observed higher stress susceptibility. The apoplastic barriers of poplar roots cultivated in different environments were analyzed by means of histochemistry and gas chromatography and compared to the available literature on monocotyledonous crop species. Overall, dicotyledonous poplar roots showed only a remarkably low induction or enhancement of apoplastic barriers in response to the different cultivation conditions and abiotic stress treatments. The genetic optimization (e.g., overexpression of biosynthesis key genes) of the apoplastic barrier development in poplar roots might result in more stress-tolerant cultivars in the future.

The world's population explosion and water scarcity has researchers looking for smart innovations to provide food for the world and save water. In recent years, smart technologies have received much attention in the areas of irrigation and agriculture research. The main objective of this paper is to design and implement of new smart hydroponic and aeroponic greenhouse system based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology for research studies in National Water Research Center. The greenhouse is connected to many various tools for controlling the weather conditions automatically inside the greenhouse consistent with the plant type and season. The indoor environment is equipped with a set of IoT sensors to measure various parameters such as temperature; Humidity, luminous intensity, and total dissolved solids. The pesticide spraying tank is also used to overcome pests within the greenhouse. The IoT platform was used to automate and store system parameters, as well as provide graphical interface remote access. With minimal user input, the constructed system can preserve healthy plant growing parameters. The current study evaluates the environmental and technical impacts of the developed smart system on the cultivation of Batavia lettuce with high economic value. It can conclude that improving water and energy use efficiency (saving them to about 80%), in addition to doubling productivity per area and reducing the time yield to reach 45 days comparing 75 days with the traditional agriculture whatever the fertility of the soil. Moreover, save labor in agriculture, and reducing fertilizer and pesticide use. The resulted of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Relative Humidity (RH), and Temperature (T) was analyzed and evaluated during the cultivation period with and without the developed smart system.

Background. To enhance efficiency in obtaining plant biomass via the research into existing techniques and development of novel ones is a challenging task. The purpose of the work is to explore increasing productivity and efficiency of nutrient absorption by means of artificial intelligence algorithms and biosensors in the information-measuring and aeroponic cultivation control system for growing plants in urban areas. Materials and methods. Artificial neural network algorithms along with specialized sensors inserted in the root zone of control plants have been proposed. Results. The review analysis results for the existing methods of growing plants have been presented. Major advantages and disadvantages of these methods in terms of specific parameters have been considered. The most effective method has been identified, and novel techniques to increase the efficiency in obtaining plant biomass have been proposed. Artificial intelligence architecture for the information-measuring and aeroponic cultivation control system for growing plants in urban areas has been developed. Conclusions. It has been revealed that provided the proposed techniques were implemented, it would advance the aeroponic method for growing plants in urban areas. The use of artificial intelligence algorithms and specialized sensors in the information-measuring and aeroponic cultivation control system for growing plants would ensure increased productivity and efficiency of nutrient absorption, and reduce maintenance requirements.

Aeroponics is a soilless agricultural technique that grows plants by misting their roots with a nutrient-rich solution. Technology has transformed aeroponics by providing it with benefits such as the control of environmental factors, automated nutrient delivery, and the monitoring of plant health. This paper presents a systematic review of 47 studies to identify the status and tendencies in the usage of technology in aeroponics as well as the main opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, this paper introduces the Technology Adoption and Integration in Sustainable Agriculture (TAISA) model. TAISA is a model that identifies the degree of technology integration in any sustainable agriculture system to determine how technology affects production and quality. The systematic review indicates that the most common technology in aeroponics is sensing technology and Industry 4.0. These technologies have brought multiple benefits such as sustainability and time efficiency. Conversely, the studies highlighted technical complexity and power dependency as the main challenges in technology-assisted aeroponics. Finally, the TAISA model reveals that technology has primarily been employed in creating new processes that are only possible to implement with the help of technology. Therefore, we conclude that technology use has taken root in aeroponics and can be promoted to improve sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root exudates comprise various primary and secondary metabolites that are responsive to plant stressors, including drought. As increasing drought episodes are predicted with climate change, identifying shifts in the metabolome profile of drought-induced root exudation is necessary to understand the molecular interactions that govern the relationships between plants, microbiomes, and the environment, which will ultimately aid in developing strategies for sustainable agriculture management. This study utilized an aeroponic system to simulate progressive drought and recovery while non-destructively collecting cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) root exudates. The molecular composition of the collected root exudates was characterized by untargeted metabolomics using Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and mapped to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Over 700 unique drought-induced metabolites were identified throughout the water-deficit phase. Potential KEGG pathways and KEGG modules associated with the biosynthesis of flavonoid compounds, plant hormones (abscisic acid and jasmonic acid), and other secondary metabolites were highly induced under severe drought, but not at the wilting point. Additionally, the associated precursors of these metabolites, such as amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), phenylpropanoids, and carotenoids, were also mapped. The potential biochemical transformations were further calculated using the data generated by FT-ICR MS. Under severe drought stress, the highest number of potential biochemical transformations, including methylation, ethyl addition, and oxidation/hydroxylation, were identified, many of which are known reactions in some of the mapped pathways. With the application of FT-ICR MS, we revealed the dynamics of drought-induced secondary metabolites in root exudates in response to drought, providing valuable information for drought-tolerance strategies in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeroponics is a popular soilless crop cultivation technology that integrates plant nutrition, physiology, and ecological control. It offers automated monitoring, protected cultivation, improved growth mechanisms, better yield and requires less maintenance. Here, to predict the crop yield, two systems are available: manual and automated. Manual systems often fail to produce better prediction results, leading to substantial crop losses whereas, the automated systems use machine intelligence for growth monitoring. This article proposes a lettuce crop growth monitoring-boost (LCGM-Boost) regression model for lettuce yield forecasting in aeroponic vertical farming system. This model is highly robust to outliers, produces better prediction results of 95.86% and lower error rates of 0.36 (MAE), 0.40 (MSE), and 0.63 (RMSE) than other machine learning models namely, support vector, random forest and XGBoost regressors. Hence, it is preferable for growth monitoring and yield prediction of the lettuce crop in the real-time aeroponics system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is crucial for physical well-being, and its deficiency can lead to severe health consequences. Biofortification has been used to address this deficiency by enhancing vitamin C in plants. Additionally, soilless agriculture has been used to conserve and optimize water use in comparison to conventional agriculture. While hydrogels have been shown to improve water conservation and are used for biofortification in crops, their application has only been explored in soil-based and hydroponic farming. The aeroponics system is a plant-growing method that has shown potential for increasing yields and biomass while conserving water and nutrients. In this paper, we have developed an aeroponic-compatible medium to grow romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) with eggshell powder (ESP) mixed with calcium-alginate hydrogel as a substrate and nutrient source aiming to conserve water and incorporate vitamin C through biofortification. Herein, lower water spray time and higher intervals, with varied gel types and ESP concentrations, resulted in healthy lettuce growth. Plants treated with 0.5% ascorbic acid-absorbed ESP-mixed alginate hydrogel for biofortification showed higher levels of vitamin C compared to the traditional method. This study suggests using an alginate hydrogel–ESP-based substrate in aeroponics to reduce water usage and enhance plant biofortification of vitamin C.

Given the rapid growth of the Cannabis industry, developing practices for producing young plants with limited genetic variation and efficient growth is crucial to achieving reliable and successful cultivation results. This study presents a multi-faceted experiment series analyzing propagation techniques for evaluating proficiency in the growth and development of Cannabis vegetative cuttings. This research encompasses various (1) soilless propagation methods including aeroponics, horticultural (phenolic) foam, and rockwool; (2) transplant timings; (3) aeroponic spray intervals; and (4) aeroponic reservoir nutrient concentrations, to elucidate their impact on rooting and growth parameters amongst two Cannabis cultivars. Aeroponics was as effective as, and in some cases more effective than, soilless propagation media for root development and plant growth. In aeroponic systems, continuous spray intervals, compared to intermittent, result in a better promotion of root initiation and plant growth. Moreover, raised nutrient concentrations in aeroponic propagation demonstrated greater rooting and growth. The effects of experimental treatment were dependent on the cultivar and sampling day. These findings offer valuable insights into how various propagation techniques and growth parameters can be tailored to enhance the production of vegetative cuttings. These results hold critical implications for cultivators intending to achieve premium harvests through efficient propagule methods and optimization strategies in the competitive Cannabis industry. Ultimately, our findings suggest that aeroponic propagation, compared to alternative soilless methods, is a rapid and efficient process for cultivating vegetative cuttings of Cannabis and offers sustainable advantages in resource conservation and preservation.

The study conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station Gwalior over a six-year period from 2017-18 to 2022-23 aimed to evaluate the performance of 17 popular potato varieties. These varieties were divided into early maturing and medium maturing categories. The study focused on various yield attributes and health parameters of these potato varieties, with a particular emphasis on breeder seed production. The emergence percentage ranged from 85% to 99%, indicating that different varieties had varying rates of successful sprouting and growth. Health status of the varieties was found sound. Variability was observed among varieties for yield attributing parameters and Kufri Neelkanth emerged as the top-performing variety in the study. It displayed the highest seed yield per square meter (3.31 kg), the highest number of tubers per square meter (231), and the largest mean seed weight (25.1 grams). Additionally, it had a significant seed multiplication ratio (SMR) by both number (6.9) and weight (25.1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes methods of protected fruit crop cultivation and takes a look at opportunities and challenges to protected cultivation. Fruit crops grown under protected cultivation include strawberry, peach, pineapple, apricot and papaya. It describes different ways of protected cultivation including hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics and geoponics. Constraints in fruit production under protected cultivation include lack of sunlight, temperature changes and weed development.