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ABSTRACT Background Aims Methods Results Conclusions Placement and acidification pretreatments are strategies to enhance the phosphorus (P) fertilizer value of biowastes. However, their impact on the commercial yield of horticultural crops and the effects on the contents of undesirable elements in the edible product are not well known.The main objective of this study was to assess how the placement and acidification of biowastes affect commercial yield and nutritional quality of vegetables.To investigate this, we selected two byproducts from agroindustries, meat and bone meal (MBM) and digestate solid fraction (DSF), and conducted a pot experiment with peas and onions growing in 10‐L pots. Four treatments were assessed for each biowaste: untreated mixed (UM), untreated placed (UP), acidified mixed (AM), and acidified placed (AP).Acidification increased the water‐soluble P of both byprodutcs to over 70% of the total P. For DSF, the AP treatment yielded over 100% more than UM, with a fertilizer value exceeding triple superphosphate. However, for MBM, no significant differences were found among UM, AM, and AP treatments, with UP yielding even less than the negative control, indicating a toxicity effect, probably of ammonium that reduced plant growth. Although acidification may have increased the solubility of undesirable elements, it was not reflected in plant composition, as higher P solubility contributed to increased commercial yields, diluting undesirable element content.Therefore, the placement of acidified DSF shows promise in improving fertilizer value, with no adverse effects on the content of undesirable elements in onion bulbs and pea grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it powers photosynthesis, ultraviolet‐A1 radiation (UV‐A1) is usually not defined as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). However, the quantum yield (QY) with which UV‐A1 drives net photosynthesis rate (A) is unknown, as are the kinetics of A and chlorophyll fluorescence under constant UV‐A1 exposure. We measured A in leaves of six genotypes at four spectra peaking at 365, 385, 410 and 450 nm, at intensities spanning 0–300 μmol m s−1. All treatments powered near‐linear increases in A in a wavelength‐dependent manner. QY at 365 and 385 nm was linked to the apparent concentration of flavonoids, implicating the pigment in reductions of photosynthetic efficiency under UV‐A1; in several genotypes, A under 365 and 385 nm was negative regardless of illumination intensity, suggesting very small contributions of UV‐A1 radiation to CO2 fixation. Exposure to treatment spectra for 30 min caused slow increases in nonphotochemical quenching, transient reductions in A and dark‐adapted maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, that depended on wavelength and intensity, but were generally stronger the lower the peak wavelength was. We conclude that UV‐A1 generally powers A, but its definition as PAR requires additional evidence of its capacity to significantly increase whole‐canopy carbon uptake in nature. Summary statement: Photosynthetic quantum yield of UV‐A1 was quantified in horticultural crops (cucumber, tomato and lettuce) and woody species (hydrangea and red dogwood). UV‐A1 powered photosynthesis and caused photoinhibition in a wavelength‐dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope for natural colours is increasing because of the awareness of allergic, toxic, and hazardous reactions associated with synthetic dyes. Natural colours are extracted from sources that are naturally available, such as flora, fauna, and minerals. Nature sourced us multiple possibilities of colours with varied shades and hues that are subtle and harmonious when combined. Reasons like the instability of natural colours during industrial processing, seasonal availability of raw materials, fading of colour over time, cost of the benefit, and struggles in attaining sustainability have reduced commercialisation success as synthetic colours. Some plants that yield natural colours are also included in crop rotation practice. Natural dye extraction is a source of employment for the countrified subdivisions of poor developing countries. Indigenous technologies on natural colour extraction are available and have been practiced over the years; due to a lack of documentation and information on colour-yielding plants or products from horticultural crops, and their extraction methods, the use of natural colours is diminishing day by day. Even in recent years, emerging techniques have been adopted in research and development, and the information has not been brought together for the use of industries and allied sectors. Several modern approaches, such as Ultrasonication, microwave, enzymatic, supercritical, pressurised liquid extraction, etc., have proven to give better results in extracting natural colours. Thereby, having instantaneous information will help to go green, be eco-friendly, and effectively utilise all the resources without compromising industrial benefits. Reviewing the availability of natural colours from horticultural crops, classifications, recent trends in their extraction process, and applications in various fields will help achieve the above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a horticultural crop known for its sensitivity to mechanical damage and susceptibility to postharvest decay. In recent years, various strategies have been implemented to enhance both the yield and quality of strawberries, among which the application of nitric oxide-producing compounds has garnered special attention. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of varying concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), specifically 0, 200, 400, and 600 μM, on strawberries (cv. Camarosa) cultivated in a soilless culture system. It was attempted to identify optimal treatment concentrations that would improve the quality and yield of the strawberries. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in all morphological and phytochemical properties, as well as antioxidant and enzymatic activities, between the treated samples and the control group. Notably, the highest concentrations of total phenolics, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activity, guaiacol peroxidase enzyme activity, and potassium content in the fruit were recorded at the 400 μM SNP treatment. Specifically, these values were 6.67 mg GAE 100 g⁻1 FW, 57.42 nmol g⁻1 FW min⁻1, 0.183 μmol H2O2 min-1 100 ml-1 extract, and 5.9% DW, respectively. Furthermore, the 200 μM SNP treatment yielded the highest ascorbic acid content (0.587 mg AA 100 g-1 FW) and the lowest 50% inhibitory concentration for free radicals at 44.18 μl. In contrast, the 600 μM treatment resulted in the highest total flavonoid content (0.529 mg QE 100 g⁻1 FW). In conclusion, the findings indicated that SNP treatment can effectively enhance the yield and improve the quality and marketability of the strawberry fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables are essential horticultural crops for humans. The quality of fruits and vegetables is critical in determining their nutritional value and edibility, which are decisive to their commercial value. Besides, it is also important to understand the changes in key substances involved in the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful technique for investigating biological surfaces, has been widely used to characterize the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing from the perspective of nanoscale structure and mechanics. This review summarizes the applications of AFM to investigate the texture, appearance, and nutrients of fruits and vegetables based on structural imaging and force measurements. Additionally, the review highlights the application of AFM in characterizing the morphological and mechanical properties of nanomaterials involved in preserving and processing fruits and vegetables, including films and coatings for preservation, bioactive compounds for processing purposes, nanofiltration membrane for concentration, and nanoencapsulation for delivery of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of AFM for characterizing the quality of fruits and vegetables and the substances involved in their preservation and processing are examined, followed by a discussion on the prospects of AFM in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ovule is a plant structure that upon fertilization, transforms into a seed. Successful fertilization is required for optimum crop productivity and is strongly affected by environmental conditions including temperature and precipitation. Climate change refers to sustained changes in global or regional climate patterns over an extended period, typically decades to millions of years. These shifts can result from natural processes like volcanic eruptions and solar radiation fluctuations, but in recent times, human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions—have accelerated the pace and scale of climate change. Human-induced climate change impacts the agricultural sector mainly through global warming and altering weather patterns, both of which create conditions that challenge agricultural production and food security. With food demand projected to sharply increase by 2050, urgent action is needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change on food security and allow time for agricultural production systems to adapt and become more resilient. Gaining insights into the female reproductive part of the flower and seed development under extreme environmental conditions is important to oversee plant evolution, agricultural productivity, and food security in the face of climate change. This review summarizes the current knowledge on plant reproductive development and the effects of temperature and water stress, soil salinity, elevated carbon dioxide, and ozone pollution on the female reproductive structure and development across grain legumes, cereal, oilseed, and horticultural crops. It identifies gaps in existing studies for potential future research and suggests suitable mitigation strategies for sustaining crop productivity in a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) enzyme is crucial for the synthesis of jasmonates (JAs), and is involved in the plant stress response. However, the OPR gene family in sweetpotato, an important horticultural crop, remains unidentified. Results: In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to identify nine IbOPR genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes could be divided into Group I and Group II. Synteny analysis indicated that IbOPR evolution was driven by tandem duplication, whole-genome duplication (WGD), and segmental duplication events. The promoter sequences of IbOPRs were found to be associated with stress and hormonal responses. Additionally, we successfully cloned four IbOPRs from "Haida HD7791" and "Haida HD7798" using homologous cloning technology. These sequences were 1203 bp, 1200 bp, 1134 bp, and 1137 bp in length and encoded 400, 399, 377, and 378 amino acids, respectively. The protein sequence similarity between the salt-tolerant variety "Haida HD7791" and the salt-sensitive variety "Haida HD7798" was determined to be 96.75% for IbOPR2, 99.75% for IbOPR3, 92.06% for IbOPR6, and 98.68% for IbOPR7. Phylogenetic analysis categorized IbOPR2 and IbOPR3 proteins into Group II, while IbOPR6 and IbOPR7 proteins belonged to Group I. Subcellular localization experiments showed IbOPR2 protein present in the peroxisome, while IbOPR3, IbOPR6, and IbOPR7 proteins were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Salt stress induction experiments demonstrated that IbOPR2, IbOPR3, and IbOPR7 were significantly upregulated only in 'Haida HD7791' after 6 h. In contrast, IbOPR6 was induced in 'Haida HD7798' at 6 h but inhibited in 'Haida HD7791' at later time points (12, 24, 48, and 72 h), highlighting functional differences in salt stress responses. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IbOPR2 may play a crucial role in sweetpotato's response to salt stress by participating in JAs synthesis. These results provide a foundation for future functional analyses of OPR genes in sweetpotato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory factor in plant growth and development. Duplicated genes often exhibit functional divergence due to competition for the identical miRNA binding sites. Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is an economically significant horticultural crop renowned for its distinctive flavor, which is largely attributable to elevated citrate levels during fruit development. However, the mechanisms through which miRNA-targeted modules evolve following duplication events and regulate citrate biosynthesis, thereby influencing the unique flavor profile of kiwifruits, remain poorly understood. Results: In this study, we examined the expression patterns of miRNAs and interactions with their targets in kiwifruit fruit samples from various pulp tissues and developmental stages. Our analysis identified 46 miRNAs, comprising 44 known miRNAs and two novel/kiwifruit-specific miRNAs, which targeted a total of 1,474 genes. Correlation analysis revealed weak relationships between the expression levels of miRNAs and their target genes. Among these targets, 27 tandemly duplicated genes, and 782 whole genome duplication (WGD) genes exhibited a loss of miRNA binding sites in one of their duplicated copies. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis demonstrated that most duplicated genes clustered into distinct gene modules. These findings suggest that the loss of miRNA targets following duplications contributes to expression divergence among gene duplicates, thereby facilitating stable gene expression within the miRNA-targeted network. For instance, the aconitate hydratase genes AchAco4 and AchAco6 were each targeted by different miRNAs, ach-miR-3774 and ach-miR-10371, respectively. Notably, these genes exhibited distinct expression patterns compared to their duplicated counterparts. Conclusions: This study enhances our understanding of how the miRNA-AchAco module regulates citrate content and provides insights into the molecular network that influences the flavor profile of kiwifruit. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet corn is a horticultural crop that is widely cultivated and consumed by Indonesian people. Meeting the demand for sweet corn is still reliant on imports; therefore, increasing production by improving soil properties through proper fertilization. Cow manure with a content of N 2.33%, P 0.61%, and K 1.58% is able to add nutrients to the soil. This research aimed to obtain an optimum dose of organic fertilizer for sweet corn growth and yield. The doses of cow manure consisting of 5 levels: control, 10, 20, 30, and 40 tons ha-1 were assigned in the randomized complete block design with 5 replications. Data analysis deployed analysis of variance (Anova) at 5% level, and if there were significant differences, it would be proceeded to Duncan Multiple Range Test 5% and orthogonal polynomial. The results showed that a dose of 20 tons ha-1 was able to increase growth in plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves by 12.92%, 26.29%, and 15.67%, respectively, compared to the control. A dose of 35 tons ha-1 can produce a weight of cob-husk and cob without-husk per plot, respectively, 4.38 kg plot-1 and 2.64 kg plot-1, and a productivity of cob-husk of 5.30 tons ha-1. A dose of 38 tons ha-1 can produce a cob without-husk productivity of 3.29 tons ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: White grubs are important pests of many agricultural and horticultural crops. We tested four entomopathogenic nematode isolates recently isolated from infected white grubs in turfgrass areas in central New Jersey, USA for the biological control of three white grub species that are pests of turfgrass and ornamental plants. Against oriental beetle and Japanese beetle larvae, the Steinernema scarabaei Ad and S. scarabaei SL isolates caused very high mortality at low rates in laboratory tests, whereas S. cubanum HF was less virulent and S. glaseri SH the least virulent isolate. None of the isolates caused high mortality of northern masked chafer larvae. Nematode efficacy in greenhouse tests against oriental beetle larvae followed the same pattern. The original isolate of S. scarabaei, the AMK001 strain, that had been maintained in the laboratory on white grubs as hosts for 19 years, showed the same virulence level as it did soon after its first isolation and was also as virulent as the fresh S. scarabaei Ad isolate. Future tests should determine the ability of these white grub-adapted nematode isolates to provide long-term suppression of white grub populations. White grubs possess natural defense mechanisms against entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Hence, EPN isolates that naturally infect white grubs tend to be among the most effective biological control agents of white grubs. We tested the virulence of four EPN isolates recently isolated from infected white grubs in turfgrass areas in central New Jersey, USA against third-instar larvae of Anomala orientalis, Popillia japonica, and Cyclocephala borealis, which are pests of turfgrass and ornamental plants in the northeastern USA. Against A. orientalis and P. japonica larvae, the Steinernema scarabaei Ad and S. scarabaei SL isolates were highly virulent in laboratory tests, whereas S. cubanum HF was less virulent and S. glaseri SH the least virulent. None of the isolates caused high mortality of C. borealis larvae. EPN efficacy in greenhouse tests against A. orientalis followed the same pattern. The original isolate of S. scarabaei, the AMK001 strain, that had been maintained in the laboratory on A. orientalis and P. japonica larvae for 19 years showed the same virulence level against A. orientalis larvae as it did soon after its first isolation and was also as virulent as the fresh S. scarabaei Ad isolate; both isolates were more virulent than S. scarabaei SL. Future tests should determine the ability of these white grub-adapted isolates to provide long-term suppression of white grub populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is a widely grown horticultural crop, which exists in red, yellow, and white varieties. In recent years, the white-fleshed strawberry variety is gaining more attention from consumers for its unique taste and appearance, but a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes governing the ripening of white-fleshed strawberry remains undisclosed. In this study, based on the joint analysis of physiology, metabolome, and transcriptome, we screened and identified the key metabolites that were highly correlated to the maturation of white-fleshed strawberry (cv. 'snow white', SW for short) fruits. In contrast to red-fleshed strawberries, SW fruits exhibited three main ripening stages during the maturation, accompanied by the increases in total soluble solid and total sugar and the declines in total anthocyanin and total acid. Metabolomic analysis identified 832 differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) at the secondary level of LC-MS/MS, and further investigations suggested that the increase in sucrose, citric acid, and epicatechin levels potentially play a role in the ripening process of SW fruits. Furthermore, abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate were recognized as the primary phytohormones involved in the production of these metabolites. The enrichment analysis of RNA-Seq data revealed that the differential expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily attributed to the pathways of 'Starch and sucrose metabolism' and 'Plant hormone signal transduction' but were undetected in 'Flavonoid biosynthesis' at the late ripening stage. Moreover, the de novo biosynthesis pathway, WGCNA, and Pearson correlation analysis indicated a direct relationship between FaSPS1, FaSPP1, and FaSPP2 with sucrose, FaPEPC1, FaV-PPase2, and FaV-PPase3 with citric acid, and Fa4CL2, Fa4CL3, and FaANR1 with anthocyanin. Further analysis revealed a co-expression of MYBs, bHLHs, NACs, and WRKYs with the structural genes mentioned. Overall, our findings uncovered a molecular mechanism regulating the maturation of white-fleshed strawberry, providing valuable insights for enhancing the flavor of white-fleshed strawberry through the gene-editing technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mealybug can severely threaten agricultural and horticultural crops and has a widespread distribution in tropical regions, particularly in high-risk invasion areas such as Hainan, which is an important trade port with superior geographical conditions. Traditional morphological methods can no longer meet the requirements for the rapid and precise identification of different insect stages or debris. DNA barcoding has been used to establish efficient molecular identification tools. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assay based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was successfully constructed for the rapid identification of mealybugs. The 5′ end COI gene fragments of 12 mealybug species were amplified and sequenced. Furthermore, an mPCR assay was established to identify three common mealybug species in Hainan, namely Dysmicoccus neobrevipes, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, and Paracoccus marginatus. Condition optimization, sensitivity detection, and field sample testing results prove that the assay can identify the three target species through a single PCR amplification. A sample DNA concentration of as low as 0.1–1 ng/μL can be detected. Additionally, the assay in conjunction with barcode sequencing can identify mealybugs collected in the field, clarifying the distribution and host plants of 12 mealybug species commonly found in Hainan. Thus, the rapid identification of important mealybug species is realized. The establishment of this technology provides an economical and efficient molecular tool for the quarantine and monitoring of mealybugs in Hainan and other regions, which are essential for the detection, monitoring, and early warning of invasive organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most extensively cultivated horticultural crop worldwide, with significant economic relevance, particularly in wine production. Accurate grapevine variety identification is essential for ensuring product authenticity, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Traditional identification methods have inherent limitations limitations; ampelography is subjective and dependent on skilled experts, while molecular analysis is costly and time-consuming. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on applying deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) techniques for grapevine variety identification. This study systematically analyses 37 recent studies that employed DL and ML models for this purpose. The objective is to provide a detailed analysis of classification pipelines, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach. Most studies use DL models trained on leaf images captured in controlled environments at distances of up to 1.2 m. However, these studies often fail to address practical challenges, such as the inclusion of a broader range of grapevine varieties, using data directly acquired in the vineyards, and the evaluation of models under adverse conditions. This review also suggests potential directions for advancing research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently managing agricultural systems necessitates accurate data collection from crops to examine phenotypic characteristics and improve productivity. Traditional data collection processes for specialty horticultural crops are often subjective, labor-intensive, and may not provide accurate information for precise management decisions in phenotypic studies and crop production. Reliable and standardized techniques to record and evaluate crop features using agricultural technology are essential for improving agricultural systems. The objective of the research was to develop a methodology for accurate measurement of blackberry flowers and vegetation coverage using UAV remote sensing and image analysis. The UAV captured 20,812 images in the visible spectrum, and ImageJ software (version 1.54k) was used for segmenting floral and vegetative coverage to calculate variety-specific flower coverage. A moderately strong positive correlation (r = 0.71) was found between flower-to-vegetation ratio (FVR) and visually estimated flower area, validating UAV-derived flower coverage as a reliable method for estimating flower density in blackberries. The regression model explained 51% of the variance in flower estimates (R2 = 0.51), with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.79 flower/cm2. Additionally, distinct temporal flowering patterns were observed between primocane- and floricane fruiting blackberries. Vegetative growth also exhibited stability, with strong correlations between consecutive weeks. The temporal analysis provided insight into growth phases and flowering peaks critical for time-sensitive management practices. UAV computer vision for quantifying blackberry phenotypic features is an effective tool and a unique methodology that speeds up the data collection process at high accuracy for breeding research and farm data management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how soil management practices influence the agrobiodiversity of cropping systems is crucial to promoting and maintaining agronomic sustainability in the long term. This study aimed to analyze seed bank diversity and to evaluate the effects of conventional (CONV) and alternative monoculture (ALTMO) and biannual rotation (BIROT) soil management practices in a horticultural cropping system. Soil cores were collected to identify seed bank composition and diversity indices were calculated. Additionally, soil parameters, CO2 efflux, temperature, and moisture were monitored. The results showed that management systems did not influence the composition of soil seed banks showing a prevalence of nitrophilous species in CONV management. Furthermore, the abundance and richness in the CONV and BIROT managements were high and low respectively due to the higher nitrogen rates in the soil. In contrast, ALTMO showed low abundance and a high number of species favoring higher competitiveness with positive effects on crop productivity. A positive correlation between CO2 soil efflux and temperature with species richness and Simpson's diversity index was observed in all management systems while the soil moisture was negatively influenced. Finally, adopting alternative management strategies can preserve and enhance agrobiodiversity, and crop yields, and may contribute to developing more eco-friendly cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signalling molecules which as act neurotransmitters in animal such as acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, melatonin, and histamine, have been identified in several plant species. Recent evidence suggests that compound in plants that act as neurotransmitters in animals are typically involved in signalling mechanism and play multifunctional roles in combating biotic stress in plants. Studies examining the roles of neurotransmitters across various biological kingdoms support their crucial functions as signaling and regulatory compounds. It has been suggested that substances may serve as potential mitigator for biotic and abiotic stress by regulating various physiological processes, such as ion homeostasis, hormonal metabolism, and detoxification of oxidative radicals. It is documented that these substances achieve favourable effects through interactions with various phytohormones. The identification of neurotransmitters like compounds (NLC) as biomarkers in plant stress signaling, coupled with their direct role in stress mitigation, highlights their importance in plant physiology and suggests their potential as targets for developing stress-resistant crops. This review analyzes the plant-associated functions of these signalling molecules and compares their roles across diverse horticultural and field crops. The information gathered from a range of species may provide insights into key issues in plant cell signalling, with implications for understanding both growth, metabolism and stress mitigation phenomena. Additionally, this analysis can offer valuable perspectives to guide futuristic research in the field of plant defense and signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most farmers rely heavily on inorganic fertilisers to enhance the production of horticultural crops. This can lead to environmental pollution, soil degradation and even human health problems. Reducing the usage of inorganic fertilisers by incorporating organic fertilisers (e.g. moringa leaf powder (MLP) and chicken litter (CL)) into inorganic fertiliser blends is likely to impact the environment less negatively than the sole application of inorganic fertiliser. The aim of this study was to produce sweet peppers using a combination of organic and inorganic fertilisers. In a controlled environment, MLP (20 g) was blended with CL (30 g) and inorganic fertiliser (Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK 3:1:3)) at different concentrations (10 g (33,33%), 20 g (66,66%), and 30 g (100%)), and applied to the root zone of transplanted sweet pepper seedlings. Treating sweet pepper plants with NPK (20 g) + CL (30 g) + MLP (20 g) resulted in the highest yield, with fruit containing higher total carotenoid concentrations than other treatments. Neither leaf number nor plant height was positively correlated with fruit weight per plant. Leaf chlorophyll and fruit carotenoids were present in the highest concentration in the chemical fertiliser (20 g) + CL (30 g) + MLP (20 g) (T11). Based on the yield, the best-performing combination (3:1:3 fertiliser with CL and MLP), optimal carotenoid concentration on pepper fruits was obtained on chemical fertiliser (20 g) + CL (30 g) + MLP (20 g), suggesting that peppers perform well, despite chemical fertiliser reduction from 30 to 20 g per plant, if CL and MLP are added to the medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-season crop growth and yield prediction at high spatial resolution are essential for informing decision-making for precise crop management, logistics and market planning in horticultural crop production. This research aimed to establish a plant-level cabbage yield prediction system by assimilating the leaf area index (LAI) estimated from UAV imagery and a segmentation model into a crop simulation model, the WOrld FOod STudies (WOFOST). The data assimilation approach was applied for one cultivar in five fields and for another cultivar in three fields to assess the yield prediction accuracy and robustness. The results showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) in the prediction of cabbage yield ranged from 1,314 to 2,532 kg ha–1 (15.8–30.9% of the relative RMSE). Parameter optimisation via data assimilation revealed that the reduction factor in the gross assimilation rate was consistently attributed to a primary yield-limiting factor. This research further explored the effect of reducing the number of LAI observations on the data assimilation performance. The RMSE of yield was only 107 kg ha–1 higher in the four LAI observations obtained from the early to mid-growing season than for the nine LAI observations over the entire growing season for cultivar 'TCA 422'. These results highlighted the great possibility of assimilating UAV-derived LAI data into crop simulation models for plant-level cabbage yield prediction even with LAI observations only in the early and mid-growing seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding photosynthetic acclimation to elevated CO2 (eCO2) is important for predicting plant physiology and optimizing management decisions under global climate change, but is underexplored in important horticultural crops. We grew three crops differing in stomatal density—namely chrysanthemum, tomato, and cucumber—at near‐ambient CO2 (450 μmol mol−1) and eCO2 (900 μmol mol−1) for 6 weeks. Steady‐state and dynamic photosynthetic and stomatal conductance (gs) responses were quantified by gas exchange measurements. Opening and closure of individual stomata were imaged in situ, using a novel custom‐made microscope. The three crop species acclimated to eCO2 with very different strategies: Cucumber (with the highest stomatal density) acclimated to eCO2 mostly via dynamic gs responses, whereas chrysanthemum (with the lowest stomatal density) acclimated to eCO2 mostly via photosynthetic biochemistry. Tomato exhibited acclimation in both photosynthesis and gs kinetics. eCO2 acclimation in individual stomatal pore movement increased rates of pore aperture changes in chrysanthemum, but such acclimation responses resulted in no changes in gs responses. Although eCO2 acclimation occurred in all three crops, photosynthesis under fluctuating irradiance was hardly affected. Our study stresses the importance of quantifying eCO2 acclimatory responses at different integration levels to understand photosynthetic performance under future eCO2 environments. SUMMARY STATEMENT: Three important horticultural crops with contrasting stomatal density (cucumber > tomato > chrysanthemum) acclimated to elevated CO2 with very different strategies: Cucumber mostly acclimated via stomatal conductance responses, whereas chrysanthemum mostly acclimated via photosynthetic biochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are a globally significant horticultural crop, ranking second only to tomatoes in terms of cultivation and consumption. However, due to the crop's complex genome structure, lengthy growth cycle, self-incompatibility, and susceptibility to disease, onion breeding is challenging. To address these issues, we implemented digital breeding techniques utilizing genomic data from 98 elite onion lines. We identified 51,499 high-quality variants and employed these data to construct a genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) model and apply machine learning methods for bulb weight prediction. Validation with 260 new individuals revealed that the machine learning model achieved an accuracy of 83.2% and required only thirty-nine SNPs. Subsequent in silico crossbreeding simulations indicated that offspring from the top 5% of elite lines exhibited the highest bulb weights, aligning with traditional phenotypic selection methods. This approach demonstrates that early-stage selection based on genotypic information followed by crossbreeding can achieve economically viable breeding results. This methodology is not restricted to bulb weight and can be applied to various horticultural traits, significantly improving the efficiency of onion breeding through advanced digital technologies. The integration of genomic data, machine learning, and computer simulations provides a powerful framework for data-driven breeding strategies, accelerating the development of superior onion varieties to meet global demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under light with a low proportion of far-red (FR) light, plants perceive themselves as growing in open places, which may lead them to increase leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) to cope with the higher water demand associated with increased light intensities. We evaluated Kleaf of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings that had been acclimatized to light with different proportions of FR. Kleaf tended to increase with decreasing FR light. Kleaf and leaf vein length density were positively correlated, indicating that increased Kleaf caused by low FR light may have been caused by changes in leaf vein structure. To clarify whether acclimatization to low-FR light can improve tolerance to high evaporative demand, we evaluated changes in stomatal conductance (gs), quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and leaf water potential (Ψleaf) when seedlings that had been acclimatized to light with FR light in the same proportion as sunlight (FR+) or light without FR light (FR−) were transferred to a high vapor-pressure deficit (VPD) condition. After transfer to high VPD, gs and Ψleaf of the seedlings decreased in all treatment groups, but the decrease was smaller in the FR− seedlings. After transfer to high VPD, ΦPSII decreased significantly in the FR+ seedlings, but not in the FR− seedlings. These findings suggest that the changes in stress tolerance induced by FR light may be partly mediated by changes in Kleaf. Our results also indicate a potential new technique for mitigating drought stress in horticultural crops by controlling FR light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In vitro cultivation and cryopreservation techniques are essential tools for genetic diversity conservation and pathogen-free plant propagation of horticultural crops. The optimisation of cryopreservation protocols typically focuses on minimising the negative effects of pretreatment with cryoprotectors (CPs), cryogenic freezing (CF) treatment, and recovery procedures on explants. However, the impact of in vitro and CF techniques on plant-associated microbiota remains poorly understood, and their potential to improve plant adaptation after cryopreservation is underexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro shoot culture and cryopreservation-induced changes in the endophytic bacterial diversity of two sweet cherry cultivars and to assess the potential of an inoculum of bacterial isolates to improve the growth of shoot culture after CF. Results: Cultivars 'Sunburst' and 'Mindaugė' showed different responses to cold hardening preconditioning as well as different survival and regrowth rates after cryopreservation. Metataxonomic analysis revealed variation in the abundance and taxonomic composition of bacteria assigned to 35 families in samples of field-grown tree leaves, dormant buds, and in vitro shoot culture before and after CF treatment. Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria were predominant in the leaf samples of both cultivars. For 'Sunburst', Pseudomonadaceae and Sphingomonadaceae bacteria were dominant in dormant buds and in vitro shoots, respectively, while Burkholderiaceae was largely predominant in the shoots following CF treatment. Conversely, 'Mindaugė' tissues exhibited more consistent colonisation by Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae across the experimental groups, except for in vitro shoots where Mycobacteriaceae prevailed. A pure bacterial isolate inoculum was applied to the 'Mindaugė' shoot culture to counter the CF treatment-induced suppression of shoot growth (~ 40%). Cocultivation with Brevibacterium sp. S1-2, Bacillus cereus S1-3, or B. toyonensis Nt18 increased the shoot leaf area from 48 to 75%. Conclusions: This study revealed that endophytic bacterial diversity is significantly reduced under in vitro conditions, often leading to a genotype-specific increase in the abundance and dominance of bacteria attributed to a single bacterial family. Moreover, shoot cocultivation with endophytic bacterial isolates has potential for improving the recovery of in vitro shoots after cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1997, severe bacterial disease symptoms were observed during surveys carried out in farms with field‐grown Molfettese Catalogna chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sylvestre, Catalogna group), sugarloaf chicory (C. intybus var. porphyreum), curly type lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) cvs Langero and Aleppo, and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) located in the Apulia and Basilicata regions of southern Italy. Convex colonies with yellowish mucoid material on hypersucrose medium (5% sucrose nutrient agar), producing fluorescent pigments on King's medium B, were isolated from all symptomatic plants. Based on conventional biochemical and nutritional tests, Biolog assays, and analysis of partial 16S rDNA and rpoB sequences, these atypical fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates were identified as Pseudomonas viridiflava. The pathogenicity of the isolates was ascertained by artificial inoculation on their respective original hosts. The analysis of rpoB gene sequences and RAPD‐PCR profiles showed a high genetic variability among the P. viridiflava isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial diseases on horticultural crops caused by atypical strains of P. viridiflava in Italy and the first report of the bacterium on safflower. In addition, P. viridiflava is reported for the first time as a causal agent of leaf spot on potato (Solanum tuberosum). The economic importance of chicory and curly type lettuce in southern Italy and recent spread of atypical and highly virulent P. viridiflava strains require more extensive and careful phytosanitary surveillance, as well as an adjustment of sustainable crop protection management to cope with this new challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the development of a highly efficient diploid seedless watermelon production system through the manipulation of the SPOROCYTELESS gene. Seedlessness is a desirable trait in fruit crops like watermelon, and current methods for producing seedless watermelons involve triploid production or hormone induction. The study focuses on mutating key genes involved in seed formation, such as SPL, SPO11-2, CKI1, and LEC2, to establish a novel system for producing diploid seedless watermelons. The research findings suggest that disrupting the SPL gene can lead to the production of fully diploid seedless fruits with no compromise in fruit quality. The study highlights the potential of gene editing technology in developing seedless fruit varieties and suggests that the system could be applied to other fruit crops with highly conserved SPL genes. [Extracted from the article]

Tomato is a widely grown horticultural crop, and its growth process is often affected by high temperatures. Caseinolytic Protease B (ClpB), a homologous protein to heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), plays a vital role in plant heat adaptation and development. In this study, we identified six SlClpB genes in tomatoes, distributed across four chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that the gene pairs SlClpB-2 and SlClpB-3A, as well as SlClpB-3C and SlClpB-12, resulted from segmental duplication events. Phylogenetic and motif analyses showed that ClpB proteins possess highly conserved domains across different species. We used RNA-seq data to analyze the expression patterns of the ClpB family. Among them, SlClpB-3A and SlClpB-12 exhibited increased expression in multiple tissues under heat stress. Specifically, SlClpB-2, SlClpB-3A, and SlClpB-3C were highly expressed in the fruit orange stage and in flower buds under heat treatment, while in seedlings, SlClpB-2 and SlClpB-3A exhibited heat-induced expression. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the expression of SlClpB-2 and SlClpB-3A was significantly increased under heat stress in the leaves and buds of Ailsa Craig, Micro-Tom, and M82. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of SlClpB genes in response to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargassum is exploited as a biostimulant in agriculture for its rich bioactive compounds. Extracts from Sargassum promote plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance in agricultural and horticultural crops. Sargassum is a most abundant seaweed, and it occupies a huge proportion of coastal plants. This review unveils key active constituents present in Sargassum such as proximate and ultimate compounds, antioxidants, phytohormones, glucosinoids, bioactive compounds, and enzymes. As a biostimulant, Sargassum mitigates biotic and abiotic stresses. It has a positive impact on soil health, plant physiology, crop yield, animal antimicrobials, and animal feeding, as well as highlighting some sustainable agricultural practices discussed in the review. Integrating Sargassum-based biostimulants in agriculture holds promise for resilient and productive crops with minimal environmental impact. These characteristics are considered the future of ideal agrochemical properties in all dimensions of plant growth and development. These kinds of organic-based biostimulants will be ideal alternatives to toxic chemical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum is an economically important horticultural crop and is considered the wild genetic ancestor of chili peppers. The distribution range extends from southern North America, through Central America, to South America. Approximately 226 million 150 paired-end reads were generated from CHMX_Ch1 (a C. annuum from Chihuahua, Mexico). To compare with the CHMX_Ch1 genome, high-quality reads from QO (a C. annuum from Querétaro, Mexico) were downloaded from the NCBI database. A total of 210,324 variants were detected in CHMX_Ch1, whereas 169,718 variants were identified in QO, all compared to the domesticated C. annuum reference genome, UCD10Xv1.1. This comprised 203,990 SNPs and 6334 InDels in CHMX_Ch1 and 164,955 SNPs and 4763 InDels in QO. The variants with high and moderate impact were identified as missense, splice acceptor, splice donor, start lost, stop gain, stop lost, frameshift, insertion, and deletion effects. The candidate genes with the highest fold enrichment values among the SNPs were predominantly involved in gene regulation and metabolic processes. InDels were associated with nuclear and transcriptional regulator activity in both genomes. Overall, a greater number of variants were found in CHMX_Ch1 compared to QO. This study provides knowledge of the principal functions associated with high- and moderate-impact variants and supplies a resource for further investigations of the genetic characteristics of these chiltepin peppers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brassica oleracea L. species embrace important horticultural crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, which are highly valued for their beneficial nutritional effects. However, the complexity of flower emasculation in these species has forced breeders to adopt biotechnological approaches such as somatic hybridization to ease hybrid seed production. Protoplasts entail a versatile tool in plant biotechnology, supporting breeding strategies that involve genome editing and hybridization. This review discusses the use of somatic hybridization in B. oleracea L. as a biotechnological method for developing fusion products with desirable agronomic traits, particularly cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) condition. These CMS lines are critical for implementing a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable system for producing F1 hybrids. We present recent studies on CMS systems in B. oleracea L. crops, providing an overview of established models that explain the mechanisms of CMS and fertility restoration. Additionally, we emphasize key insights gained from protoplast fusion applied to B. oleracea L. breeding. Key steps including pre-treatments of donor plants, the main tissues used as sources of parental protoplasts, methods for obtaining somatic hybrids and cybrids, and the importance of establishing a reliable plant regeneration method are discussed. Finally, the review explores the incorporation of genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to introduce multiple agronomic traits in Brassica species. This combination of advanced biotechnological tools holds significant promise for enhancing B. oleracea breeding programs in the actual climate change context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora capsici is a devastating pathogen in horticultural crops, particularly affecting Capsicum annuum (pepper). The overuse of chemical fungicides has led to resistance development, necessitating alternative strategies. This study investigates the antagonistic effects of four rhizobacterial isolates (Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) against P. capsici, focusing on the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Using in vitro dual culture assays, we observed a significant inhibition of mycelial growth and sporangia production, especially by B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens. The GC-MS/SPME-HS analysis identified key VOCs responsible for these antagonistic effects. Our findings demonstrate that specific rhizobacteria and their VOCs offer a promising biocontrol strategy, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides and contributing to sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture confronts multifaceted challenges across the spectrum of crop production, with pest and disease management being a prominent concern. Timely diagnosis of crop diseases is imperative for mitigating production costs and curbing the adverse environmental impacts of chemical pesticides. In the present investigation, mobile phone‐based foldscope microscopy (MBFM) was used to diagnose various field samples infected with fungal diseases of field and horticultural crops, and the same was validated with the normal microscope pictures and field symptoms. The MBFM was also used to diagnose seed‐borne microflora associated with wheat and spores of commercial formulation of bioagents and validated. The MBFM utilises both symptoms and morphological structures of pathogen for in situ field diagnosis and hence advantages over the symptom‐based mobile Apps. This study underscores the utility of foldscope microscope as a potent technique for plant pathologists and extension workers to enable real‐time and in situ identification of diseases caused by fungal pathogens in various agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA markers have broad applications, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) for breeding new cultivars. Currently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have become a preferred choice of markers for molecular geneticists and breeders. They offer many advantages, such as high abundance and coverage in the genome, codominant inheritance, locus specificity, and flexibility for high-throughput genotyping/detection formats, and they are relatively inexpensive. The availability of reference genome sequences enables precise identification of candidate genes and SNPs associated with a trait of interest through quantitative trait loci mapping and genome-wide association studies. Such SNPs can be converted into markers for their application in MAS in crop breeding programs. Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers amplify short genomic sequences around the polymorphic endonuclease restriction site. This review provides insight into the recent advancements made in the development and application of CAPS markers in several horticultural plants. We discussed many new tools that aid faster and more accurate design of CAPS markers from the whole genome resequencing data. The developed CAPS markers offer immense application in germplasm screening and field trials, genomic loci mapping, identifying candidate genes, and MAS of important horticultural traits such as disease resistance, fruit quality and morphology, and genetic purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of nutrient surpluses in soils is critical to optimize nutrient management and minimize adverse environmental effects. We investigated the nutrient surpluses in soils in two regions over 25 years (1992 to 2017) in the south Loess Plateau, China. One region has cereals as the main crop, whereas in the other region, the main cereal crops was changed to kiwi orchards. The inputs of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increased rapidly (by 74%, 77%, and 103% from 1992 to 2017 in the cereal region; and by 91%, 204%, and 368% in the kiwifruit region), while the nutrient outputs were relatively stable, which resulted in increasing nutrient surpluses (the annual averaged surpluses of N, P, and K were 178, 62, and 12 kg ha−1 y−1 for the cereal region; and 486, 96, and 153 kg ha−1 y−1 for the kiwifruit region) and lower nutrient use efficiency (NUE). The higher N surplus in the orchard-dominated region caused high nitrate N accumulation (3071 kg N ha−1 of 0–5 m in 11–20 y in the kiwifruit orchard) in deeper soil profiles. Similarly, high P and K surpluses in the orchard-dominated region increased soil available P and K. This highlights that comprehensive measures should be taken to control nutrient surpluses, which will help balance nutrient inputs and outputs and minimize nutrient losses in intensive horticultural crop systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horticultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and tea offer a range of important nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and lipids. However, the present yield and quality do not meet the requirements of the rapid population growth associated with global climate change, the decline in horticultural practitioners, poor automation, and epidemic diseases such as COVID-19. In this context, smart horticulture is expected to greatly improve the land output rates, resource-use efficiency, and productivity, all of which should facilitate the sustainable development of the horticulture industry. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing, play an important role. This paper reviews past developments and current challenges, offering future perspectives for horticultural chain management. We expect that the horticulture industry would benefit from integration with smart technologies. This requires the use of novel solutions to build a new advanced system encompassing smart breeding, smart cultivation, smart transportation, and smart sales. Finally, a new development approach combining precise perception, smart operation, and smart control should be instituted in the horticulture industry. Within 30 years, we expect that the industry will embrace mechanical, automatic, and informational production to transform into a smart industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits the growth and productivity of horticultural crops. Most fruit crops are glycophytes, and their production is adversely affected by salt stress. The key findings indicate that salinity reduces several plant growth parameters such as shoot and root length, number of leaves, plant biomass and relative water content as well as biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments and proline. Physiological results show decreased water absorption, nutrient imbalances such as changes in ion concentrations and hormone levels and increased oxidative stress. Several mitigation strategies are recommended, such as the use of salt-tolerant rootstocks, application of growth regulators and soil amendments to enhance salt tolerance in tropical fruit crops. This review concludes that integrating physiological and agronomic strategies is essential for mitigating the adverse effects of salinity on tropical fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant tissue culture biotechnology offers a sustainable way to adapt to climate change by propagating disease-free plants with the desired traits. This study investigated stakeholders' agronomic, social and economic evaluation of tissue culture plants (TCPs). It unravels micro-level outcomes and indicators that determine TCPs evaluation through a systematic literature review. The 35 articles examined show an imbalance of studies in the three evaluation streams, with social studies on horticultural crops, especially bananas in developing countries, dominating. The results of the TCPs evaluation vary considerably between stakeholders. The main determinants of evaluation are TCPs attributes. TCPs are very knowledge-intensive and costly to establish and manage. Therefore, customising of TCPs to local conditions and closer collaboration between stakeholders are essential for successful implementation. Advisory services, social entrepreneurship and networks are needed to create knowledge-sharing platforms and ecosystems. While single-stream evaluations reveal TCPs superiority over conventionally propagated crops, it is suggested that an integrated assessment be undertaken to combine social, economic, and agronomic indicators and evaluate the technology simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document "Advanced Studies on the Quality Control and Metabolism of Bioactive Compounds in Postharvest Horticultural Crops" published in the journal Horticulturae discusses the importance of high-quality fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients for human health. It explores various preservation methods such as physical, chemical, and biological techniques to extend the shelf life of perishable items. The research emphasizes the need for advanced and environmentally friendly preservation technologies to maintain the quality of postharvest fruits and vegetables while addressing supply-demand imbalances. [Extracted from the article]

Protected cultivation is the sustainable approach to horticultural crop production under adverse climates. In this study, the performance of yard-long beans under three protected cultivations, including single-span polyhouse (SSP), five-span polyhouse (FSP), and insect-proof net house (IPN), is examined and compared to open field cultivation. The above protected cultivation can extend the harvest period of pods by 6–10 days, improve their quality, and increase yield by 15.6% to 25.1%, reducing the incidence and severity of thrips and Cercospora leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Among them, yard-long beans grown in SSP are longer and straighter in shape and have the lowest incidence and severity of pests and diseases and the highest levels of total polyphenols, total sugar, soluble protein, starch, and fiber. This indicates that protected cultivation has broad application in the production of yard-long beans. Through full subset regression analysis (FSRA), we report here that the yield and of yard-long bean occurrences of pests and diseases were highly impacted by climatic factors, especially UV radiation intensity and air temperature. These results have considerable implications for improving pod yield and quality and green prevention and control of pests and diseases through optimizing facility structure and fertilizer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of fruits is a critical trait affecting the commercial value and consumer acceptance of horticultural crops. Genetic regulation of fruit shape involves complex interactions among multiple genes and environmental factors. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the genetic mechanisms controlling fruit shape in several key horticultural crops, including tomato, pepper, cucumber, peach, and grape. We present the identification and characterization of genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence fruit shape, focusing on the roles of genes such as OVATE, SUN, FAS, LC, ENO, GLOBE, CsSUN, CsFUL1, CsCRC, PpCAD1, PpOFP1, and VvSUN. This review highlights the importance of hormonal pathways, particularly those involving synthesis and concentration of cytokinins and brassinosteroids in shaping fruit morphology, and explores how these genes interact and form regulatory networks that collectively determine the final fruit shape. This knowledge provides a foundation for developing strategies to improve fruit quality and yield through genetic modification and breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel rhizobacteria Bacillus was isolated from rhizosphere of soil associated with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under open field conditions. The Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MHR24 (MHR24) is a promising biocontrol agent against several fungal phytopathogens. In this research, MHR24 was characterized by an effective antagonistic ability against Alternaria alternata (Aa), Botrytis cinerea (Bc), Fusarium oxysporum F1 (F1), F. oxysporum F2 (F2), F. oxysporum R3 (F3), and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Sc). In particular, MHR24 showed a strong inhibition via airborne volatiles against Bc, F3, Aa, and F2 fungal strains. MHR24 also showed elevated saline stress tolerance at 1% and 25% to NaCl and KCl. The molecular sequence analysis of 16S rDNA confirmed the identity of the isolate as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MHR24. Bioassays on Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 inoculated with MHR24 showed in in vitro conditions that MHR24 significantly increases the foliar and root area, while in growth chamber conditions, it strongly increases the dry shoot biomass of A. thaliana. The observed results indicate that B. amyloliquefaciens MHR24 has a broad-spectrum biocontrol against fungal phytopathogens and can be used as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent to improve horticultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, salinity is a brutal environmental constraint that poses a major threat to agriculture worldwide, causing nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress, leading to reduced crop yields and quality. Date palm waste from the agro-industry is a major environmental problem, but its conversion to biochar for soil amendment could help alleviate the effects of salinity stress. Pepper is a commonly grown horticultural crop that is sensitive to salinity. That's why the current experiment was conducted with the novel idea of exploring the potential use of biochar-based fertilizer derived from date palm waste as a mitigation strategy for salinity-related problems in pepper. The study was conducted as a pot experiment in a growth chamber under controlled conditions. The experiment consisted of four treatment groups: Control (no salinity stress); BM350E (biochar application only); NaCl (salinity stress without biochar application); BM350E+NaCl (combined biochar and salinity stress application). The soil was amended with biochar at a concentration of 3 g kg−1soil and pepper seedlings were exposed to salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl for seven days. The morphological, biochemical, and physiological responses were then evaluated. The use of BM350E biochar significantly improved plant growth under saline conditions, increasing shoot fresh weight by 9.41%, root fresh weight by 15.32%, shoot length by 5.22%, and root length by 12.57%. It also increased chlorophyll a (Chl. a) by 8.28%, chlorophyll b (Chl. b) by 80.20%, and carotenoids (Car) by 52.43% while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, BM350E biochar has the potential to effectively mitigate the negative effects of salinity on pepper growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brassicaceae family includes a wide range of horticultural crops of economic and traditional importance, consumed either fresh, cooked, or fermented. Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata) is one of the most important crops of the family. The present review analyzes the most important phytochemicals present in cabbage, focusing on variation of phytochemical composition between cultivars of B. oleraceae var. capitata f. alba, B. oleraceae var. capitata f. rubra, B. oleraceae var. capitata f. acuta, and B. oleraceae var. capitata f. sabauda. Cabbage form and cultivars significantly affect phytochemical compositions. B. oleraceae var. capitata f. rubra cultivars are generally great sources of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, whereas B. oleraceae var. capitata f. alba cultivars display the highest concentration of glucosinolates; nevertheless, their levels are also dependent on the specific cultivar. B. oleraceae var. capitata f. acuta cultivars may be considered advantageous due to their high glucosinolate content and consistent phytochemical composition. Recognizing the benefits of specific cultivars can be valuable for consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle, as well as for scientists aiming to enhance cultivars through breeding programs or use plants' extracts to produce high quality pigments and dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Horticultural crops yield considerable economic benefits, vital for supply stability and income enhancement. Plant breeders' rights (PBR) form a foundation, offering breeders essential safeguards to secure benefits and sustain breeding efforts. Therefore, comprehending the status and challenges in horticultural crop variety protection is vital for advancing horticulture. These crops encompass five primary categories: ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetables, tea, and edible fungi. This article reviews the distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing guidelines and progress in molecular identification research for Chinese horticultural crops from 1999 to 2022. Additionally, it statistically analyzes data from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Forestry Knowledge Service System on PBR applications and grants for all horticultural crop breeders. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of horticultural crop variety protection in China. By thoroughly analyzing the existing status and challenges, the article seeks to enhance the international standing of plant variety protection in Chinese horticulture.

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Composts made from food waste will soon become more widespread on the market thanks to the upcoming enforcement of the legal obligation to sort biowaste. Our experiment aims at improving knowledge on the short‐term effects of these composts on soils’ physicochemical properties and vegetable crops.Three composts with contrasting characteristics were tested: a 100% v/v green waste compost (C1), and two composts composed of 50% v/v food waste and 50% v/v green waste, one prepared directly on the soil (C2) and the other from a competing producer who have the French NFU 44‐051 (AFNOR NF U 44‐051, 2006) certification for an organic amendment (C3). They were applied at a rate of 100 t ha−1 (dry matter) on two cropped soils with contrasting textures. Soil‐and‐compost mixes and compost‐free soil were planted with lettuce, radish, and potato.Seventy‐four days after planting, composts improved some soil physicochemical properties. The compost‐amended soils had better saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks, 1 10−3–2.5 10−3 cm s−1) than the compost‐free soil (0.5 10−3 cm s−1), and water‐stable aggregates were higher than the initial value in C3 soil, equal to it in C2 soil, and lower in C1 soil. pH, total nitrogen, and organic carbon increased in all compost‐amended soils. Food waste compost stimulated crop production. The yields (dry matter) of all three crops were two to three times higher in the two soils amended with food waste compost compared to unamended soil, whereas they decreased almost two times in the soil amended with green waste compost due to nitrogen immobilization. Trace metals (particularly Pb and Cd) added by the composts, although present in edible parts of the plants, did not exceed the European rules for trace metals.Thus, food waste composts have positive effects on soils and vegetable crops, and the higher their organic matter content, the higher these positive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireworms, the larva of click beetle (Agriotes species), are one of the most destructive pests of horticultural crops in North America, responsible for considerable economic losses in Canada. Agriotes sputator (A. sputator) species is a predominant wireworm pest attacking potato fields in Eastern Canada. However, no information about its genome-wide gene expression profile, specifically for the genes involved with development is available to date. Therefore, we generated the transcriptome profile of A. sputator during five developmental stages, including the three larval stages and adult male and female click beetle. Out of 714.7 million raw reads, de novo assembly generated 564,561 transcripts. The data were subjected to differential expression analysis using DESeq2, gene ontology, annotation, and pathway analyses. A total of 34,709 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significant (log2 fold change > 2, padj < 0.05) across the developmental stages. Functional analysis of DEGs identified development signaling, metabolism, transport, cellular mechanisms, and drug metabolism (cytochrome p450) pathways. This study provides comprehensive sequence resources and potential gene differences at different developmental stages of A. sputator. These findings will represent a major step towards developing sustainable methods to control this widely distributed pest in agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity represents a considerable environmental risk, exerting deleterious effects on horticultural crops. Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Among nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have been demonstrated to mitigate certain stress effects, including salinity. In the present study, the impact of CeO2 NPs (0, 25, and 100 mg L−1) on various morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical parameters, and the essential oil profile of spearmint plants under moderate (50 mM NaCl) and severe (100 mM NaCl) salinity stress conditions was examined. As expected, salinity reduced morphological parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots, as well as photosynthetic pigments, in comparison to control. Conversely, it led to an increase in the content of proline, total phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and antioxidant enzyme activities. In terms of CeO2 NP applications, they improved the salinity tolerance of spearmint plants by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowering MDA and H2O2 levels. However, CeO2 NPs at 100 mg L−1 had adverse effects on certain physiological parameters, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the applied concentration of CeO2 NPs. Considering the response of essential oil compounds, combination of salinity stress and CeO2 treatments led to an increase in the concentrations of L-menthone, pulegone, and 1,8-cineole, which are the predominant compounds in spearmint essential oil. In summary, foliar application of CeO2 NPs strengthened the resilience of spearmint plants against salinity stress, offering new insights into the potential use of CeO2 NP treatments to enhance crop stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an economically important polyphagous pest species infesting many agricultural and horticultural crops causing severe yield losses. In order to develop biopesticides for the management of aphids in an environmentally safe manner, 6 indigenous entomopathogenic fungi Simplicillium subtropicum were isolated from soils of Tamil Nadu and their pathogenicity was tested against A. gossypii under laboratory conditions after characterization. Results: Phenotypic and molecular characterization was performed for all the isolates for species identification. Results of the pathogenicity test showed that the isolate S6 (PP446637) performed well among other isolates causing 58.33% mortality on 7 days after treatment (DAT) @ 1 × 108 spores/ml. The LC50 and LT50 values were found to be 2.36 × 107 spores/ml at 7 DAT and 160.20 h @ 1 × 108 spores/ml, respectively. SEM images of A. gossypii treated with the isolate S6 (PP446637) revealed that initial phase of infection, i.e., adhesion, formation of germ tube and appressoria starts within 24 h post-infection (hpi), hyphal development and penetration of cuticle occurred within 48 hpi and extrusion of mycelium and conidiogenesis occurred within 72 hpi. Conclusion: This study reveals the entomopathogenic potential of indigenous S. subtropicum isolates against A. gossypii and suggests their use for the eco-friendly management of aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]