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In recent years, there has been a significant growth in scholarly attention to the effects of Cd stress on horticultural plants, as reflected by the abundance of research articles on this issue in academic publications. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a review of current research and provide a comprehensive perspective to quickly grasp the latest developments and future trends in the research field of "horticultural plants-Cd responses". By utilizing a visualizing bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace, this study integrated and analyzed a total of 4318 relevant research records—2311 from the Web of Science (WOS) database and 2007 from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database—related to "horticultural plants-Cd responses", covering the period from 1999 to 2024. A visual analysis was conducted in the form of knowledge mappings, including the current research status of "horticultural plants-Cd responses", as well as the differences in publications' temporal distribution, spatial distribution (cooperation networks) and intellectual base between China and foreign countries, precisely uncovering the core aspects of research topics related to the field. The results indicated the following: (1) Scientific research on "horticultural plants-Cd responses" has experienced a significant increase in publication volume and has entered a phase of rapid development. Globally, there has been an annual average increase of 217 articles in the WOS since 2019, while in China, the annual average increase has been 134 articles in the CNKI since 2015. (2) China is the most productive country in terms of publication volume (1165 articles, 52.79%), engaging in active partnerships with other countries worldwide. Chinese scholars (Lin L. and Liao M.) are leading researchers in both domestic and international research fields of "horticultural plants-Cd responses". The network of collaborations among authors and institutions in the WOS database seemed denser compared to that in the CNKI database. (3) International research hotspots have focused on accumulation, tolerance and oxidative stress, while domestically, the focus has been on antioxidant enzymes, growth and seed germination. Phytoremediation, subcellular distribution and the transcriptome are the world's emerging topics, while in China, growth and physiological characteristics are still emerging topics. (4) In comparison, China exhibited a lagging development trend, which is reflected in the fact that it began to focus on gene expression and transcriptome research only after the global frontier shifted towards biochar and cadmium co-stress and yield response. Based on these, this study provides a systematic theoretical basis for subsequent research on "horticultural plants-Cd responses", aiding scholars in their efforts to understand the dynamic frontiers and address the challenges in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Melatonin and melatonin-mediated phytohormonal crosstalk play a multifaceted role in improving drought stress tolerance via molecular mechanisms and biochemical interactions in horticultural plants. The physical, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of plants are all affected by drought stress. Crop yield and quality eventually decline precipitously as a result. A phytohormone, melatonin, controls several plant functions during drought stress. However, the interactions between melatonin and other phytohormones, particularly how they control plant responses to drought stress, have not been clearly explored. This review explores the effects of melatonin and particular phytohormones on improving plant tolerance to drought stress. Specifically, the key melatonin roles in improved photosynthetic performance, better antioxidant activities, up-regulated gene expression, increased plant growth, and yield, etc., during drought stress have been elucidated in this review. Furthermore, this review explains how the intricate networks of melatonin-mediated crosstalk phytohormones, such as IAA, BR, ABA, GA, JA, CK, ET, SA, etc., enable horticultural plants to tolerate drought stress. Thus, this research provides a better understanding of the role of phytohormones, mainly melatonin, elucidates phytohormonal cross-talks in drought stress response, and future perspectives of phytohormonal contributions in plant improvements including engineering plants for better drought stress tolerance via targeting melatonin interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the main abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and development. Reduced plant yield and quality are primarily caused by the reductions in photosynthesis, mineral uptake, metabolic disorders, damages from the increased production of reactive oxygen species, and many other disruptions. Plants utilize drought resistance mechanisms as a defense strategy, and the systems' activation is dependent upon several factors, including plant genotype, onthogenesis phase, drought intensity and duration, and the season in which the drought occurs. Impatiens walleriana is a worldwide popular flowering plant recognized for its vibrant flower colors, and is an indispensable plant in pots, gardens and other public areas. It prefers well-draining, moisturized soil, and does not perform well in overly dry or waterlogged conditions. Consequently, inadequate water supply is a common problem for this plant during production, transportation, and market placement, which has a substantial impact on plant performance overall. This review article outlines certain features of morphological, physiological, and molecular alterations induced by drought in ornamental, drought-sensitive plant species I. walleriana, as well as research carried out to date with the aim to improve the drought tolerance. Stress proteins aquaporins and dehydrins, whose molecular structure was described for the first time in this plant species, are highlighted specifically for their role in drought stress. Furthermore, the effective improvement of drought tolerance in I. walleriana by exogenous application of Plant Growth Regulators and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria is discussed in detail. Finally, this review can provide valuable insights for improving plant resilience and productivity in the face of water scarcity, which is critical for sustainable agriculture and horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral forms with an increased number of petals, also known as double-flower phenotypes, have been selected and conserved in many domesticated plants, particularly in ornamentals, because of their great economic value. The molecular and genetic mechanisms that control this trait are therefore of great interest, not only for scientists, but also for breeders. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the gene regulatory networks of flower initiation and development and known mutations that lead to variation of petal number in many species. In addition to the well-accepted miR172/AP2-like module, for which many questions remain unanswered, we also discuss other pathways in which mutations also lead to the formation of extra petals, such as those involved in meristem maintenance, hormone signalling, epigenetic regulation, and responses to environmental signals. We discuss how the concept of 'natural mutants' and recent advances in genomics and genome editing make it possible to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying double-flower formation, and how such knowledge could contribute to the future breeding and selection of this trait in more crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin is a conserved pleiotropic molecule in animals and plants. Melatonin is involved in many development processes and stress responses; thus, exploring its function in plants, particularly in horticultural plants, has become a rapidly developing field. Many studies have revealed that phytomelatonin acts as a plant biostimulant and increase its tolerance to various abiotic stressors, including extreme temperature, drought, osmotic disturbance, heavy metals, and ultraviolet (UV). Melatonin appears to have roles in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals, affecting the primary and secondary metabolism of plants, regulating the transcripts of stress-related enzymes and transcription factors, and crosstalk with other hormones under different environmental conditions. This pleiotropy makes phytomelatonin an attractive regulator to improve resistance to abiotic stress in plants. The recent discovery of the potential phytomelatonin receptor CAND2/PMTR1 and the proposition of putative models related to the phytomelatonin signaling pathways makes phytomelatonin a new plant hormone. Based on relevant studies from our laboratory, this review summarizes the phytomelatonin biosynthetic and metabolic pathways in plants and the latest research progress on phytomelatonin in abiotic stress of horticultural plants. This study will provide a reference for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of phytomelatonin affecting the resistance to abiotic stress in plants.

In recent years, there has been a significant growth in scholarly attention to the effects of Cd stress on horticultural plants, as reflected by the abundance of research articles on this issue in academic publications. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a review of current research and provide a comprehensive perspective to quickly grasp the latest developments and future trends in the research field of “horticultural plants-Cd responses”. By utilizing a visualizing bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace, this study integrated and analyzed a total of 4318 relevant research records—2311 from the Web of Science (WOS) database and 2007 from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database—related to “horticultural plants-Cd responses”, covering the period from 1999 to 2024. A visual analysis was conducted in the form of knowledge mappings, including the current research status of “horticultural plants-Cd responses”, as well as the differences in publications’ temporal distribution, spatial distribution (cooperation networks) and intellectual base between China and foreign countries, precisely uncovering the core aspects of research topics related to the field. The results indicated the following: (1) Scientific research on “horticultural plants-Cd responses” has experienced a significant increase in publication volume and has entered a phase of rapid development. Globally, there has been an annual average increase of 217 articles in the WOS since 2019, while in China, the annual average increase has been 134 articles in the CNKI since 2015. (2) China is the most productive country in terms of publication volume (1165 articles, 52.79%), engaging in active partnerships with other countries worldwide. Chinese scholars (Lin L. and Liao M.) are leading researchers in both domestic and international research fields of “horticultural plants-Cd responses”. The network of collaborations among authors and institutions in the WOS database seemed denser compared to that in the CNKI database. (3) International research hotspots have focused on accumulation, tolerance and oxidative stress, while domestically, the focus has been on antioxidant enzymes, growth and seed germination. Phytoremediation, subcellular distribution and the transcriptome are the world’s emerging topics, while in China, growth and physiological characteristics are still emerging topics. (4) In comparison, China exhibited a lagging development trend, which is reflected in the fact that it began to focus on gene expression and transcriptome research only after the global frontier shifted towards biochar and cadmium co-stress and yield response. Based on these, this study provides a systematic theoretical basis for subsequent research on “horticultural plants-Cd responses”, aiding scholars in their efforts to understand the dynamic frontiers and address the challenges in this field.

Horticultural plants contain various secondary metabolites (SMs), including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. These compounds play a critical role in plant growth, helping the plants adapt to different types of stress and providing numerous health benefits to humans. Advances in detection methods, such as liquid phase mass spectrometry and spatial metabolomics, have enabled the identification and characterization of a growing variety of SMs and their unique functions in horticultural plants. Recent studies have investigated the effects of SMs on horticultural plants under different biotic and abiotic stresses. This article offers a detailed review of the functions of key representative SMs in horticultural plants, focusing on their responses to biotic and abiotic stresses and their impact on human health. Furthermore, we explore the potential of using these compounds to improve the resistance of horticultural plants through future breeding efforts.

Flower and fruit abscission is a highly programmed physiological process, which is closely related to the yield of horticultural plants. The coordination of many regulatory factors associated with metabolic and signaling pathways plays a key role in the flower and fruit shedding. Hormones, peptides, carbohydrates, polyamines or cell wall modifying proteins regulate flower and fruit shedding. This article reviewed the recent studies of flower and fruit abscission, including the molecular regulation mechanism of abscission zone formation, typical structure and location of abscission zones, and other factors affecting flower and fruit abscission, such as stresses, hormones, peptides, carbohydrates, polyamines and cell wall modifying proteins. Overall, the review summarizes the developmental mechanism and the diversity of abscission zones, and the key factors affecting flower and fruit abscission of horticultural plants, aiming to provide guidance for studying the molecular regulatory mechanism of flower and fruit abscission.

WRKY transcription factors are a class of trans-acting factors unique to plants. WRKY gene family has many members and is one of the largest families of transcription factors in plants. At present, the WRKY transcription factor family has been genome-wide identified in various horticultural plants. A large number of studies have shown that WRKY transcription factors are involved in various biological processes in plants, such as nutrient deprivation, embryogenesis, seed development, trichome development, leaf senescence, and other developmental and hormonal regulation processes. They are important components of many regulatory signal networks. WRKY transcription factors play an important role in the transcriptional regulation mechanism of plant adaptation to various stress environments. It has been shown to play an important role in biological stress response and participate in plant defense mechanisms. Its important role in the regulation of plant defense against pathogens, viruses and pests is gradually being revealed. In addition, the role of WRKY transcription factors in plant response to environmental abiotic stresses has been continuously analyzed. WRKY transcription factors are involved in regulating plant response to drought, temperature, salt and osmosis, and plays a positive or negative regulatory role in this process. Based on the relevant research results in recent years, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of WRKY transcription factors in the growth and development, stress response and metabolic synthesis of horticultural plants are reviewed in this paper. Meanwhile, the important biological functions of WRKY transcription factors in horticultural plants are further clarified as well. Furthermore, the transcriptional regulation network mediated by WRKY transcription factors is elucidated, which will provide theoretical supports for genetic resources and molecular breeding related to excellent traits of horticultural plants.

The agricultural sector can play a role in reducing the gap between rural and urban areas which has the effect of hindering the growth and development of economic development in Malang Regency. The purpose of this study is to determine the leading commodities and their influence on agricultural sector GRDP to help increase economic growth. The use of LQ analysis to determine the leading commodities of horticultural crop production and food crop production. Panel data regression analysis to determine the effect of independent variables on agricultural sector GRDP. It is known that there are top base sectors in Poncokusumo and Donomulyo sub-districts. Assessed an insignificant positive effect between horticultural crop production on the dependent variable, while a significant positive effect between food crop production on the dependent variable. Has a simultaneous influence between the independent variable and the dependent variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a kind of RNA widely present in plant genome, which plays a crucial role in various regulatory processes in plants. LncRNA refers to RNA with a nucleotide length greater than 200 nt and has no or almost no protein coding ability. Most plant lncRNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase Ⅱ and are mainly produced from gene structural variation, gene replication, chromosome recombination, or transposon insertion. There are many types of lncRNA in plants, which can be divided based on their relative positions and forms of functions. The structure of lncRNA is similar to mRNA, which has the cap and poly (A) structure and foldability, but its transcript is longer than mRNA, and has low transcriptional abundance, extremely high expression specificity, and low conservation. The functional mechanisms of lncRNA in horticultural plants are complex, which can play roles in pre-/post-transcription, pre-/post-translation, and epigenetics. It mainly plays a role through cis-/trans-regulating gene transcription, acting as a precursor or endogenous target mimic of miRNA, interacting with transcription factors, modulating mRNA alternative splicing, modulating protein localization, and participating in chromatin remodeling. Horticultural plants are closely related to human life, and its study is an important part of agricultural development. With the continuous development of sequencing technology, research on plant lncRNA has also expanded from model plants such as Arabidopsis to horticultural plants. Different types and quantities of lncRNAs have been identified in horticultural plants and found to be involved in seed germination, reproductive growth, as well as in response to biotic stresses such as diseases and pests, and abiotic stresses such as high temperature, cold, drought, and salt. In this paper, the research progress of lncRNA in horticultural plants in recent years was reviewed, and the generation, characteristics, classification and mechanism of lncRNA were summarized, as well as the identified lncRNAs and their main biological functions in horticultural plants. It also puts forward prospects for future research directions of lncRNA, in order to provide reference and foundation for further research on lncRNA in horticultural plants

Drought is one of the main abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and development. Reduced plant yield and quality are primarily caused by the reductions in photosynthesis, mineral uptake, metabolic disorders, damages from the increased production of reactive oxygen species, and many other disruptions. Plants utilize drought resistance mechanisms as a defense strategy, and the systems’ activation is dependent upon several factors, including plant genotype, onthogenesis phase, drought intensity and duration, and the season in which the drought occurs. Impatiens walleriana is a worldwide popular flowering plant recognized for its vibrant flower colors, and is an indispensable plant in pots, gardens and other public areas. It prefers well-draining, moisturized soil, and does not perform well in overly dry or waterlogged conditions. Consequently, inadequate water supply is a common problem for this plant during production, transportation, and market placement, which has a substantial impact on plant performance overall. This review article outlines certain features of morphological, physiological, and molecular alterations induced by drought in ornamental, drought-sensitive plant species I. walleriana, as well as research carried out to date with the aim to improve the drought tolerance. Stress proteins aquaporins and dehydrins, whose molecular structure was described for the first time in this plant species, are highlighted specifically for their role in drought stress. Furthermore, the effective improvement of drought tolerance in I. walleriana by exogenous application of Plant Growth Regulators and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria is discussed in detail. Finally, this review can provide valuable insights for improving plant resilience and productivity in the face of water scarcity, which is critical for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.

In this study, the effects of foliar applied methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on drought-stressed Impatiens walleriana growth and leaf physiology parameters: stomatal conductance, chlorophyll, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and nitrogen balance index (NBI), were evaluated. These parameters could serve as indicators of drought tolerance of I. walleriana, a popular horticultural plant worldwide that is very sensitive to drought. The experiment included four treatments: control, drought-stressed plants sprayed with distilled water, drought-stressed plants sprayed with 5 µM MeJA, and drought-stressed plants sprayed with 50 µM MeJA. Foliar spraying with MeJA was performed twice: seven days before and on the day of drought induction. The stressed plant groups were non-irrigated to achieve soil water contents (SWC) of 15 and 5%, while control plants were well-watered throughout the experiment (35–37% SWC). The results of this study showed that drought significantly reduced I. walleriana fresh and dry shoot weight, as well as total leaf area, but did not impact on dry matter content. The foliar application of MeJA improved growth parameters of I. walleriana, depending on the elicitor concentration and drought intensity. Stomatal conductance was slightly reduced at 5% SWC, and foliar applied MeJA at both concentrations. The flavonoid index was slightly reduced at 15 and 5% SWC when 50 µM MeJA was foliar applied, while there were no observed changes in the anthocyanin index in any treatments. The foliar application of 50 µM MeJA increased the chlorophyll index and NBI of I. walleriana at 5% SWC, indicating a contribution of the elicitor to plant drought tolerance at the physiological level.

Soil salinity is one of the major causes of losses in agricultural production, which is accentuated by global warming. A sustainable strategy to mitigate the effects of the increasing soil salinisation is the use of biostimulants. In this study, the effect of a plant-based biostimulant was tested on tomato plants exposed to different salinity levels in loamy and sandy soils. Salinity in the soils reached a maximum value of 14.35 dS m−1. The treatments included a control (tap water) and a dose of 0.4 mL L−1 of the commercial biostimulant BALOX®, containing polyphenols and glycine betaine. After 60 days of treatment, several growth and biochemical parameters were evaluated in the plants, and different responses were found depending on the type of soil texture. Salt stress inhibited plant growth, mainly affecting the roots of plants not treated with the biostimulant, in both soil texture types. It also caused a reduction of total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels by 44% and 38%, respectively, under severe salinity conditions. High salinity induced a significant increase in ionic, osmotic and oxidative stress in plants, as indicated by the accumulation of toxic Na+ and Cl− ions, higher proline and MDA levels, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. However, the application of BALOX® stimulated plant growth and root system development in all experimental conditions. The areas of roots and leaves and the stem length and diameter showed higher mean values in biostimulant-treated plants on both soil types, with more pronounced differences with the controls in sandy soils. The total fresh weight showed maximum increases of 54% and 93% on loamy and sandy soils, respectively. In addition, BALOX® significantly improved the active transport of nutrients such as K+ and Ca2+, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments by up to 64% over control values; it also allowed greater protection against salt stress as shown by a significant reduction of proline levels, by up to 36%, and MDA by 51% under strongly saline conditions. The application of BALOX® generally decreased the level of stress in the tomato plants, promoting plant growth and enhancing their biochemical responses, even on strongly salinised soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Guangdong Agricultural Sciences is the property of South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Guangdong Agricultural Sciences is the property of South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Malatya, renowned as the apricot capital, has faced significant challenges in recent years as producers have been unable to harvest any yields from their apricot trees due to recurring frost problems in the region. Consequently, farmers have shifted their focus towards cultivating vegetables as an alternative in response to the unyielding frost problems affecting apricot production. Within the realm of greenhouse production, numerous pests exert a substantially impact on both the yield and quality of vegetables. One of the prominent pest responsible for inflicting significant harm to vegetables is the greenhouse whitefly, scientifically known as Trialeurodes vaporariorum [Westw.] (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). T. vaporariorum is a highly prevalent pest that can be found infesting a diverse range of ornamental and horticultural plants. Its adaptability is evident in its extensive host range, encompassing over 300 recorded species that serve as hosts for this pest. This study aimed to into the investigation of population fluctuations of T. vaporariorum, a pest encountered in greenhouse broccoli production within the province of Malatya. For this experiment, three yellow sticky traps measuring 15x20 cm were suspended at a height ranging from 15 to 30 cm above the plants within the greenhouse. The number of T. vaporariorum individuals captured on the traps was recorded, and the traps were replaced with new ones on a weekly basis. Additionally, T. vaporariorum populations were assessed by counting the number of individuals present on ten leaves once per week. The emergence of adult whiteflies was observed in the first year on October 23rd, with a density of 3 adults per 10 leaves. In the second year, the presence of adult whiteflies was noted on November 4th, with a density of 2 adults per 10 leaves. In the first year, the population of T. vaporariorum reached its peak, reaching 72 adults and nymphs per 10 leaves. In the second year, the population peaked at 58 adults and nymphs per 10 leaves. In the first year, the populations of greenhouse whiteflies surpassed the economic threshold level by 5 adults and nymphs per leaf on six occasions. Similarly, in the second year, the threshold was exceeded two times. To enhance the quality and efficiency of produce, it is ought to implement control measures for greenhouse whiteflies when their population surpasses the economic threshold value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the horticultural industry is largely limited by disease and excessive pesticide application. MicroRNAs constitute a major portion of the transcriptomes of eukaryotes. Various microRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of the expression of genes involved in essential biological processes throughout the whole life cycle of plants. Recently, small RNA sequencing has been applied to study gene regulation in horticultural plants. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the biogenesis and contributions of microRNAs in horticultural plant disease resistance. These microRNAs may potentially be used as genetic resources for improving disease resistance and for molecular breeding. The challenges in understanding horticultural plant microRNA biology and the possibilities to make better use of these horticultural plant gene resources in the future are discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon of synthesizing and excreting compounds that can affect the growth of various organisms, i.e., plant species. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts, obtained from plant species chia (Salvia hispanica L.), black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), and nettle (Urtica dioica L.), on the seed germination growth and morphometric characteristics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings in laboratory conditions. Pepper, spinach, and lettuce seedlings were treated with aqueous extracts of chia, nettle, wormwood, and black cumin of different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10%, respectively). The aqueous extracts were prepared according to the method developed by Norsworthy and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in aqueous extracts were performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Phytochemical composition of chia aqueous extracts showed the highest content (above the 1 mg L−1) of epicatechin, quinic acid, caffeic acid, esculetin and cinnamic acid in the comparison with others from the total of 19 detected chemical compounds. In aqueous extracts of black cumin, there were six compounds detected in content above 1 mg L−1, i.e., epicatechin, quinic acid, caffeic acid, esculetin, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol. The same compounds were the most abundant in wormwood extracts, along with gallic acid. Epicatechin and esculetin were only two compounds detected in aqueous extract of nettle in concentration higher than 1 mg L−1. According to the results of this study, only the treatment of spinach seeds with chia aqueous extract in concentration of 2.5% before germination stimulates the germination of spinach seeds, and wormwood herbs and chia extracts in concentrations of 2.5 and 5% stimulate the germination of lettuce seeds and the growth of hypocotyl and radicle length of developed seedlings. The treatment of pepper and lettuce seeds with aqueous extract of nettle in concentration of 10% completely inhibited seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is one of the major causes of losses in agricultural production, which is accentuated by global warming. A sustainable strategy to mitigate the effects of the increasing soil salinisation is the use of biostimulants. In this study, the effect of a plant-based biostimulant was tested on tomato plants exposed to different salinity levels in loamy and sandy soils. Salinity in the soils reached a maximum value of 14.35 dS m−1. The treatments included a control (tap water) and a dose of 0.4 mL L−1 of the commercial biostimulant BALOX®, containing polyphenols and glycine betaine. After 60 days of treatment, several growth and biochemical parameters were evaluated in the plants, and different responses were found depending on the type of soil texture. Salt stress inhibited plant growth, mainly affecting the roots of plants not treated with the biostimulant, in both soil texture types. It also caused a reduction of total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels by 44% and 38%, respectively, under severe salinity conditions. High salinity induced a significant increase in ionic, osmotic and oxidative stress in plants, as indicated by the accumulation of toxic Na+ and Cl− ions, higher proline and MDA levels, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. However, the application of BALOX® stimulated plant growth and root system development in all experimental conditions. The areas of roots and leaves and the stem length and diameter showed higher mean values in biostimulant-treated plants on both soil types, with more pronounced differences with the controls in sandy soils. The total fresh weight showed maximum increases of 54% and 93% on loamy and sandy soils, respectively. In addition, BALOX® significantly improved the active transport of nutrients such as K+ and Ca2+, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments by up to 64% over control values; it also allowed greater protection against salt stress as shown by a significant reduction of proline levels, by up to 36%, and MDA by 51% under strongly saline conditions. The application of BALOX® generally decreased the level of stress in the tomato plants, promoting plant growth and enhancing their biochemical responses, even on strongly salinised soils.

Horticultural plants such as vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants are crucial to human life and socioeconomic development. Gibberellins (GAs), a class of diterpenoid compounds, control numerous developmental processes of plants. The roles of GAs in regulating growth and development of horticultural plants, and in regulating significant progress have been clarified. These findings have significant implications for promoting the quality and quantity of the products of horticultural plants. Here we review recent progress in determining the roles of GAs (including biosynthesis and signaling) in regulating plant stature, axillary meristem outgrowth, compound leaf development, flowering time, and parthenocarpy. These findings will provide a solid foundation for further improving the quality and quantity of horticultural plants products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxin, a plant hormone, regulates virtually every aspect of plant growth and development. Many current studies on auxin focus on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, or on field crops, such as rice and wheat. There are relatively few studies on what role auxin plays in various physiological processes of a range of horticultural plants. In this paper, recent studies on the role of auxin in horticultural plant growth, development, and stress response are reviewed to provide novel insights for horticultural researchers and cultivators to improve the quality and application of horticultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is extensively applied technique to investigate the transcript abundance of target genes in various organisms. Selection of appropriate reference genes (RGs) for qRT-PCR normalization is a crucial prerequisite for accurately quantifying gene expression level. RGs should exhibit minimal variation in gene expression. However, the actual expression stability of RGs fluctuates greatly in different species or under different experimental conditions. Due to rapid advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, it is no longer difficult to get massive transcriptome data, which has greatly promoted the development of RGs. In this review, we elaborate on the strategies for developing RGs using Northern blotting, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), qRT-PCR, and high-throughput technologies such as microarray and RNAsequencing (RNA-Seq). The process for developing RGs based on RNA-Seq is further addressed, including processing and normalization of RNA-Seq data, evaluation of gene expression stability, and screening and validation of RGs. The most frequently used RGs in horticultural plants are summarized, and the strategies for developing these RGs are introduced in detail. The information provided here will help to design effective strategies for the development of RGs in horticultural plants, with a focus on using big data generated by RNA-Seq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether foliar applications of wood distillate (WD) have a protective effect on photosynthesis and the antioxidant power of lettuce when exposed to an ecologically relevant O3 concentration. Seedlings of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were fumigated daily with 60 ppb of O3 for 30 days, five hours per day. Once per week, 50% of the fumigated plants were treated with foliar applications of 0.2% WD, while control plants were treated with water. The results clearly showed the ability of WD to protect lettuce plants from ozone-induced damage. Specifically, WD-treated plants exhibited lower damage to the photosynthetic machinery, assessed through a series of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, a higher chlorophyll content, higher antioxidant power, as well as antioxidant molecules, i.e., caffeic acid and quercetin, and higher biomass. Counteracting the overproduction of ozone-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is speculated to be the main mechanism by which WD protects the plant from ozone-induced damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon of synthesizing and excreting compounds that can affect the growth of various organisms, i.e., plant species. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts, obtained from plant species chia (Salvia hispanica L.), black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), and nettle (Urtica dioica L.), on the seed germination growth and morphometric characteristics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings in laboratory conditions. Pepper, spinach, and lettuce seedlings were treated with aqueous extracts of chia, nettle, wormwood, and black cumin of different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10%, respectively). The aqueous extracts were prepared according to the method developed by Norsworthy and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in aqueous extracts were performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Phytochemical composition of chia aqueous extracts showed the highest content (above the 1 mg L−1) of epicatechin, quinic acid, caffeic acid, esculetin and cinnamic acid in the comparison with others from the total of 19 detected chemical compounds. In aqueous extracts of black cumin, there were six compounds detected in content above 1 mg L−1, i.e., epicatechin, quinic acid, caffeic acid, esculetin, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol. The same compounds were the most abundant in wormwood extracts, along with gallic acid. Epicatechin and esculetin were only two compounds detected in aqueous extract of nettle in concentration higher than 1 mg L−1. According to the results of this study, only the treatment of spinach seeds with chia aqueous extract in concentration of 2.5% before germination stimulates the germination of spinach seeds, and wormwood herbs and chia extracts in concentrations of 2.5 and 5% stimulate the germination of lettuce seeds and the growth of hypocotyl and radicle length of developed seedlings. The treatment of pepper and lettuce seeds with aqueous extract of nettle in concentration of 10% completely inhibited seed germination.

Antibiotics have been used in the agriculture in large quantities since they were discovered. In animal husbandry these compounds are used not only to do treatment for sick animals but for prevention of diseases and also for growth promotion. The extreme usage of these antibiotics led to increasing numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Today it is a danger that is considered very seriously worldwide. In the European Union, the usage of antibiotics as growth promoter is forbidden since 2006, but according to different statistics collected by administration departments there are big differences in antibiotics usage among EU countries. The antibiotics that are used in animal husbandry get to the fields through the manure, where the plants will take them up and absorb them into their own tissues. There are only a few studies demonstrating the harmful effects of antibiotics in humans or animals, however, several experiments were conducted to prove the deleterious effects of antibiotics in plants. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of antibiotics and their residues in horticultural plants. The consumption of the raw or processed vegetables accumulating antibiotics and their metabolites may mean the highest risk on human health. The results of studies in this subject showed that the use of antibiotics must be continuously controlled in both human and animal applications. The information of farmers, producing or using manure on their fields, about the dangers of over expose of antibiotics could be one of the keys to reduce the danger of antibiotics in health.

This study examined whether foliar applications of wood distillate (WD) have a protective effect on photosynthesis and the antioxidant power of lettuce when exposed to an ecologically relevant O3 concentration. Seedlings of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were fumigated daily with 60 ppb of O3 for 30 days, five hours per day. Once per week, 50% of the fumigated plants were treated with foliar applications of 0.2% WD, while control plants were treated with water. The results clearly showed the ability of WD to protect lettuce plants from ozone-induced damage. Specifically, WD-treated plants exhibited lower damage to the photosynthetic machinery, assessed through a series of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, a higher chlorophyll content, higher antioxidant power, as well as antioxidant molecules, i.e., caffeic acid and quercetin, and higher biomass. Counteracting the overproduction of ozone-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is speculated to be the main mechanism by which WD protects the plant from ozone-induced damage.

Infection with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has resulted in important economic losses in many crops worldwide. In this study, CMV was detected from Prunus serrulata, Photinia serrulata, Begonia semperflorens and Osmanthus matsumuranus by RT-PCR and Western blot, when eleven kinds of horticultural plants from three provinces were screened. This is the first report of CMV naturally infecting these four species of horticultural plants. In addition, CMV isolates from southwest China presented regional differences to isolates from other parts of China based on phylogenetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara (bleeding heart) is valued both in the horticultural and pharmaceutical markets. Despite its great popularity, information on the in vitro tissue culture technology in this species is limited. There is also little knowledge on the application of plant extracts in the tissue culture systems of plants other than orchids. The aim of this study is to compare the utility of traditional plant growth regulators (PGRs) and natural extracts—obtained from the coconut shreds, as well as oat, rice, and sesame seeds—in the micropropagation and cryopreservation of L. spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ and ‘White Gold’. The biochemical analysis of extracts composition is also included. In the first experiment related to micropropagation via axillary buds activation, the single-node explants were cultured for a 10-week-long propagation cycle in the modified Murashige and Skoog medium fortified either with 1.11 µM benzyladenine (BA) and 1.23 µM indole-3-butritic acid (IBA) or with 10% (v/v) plant extracts. A PGRs- and extract-free control was also considered. In the cryopreservation experiment, the same 10% (v/v) extracts were added into the medium during a seven-day preculture in the encapsulation-vitrification cryopreservation protocol. It was found that the impact of natural additives was cultivar- and trait-specific. In the first experiment, the addition of coconut extract favoured the proliferation of shoots and propagation ratio in bleeding heart ‘Gold Heart’. Rice extract, on the other hand, promoted callus formation in ‘White Gold’ cultivar and was more effective in increasing the propagation ratio in this cultivar than the conventional plant growth regulators (4.1 and 2.6, respectively). Sesame extract suppressed the development of the explants in both cultivars analysed, probably due to the high content of polyphenols. As for the second experiment, the addition of plant extracts into the preculture medium did not increase the survival level of the cryopreserved shoot tips (sesame and oat extracts even decreased this parameter). On the other hand, coconut extract, abundant in simple sugars and endogenous cytokinins, stimulated a more intensive proliferation and growth of shoots after rewarming of samples. Analysing the synergistic effect of conventional plant growth regulators and natural extracts should be considered in future studies related to L. spectabilis.

The effect of silver thiosulfate (STS) and putrescine was studied on the vase life and quality of cut chrysanthemum in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design. The experimental factors were composed of silver thiosulfate at four levels (0 or control, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 mM) and putrescine at three levels (0 or control, 150 and 300 ppm). The results showed that the application of STS at the rates of 0.05 and 0.1 mM improved vase life of cut chrysanthemum. Also, putrescine at the 150 and 300 ppm improved vase life by increasing relative weight and decreasing wilting percentage. The interaction of the two studied factors was insignificant for most traits including wilting percentage and vase life, which may imply that the application of either substance alone suffices to improve postharvest quality and it is not necessary to use them simultaneously in the preservative solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The research advance on anthocyanins of horticultural products. • We summarize the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways and transport mechanisms in horticultural plants. • We summarize the environmental factors affecting anthocyanin accumulation in this review. Abstract Anthocyanins, a flavonoid group of polyphenolic compounds, are important human health-promoting pigments responsible for the red and blue colors of horticultural products such as fruits, flowers, and leaves. The anthocyanin biosynthetic and transport pathways are well known. Key regulatory factors involved in these pathways have been characterized in many plant species. Recently, it has been found that regulatory proteins controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels are found to be differentially modulated by environmental and biological factors such as light, temperature, sugars, and hormones. In this review, a simplified model for the role of environmental and developmental factors in the modulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in horticultural plants is proposed, with emphasis on the coordinated regulation of the key transcriptional MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Status and progress of the applications of AMIPT in horticultural plants are reviewed. • Factors influencing the efficiency of AMIPT are described. • Prospects for the future application of AMIPT in horticultural plants are presented. Agrobacterium- mediated genetic transformation is the leading technology for plant genetic engineering and gene functional analysis. Recently, various tissue culture-independent Agrobacterium- mediated in planta transformation (AMIPT) methods, such as floral dipping, seed inoculation, ovary/fruit injection and meristem/incision inoculation, have been successfully applied to numerous plant species. In this review, the current status and progress of the applications of AMIPT in horticultural plants and factors influencing its efficiency are described. Additionally, prospects for its future application in horticultural plants are presented. This will help to extend the use of AMIPT in a broader range of horticultural plant species for the purpose of genetic engineering and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma spp. are egg parasitoids of various pest species of Lepidoptera including Trichoplusia ni, an important pest of plants in the genus Brassica. Of the climatic conditions that can impair Trichogramma spp. parasitism capacity, the temperature is critical. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the parasitism capacity of Trichogramma pretiosum on eggs of T. ni at 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33ºC; 70±10% RH; and 12/12 hours photophase (L/D). Fresh eggs of the host moth were offered to T. pretiosum daily. The parasitism rate varied between 8 and 11.4 eggs/female at the temperatures evaluated for the first 24 hours. The highest number of parasitized eggs per female occurred at 24ºC (53.0 parasitized eggs/female). The period of parasitism and the mean longevity of females were inversely related to the temperature. Temperature heavily influences the parasitism rate of T. pretiosum on eggs of T. ni, and the best overall performance of the parasitoid occurs from 24 to 27ºC.

The influences of thermal effects and salinization on visible and near-IR reflection spectra of horticultural plant leaves with different drought and salt resistance are examined. An integral criterion for evaluating the susceptibility of the plants to stressors is based on measuring the distance between reflectance curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The application of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide promotes Brassinosteroids intracellular signalling in cucumber, which leads to differentially expressed proteins that participate in different life process to relieve Ca(NO ) damage. Abstract: NO and Ca are the main anion and cation of soil secondary salinization during greenhouse cultivation. Brassinosteroids (BRs), steroidal phytohormones, regulate various important physiological and developmental processes and are used against abiotic stress. A two-dimensional electrophoresis gel coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS was performed to investigate the effects of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) on proteomic changes in cucumber seedling roots under Ca(NO) stress. A total of 80 differentially accumulated protein spots in response to stress and/or exogenous EBL were identified and grouped into different categories of biological processes according to Gene Ontology. Under Ca(NO) stress, proteins related to nitrogen metabolism and lignin biosynthesis were induced, while those related to cytoskeleton organization and cell-wall neutral sugar metabolism were inhibited. However, the accumulation of abundant proteins involved in protein modification and degradation, defence mechanisms against antioxidation and detoxification and lignin biosynthesis by exogenous EBL might play important roles in salt tolerance. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to investigate BR signalling. BR signalling was induced intracellularly under Ca(NO) stress. Exogenous EBL can alleviate the root indices, effectively reduce the Ca content and increase the K content in cucumber roots under Ca(NO) stress. This study revealed the differentially expressed proteins and BR signalling-associated mRNAs induced by EBL in cucumber seedling roots under Ca(NO) stress, providing a better understanding of EBL-induced salt resistance in cucumber seedlings. The mechanism for alleviation provides valuable insight into improving Ca(NO) stress tolerance of other horticultural plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The structure, classification, and regulation of bHLH TFs in horticultural crops. • Functions of bHLH TFs in the abiotic stress responses of horticultural crops. • Regulatory mechanisms of bHLH TFs in the abiotic stress responses of horticultural crops. Abiotic stresses are major environmental factors that affect crop growth, productivity and quality. The bHLH family is one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in plants, playing important roles in many different response pathways of diverse abiotic stresses, such as water deficit, high salinity, low temperature, and nutrient deficiencies. Since the discovery of the bHLH family in plants, many studies in model plants have explored the roles and regulatory mechanisms of bHLH family members in abiotic stress response. In recent years, the bHLH TFs have been extensively studied in the regulation of abiotic stress response and resistance in horticultural crops. A review of these studies can provide insights and directions for the study of abiotic stress response in horticultural crops. Here, we summarize the structure, classification and regulation of bHLH TFs, and focused on the function and regulatory mechanisms of key bHLH TFs in the abiotic stress response of horticultural crops. Several key bHLH proteins that bridge different signaling pathways in abiotic stress response were described in detail, such as ICE1, FER, PIFs, and several Ib and IVc bHLHs. This review will provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the regulation of bHLH TFs in the abiotic stress response and the yield and quality of horticultural crops under stressed conditions. It will also provide resources for stress-resistant breeding of horticultural crops using transgenic technology. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tripepthide glutathione (GSH) is a pivotal molecule in tolerance to heavy metals, including Zinc (Zn). The aim of our work is to examine the role of GSH metabolism in two different horticultural plants under Zn toxicity in order to select and/or generate plants tolerant to Zn toxicity. We show a comparative analysis of the toxic effect of 0.5 mM Zn between Lactuca sativa cv. Phillipus and Brassica oleracea cv. Bronco. In L. sativa the accumulation of Zn resulted in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), while enzymes of GSH metabolism and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes were negatively affected. On the contrary, B. oleracea showed the existence of a detoxification mechanism of these ROS. Moreover, while in L. sativa increased the oxidized GSH (GSSG) and phytochelatins (PCs) concentration with the reduction of leaves biomass, in B. oleracea the higher concentration of reduced GSH and its use in the detoxification of ROS seems to be a major mechanism to provide tolerance to Zn toxicity without reducing leaf biomass. Our results suggested that under Zn toxicity, B. oleracea is more efficient and tolerant than L. sativa through the detoxification of lipid peroxidation products due to the reduced GSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Agronomy is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In 2012, investigations were carried out on parasitic nematodes of vegetables and horticultural plant seedlings in export plantations in Lianyungang, Ganyu, Donghai, Yancheng, Dafeng, Shuyang and Xinyi from Jiangsu Province and Cangshan from Shandong Province, China. Eighteen species of nine genera were extracted from 65 samples collected from rhizosphere of 19 plant varieties. Fourteen species were confirmed by morphological characters or SCAR-PCR markers, including Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, M. hapla, Pratylenchus neglectus, P. hexincisus, Helicotylenchus crenacauda, H. dihystera, Tylenchorhynchus zeae, Filenchus equisetus, Scutellonema brachyurum, Rotylenchus lobatus, Psilenchus hilarulus, Aphelenchus avenae. Among these, four common species of root-knot nematodes were all recovered. Meloidogyne incognita frequently occurred in different plantations and infected different plants with relatively high population densities, thus causing the greatest threat to export agricultural industry. M.hapla occurred rarely and was only detected in Arctium lappa whose production was seriouly affected. Pratylenchus neglectus, Helicotylenchus crenacauda, Filenchus equisetus and Aphelenchus avenae also frequently occurred in different plantations and infected several vegetables and horticultural plants. Scutellonema brachyurum occurred in Lianyungang and infected seedlings of Dendranthema morifolium, Asparagus myrioeladus and A.cochinchinensis. The qualities and yields of the host plants were damaged at different levels by these nematode species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flower and fruit color is an important feature of horticultural plants. • Anthocyanin is the primary coloring pigment found in fruits and flowers. • Both internal and external factors affect the synthesis of anthocyanin. • UFGTs have a major role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in horticultural plant species. • The UFGT s and other downstream genes collaborate in the stabilization of anthocyanin. Flower and fruit color is one of the most important features of horticultural plants. Its formation and regulation are always affected by both internal and external factors. Among these factors, the UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3- O -glucosyltransferase (UFGT s) have a major role in the development and production of flowers and fruits colors. The UFGT enzymes are critical for upholding anthocyanin synthesis, acylation, and glucosylation in horticulture plants. The functions of the UFGT encoding genes in the formation of pigments, particularly anthocyanin, are summarized in this article. Furthermore, this review article emphasizes the joint role of the UFGT s and other downstream genes in the stabilization of anthocyanin in the final step. The advancement of flower and fruit color regulation research is discussed, with an emphasis on UFGT genes. To give a wide context for flower and fruit color improvements in horticultural plants, the limitations of flower and fruit color research as well as prospective areas for future development are also scrutinized. This review provided resources for a better understanding of the role of UFGT genes in the color formation of flowers and fruits of horticultural plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question Is illegal garden waste dumping in mixed deciduous forests a source for establishment of non-native plants in deciduous forests? Location Northwestern Switzerland. Methods We quantified the amount of illegally dumped garden waste at 20 sites over 1 yr and compared the soil conditions, species richness and abundance of plants in the ground vegetation at disposal sites with those at 20 control sites in urban deciduous forests. Results We found that illegal garden waste dumping frequently occurs in urban forests. At single sites, 0.1-12.5 m3 (mean: 2.6 m3) garden waste was dumped per month, resulting in a total annual amount of 2.2-35.8 m3 (mean: 17.8 m3) waste deposited. Thirty-seven of the 163 plant species recorded were not native to Switzerland. All 37 non-native species were recorded in waste disposal sites, but only three of them in control sites. Thus, garden waste dumping sites harboured a larger number of non-native species than control sites, but the two groups of sites did not differ in number of native species. The species composition also differed between disposal and control sites: larger proportions of species typical of disturbed habitats, more therophytes and species with autochorous seed dispersal were recorded in disposal sites than in control sites. Conclusions We provide evidence that numerous non-native horticultural plant species escape from dumping sites and colonize forests. There is an urgent need to increase awareness of garden owners concerning problems associated with illegal garden waste dumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]