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Volume 11
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Horticulturae, Volume 11, Issue 2 (February 2025) – 55 articles

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13 pages, 2241 KiB  
Article
Tailored Spectral Lighting Enhances Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Wasabia japonica
by Sunghwan Bae, Hyoseong Ahn, Minha Kim, Sangun Park and Yongduk Kim
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020162 (registering DOI) - 3 Feb 2025
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of various supplemental lighting conditions on the growth and rhizome production of Wasabia japonica, a high-value crop. Its cultivation poses challenges due to specific environmental requirements, including cool temperatures and high humidity. By tailoring light spectra, we [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of various supplemental lighting conditions on the growth and rhizome production of Wasabia japonica, a high-value crop. Its cultivation poses challenges due to specific environmental requirements, including cool temperatures and high humidity. By tailoring light spectra, we aimed to optimize photosynthetic efficiency and biomass accumulation. Seedlings (cv. ST1) were grown in a controlled plant factory (18 ± 2 °C, 90 ± 5% RH) using a Yamazaki tri-leaf nutrient solution (EC 1.5–2.0 dS/m, pH 5.8–6.8). Lighting was designed to convert blue (450 nm) to red (630–680 nm) wavelengths at 70–40% ratios, maintaining a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 50 ± 5 μmol·m⁻2·s⁻1 during a 12 h photoperiod. In the greenhouse, supplemental lighting (40% blue-to-red conversion) was applied for 4 h daily to complement natural light. After 140 days, the optimized 40% blue-to-red conversion lighting significantly improved plant length (34.4 cm), leaf length (15.3 cm), and photosynthetic rates (2.21 μmol·m⁻2·s⁻1). When tested in the greenhouse, it increased rhizome fresh weight to 75.6 g compared to 30.0 g under natural light. These results indicate that supplemental lighting with specific spectral ratios and controlled intensities can enhance photosynthesis and rhizome production, providing a sustainable approach to wasabi cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Production in Controlled Environment)
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14 pages, 2336 KiB  
Review
Compositional and Machine Learning Tools to Model Plant Nutrition: Overview and Perspectives
by Léon Etienne Parent
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020161 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 59
Abstract
The ceteris paribus assumption that all features are equal except the one(s) being examined limits the reliability of nutrient diagnosis and fertilizer recommendations. The objective is to review machine learning (ML) and compositional data analysis (CoDa) tools to make nutrient management feature specific. [...] Read more.
The ceteris paribus assumption that all features are equal except the one(s) being examined limits the reliability of nutrient diagnosis and fertilizer recommendations. The objective is to review machine learning (ML) and compositional data analysis (CoDa) tools to make nutrient management feature specific. The average accuracy of the ML methods was 84% across the crops. The additive and orthogonal log ratios of CoDa reduce a D-parts soil composition to D-1 variables, alleviating redundancy in the predictive ML models. Using a Brazilian onion (Allium cepa) database, the combined CoDa and ML methods returned crop response patterns, allowing feature-specific fertilizer recommendations to be made. The centered log ratio (clr) diagnoses plant nutrients as a compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND). Using a Quebec database of vegetable crops, the mean variance of clr variables (VAR¯) allowed comparing total variance among species and growth stages. While clr is the summation of equally weighted dual log ratios, dual nutrient log ratios may show unequal importance regarding crop performance. The RReliefF scores or gain ratios can provide weighting coefficients for each dual log ratio. The widely contrasting coefficients of weighted log ratios (wlr) improved the accuracy of the ML models for a Quebec muck onion database. The ML models, VAR¯ and wlr, are advanced tools to improve the accuracy of nutrient diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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17 pages, 2623 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Grape Agrivoltaic System: Climate Modulation and Vine Benefits in the Puglia Region, Southeastern Italy
by Andrea Magarelli, Andrea Mazzeo and Giuseppe Ferrara
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020160 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 129
Abstract
Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, a sector with a long-standing tradition in the Mediterranean basin. The region faces altered rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, aridification, loss of biodiversity, and changes in crop yield and quality. These impacts, combined with intensive farming practices, [...] Read more.
Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, a sector with a long-standing tradition in the Mediterranean basin. The region faces altered rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, aridification, loss of biodiversity, and changes in crop yield and quality. These impacts, combined with intensive farming practices, threaten long-term agricultural sustainability. This study investigates agrivoltaics (AVs), a dual-use technology that integrates solar energy production (photovoltaic panels) with agriculture, as a potential solution to enhance resilience and adaptation of crops. Research at an AV system in Puglia (Southeastern Italy), combined with grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), assessed soil moisture, temperature, and microclimate conditions together with vine yield and fruitfulness. Results showed that shading from photovoltaic panels increased soil moisture and moderated soil temperature, thus benefiting crops. Vines beneath the panels yielded more grapes (+277%) than in the full sun, confirmed by even the better bud fruitfulness of the shaded canes. While panels had minimal impact on air temperature, they reduced wind speed and vapor pressure deficit, creating a better microenvironment for vines. Spectral analysis revealed an increase in UV and blue light under the panels, potentially affecting photosynthesis. The AV system also produced substantial electricity, more than 90% compared to a ground-mounted system, demonstrating its dual-use application. The higher land equivalent ratio (LER) achieved by the AV system (3.54) confirmed that such systems can be advantageous in areas with a Mediterranean climate, allowing crop and energy production on the same land. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Artificial Intelligence in Digital Horticulture: Practices and Innovations)
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12 pages, 855 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effects of Asparagus Decline Syndrome on Yield and Quality Parameters over Three Years in Western Europe
by Francisco Javier López-Moreno, Eloy Navarro-León, Santiago Atero-Calvo, Eduardo de la Lastra, Juan Manuel Ruiz and Teresa Soriano
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020159 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Asparagus decline syndrome (ADS) poses a critical challenge to the productivity and quality of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), threatening the sustainability of its cultivation. This study evaluated the impact of ADS over four years in Western Europe by comparing soils with and [...] Read more.
Asparagus decline syndrome (ADS) poses a critical challenge to the productivity and quality of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), threatening the sustainability of its cultivation. This study evaluated the impact of ADS over four years in Western Europe by comparing soils with and without a history of the syndrome. The results revealed a consistent reduction in yield, with losses of 36% in 2019 and 2020 and 23% in 2021 compared to the results for the control soils. ADS also increased the proportion of non-commercial spears, peaking at 52% in 2020. Key quality parameters were significantly affected by ADS, especially in the final year of the trial, with reductions observed in spear weight, diameter, firmness, and volume. On the other hand, °Brix values increased by 10% to 16%, while juiciness decreased by 10% to 28%, depending on the year, enhancing sweetness but compromising texture, and thereby, marketable quality. The findings highlight the detrimental effects of replanting asparagus in ADS-affected soils and the need for integrated management strategies to mitigate its impacts. This research contributes valuable insights into ADS dynamics, offering a foundation for developing agronomic solutions that enhance productivity and ensure the long-term viability of asparagus cultivation in affected regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Farm to Table in the Era of a New Horticulture in Spain)
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18 pages, 2795 KiB  
Article
Storage Temperature Effect on Quality and Shelf-Life of Hericium erinaceus Mushroom
by Mafalda Silva, Manuela Vida, Ana Cristina Ramos, Fernando J. Lidon, Fernando H. Reboredo and Elsa M. Gonçalves
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020158 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, presents a challenge for maintaining quality and shelf-life during post-harvest storage. This study investigates the impact of different temperatures (5 °C, 13 °C, and 21 °C) during 14 days of storage, on the physicochemical, [...] Read more.
Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, presents a challenge for maintaining quality and shelf-life during post-harvest storage. This study investigates the impact of different temperatures (5 °C, 13 °C, and 21 °C) during 14 days of storage, on the physicochemical, microbiological, and bioactive characteristics of H. erinaceus. Respiration was measured as an indicator of physiological aging, showing that higher temperatures increased CO2 production as well as O2 depletion. Physicochemical assessments, including moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, weight loss, browning index, and firmness, demonstrated that refrigeration at 5 °C best preserved the mushrooms’ quality. Storage at 5 °C effectively minimized microbial proliferation, maintaining acceptable levels until day 7 but showing increased contamination by day 14. However, higher temperatures promoted antioxidant activity and total phenolic content, likely due to moisture loss and oxidative stress. These findings highlight the critical role of low-temperature storage in preserving both the physicochemical integrity and functional bioactivity of H. erinaceus, and suggest further research into packaging solutions and preservation strategies to optimize the post-harvest handling of H. erinaceus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)
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19 pages, 1450 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Lettuce: The Efficacy of the Seaweed-Derived Biostimulant Cytolan® Stress Applied at Different Growth Stages
by Daniel Velasco-Clares, Eloy Navarro-León, María José Izquierdo-Ramos, Begoña Blasco and Juan Manuel Ruiz
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020157 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Water stress is one of the foremost global abiotic stressors limiting agricultural productivity. Biostimulants and bioactive compounds are emerging as promising tools to enhance crop stress tolerance. This study investigates the effects of Cytolan® Stress, a novel seaweed-derived biostimulant, on the water [...] Read more.
Water stress is one of the foremost global abiotic stressors limiting agricultural productivity. Biostimulants and bioactive compounds are emerging as promising tools to enhance crop stress tolerance. This study investigates the effects of Cytolan® Stress, a novel seaweed-derived biostimulant, on the water stress tolerance of lettuce plants. Three application strategies were evaluated: priming, where the biostimulant is applied before the onset of stress to prepare the plants for adverse conditions; buffering, involving application at the onset of stress to mitigate its immediate effects; and detoxifying, where the biostimulant is applied after stress to aid in plant recovery. Biomass, stress-related parameters, antioxidant activity, osmoprotectant levels, and photosynthesis-related metrics were analyzed to elucidate its potential mechanisms of action. The results demonstrated that Cytolan® Stress in priming and buffering applications significantly improved water stress tolerance, reducing biomass loss from 45% to only 25%. Moreover, the detoxifying treatment was the most effective, as plants showed biomass values similar to those of the control plants. The biostimulant reduced oxidative stress indicators while enhancing antioxidant defenses, including ascorbate (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle, antioxidant compounds, and enzyme activities. In addition, Cytolan® Stress preserved photosynthesis performance under water stress conditions. These findings highlight the potential of Cytolan® Stress to mitigate drought stress effects in lettuce, offering broader implications for crop tolerance and resilience under water-limited conditions. Further studies are recommended to explore its efficacy across different crops and stress scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Farm to Table in the Era of a New Horticulture in Spain)
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11 pages, 1865 KiB  
Article
The Impacts of Light Interception on Yield and Kernel Parameters in Hazelnut Production
by Gastón Gutiérrez-Gamboa, Miguel Araya-Alman, Mauricio Zúñiga-Sánchez, Marcelo González, María José Lisperguer Fernández and Sebastián Romero-Bravo
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020156 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Chile has become a significant producer of hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) due to its favorable conditions for off-season production to meet global market demand. Efficient light interception is crucial for optimizing the hazelnut yield and quality, as it directly influences the plant’s [...] Read more.
Chile has become a significant producer of hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) due to its favorable conditions for off-season production to meet global market demand. Efficient light interception is crucial for optimizing the hazelnut yield and quality, as it directly influences the plant’s photosynthetic capacity. The goal was to assess the impact of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at upper, middle, and lower canopy levels in hazelnut trees grown at different planting densities and the canopy management of yield and quality parameters. The percentage of vain, sucker, double, bug, and healthy hazelnuts, including the number of fruits, total fruit weight, and grams per fruit was evaluated. The upper canopy levels intercepted the highest PAR, significantly enhancing the number and weight of fruits. The lower canopy levels received considerably less PAR, reducing the productivity. Production pruning in dense planting systems (5 × 3 m) improved the light penetration compared to a less dense planting density (5 × 6 m). Strong positive correlations were observed among PAR, fruit weight, and fruit number, emphasizing the importance of the light distribution within the canopy in hazelnut production. Production pruning and optimized planting densities are essential for maximizing light interception, improving yield, and ensuring high-quality hazelnut production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)
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26 pages, 2833 KiB  
Review
Biological Control Agents in Greenhouse Tomato Production (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Possibilities, Challenges and Policy Insights for Western Balkan Region
by Aleksandar Ivezić, Tamara Popović, Branislav Trudić, Jovan Krndija, Tijana Barošević, Ankica Sarajlić, Isidora Stojačić and Boris Kuzmanović
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020155 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Greenhouse tomato production holds strong economic importance in the Western Balkan (WB) countries, driven by escalating market demands. To align with global food safety trends, systematic advancements in cultivation practices and pest management strategies are essential for the WB region. Conventional reliance on [...] Read more.
Greenhouse tomato production holds strong economic importance in the Western Balkan (WB) countries, driven by escalating market demands. To align with global food safety trends, systematic advancements in cultivation practices and pest management strategies are essential for the WB region. Conventional reliance on chemical pesticides as the primary pest control method has led to various adverse outcomes, impacting pest management effectiveness and reducing product quality. The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity further emphasizes the need for environmentally friendly solutions in pest protection. To address these challenges and mitigate the detrimental effects of chemical pesticides, this review explores sustainable, alternative solutions, like biological control agents (BCAs), for tomato pest control in the WB region. With biological control gaining recognition as an effective approach, yet remaining underutilized in the WB, this review provides a thorough analysis of the most effective, commercially available BCAs, critically evaluating their advantages and limitations. Widespread BCA application could support the expansion of the tomato production sector while fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the review explores the role of BCAs within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks in tomato production, emphasizing their alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for countries aiming for EU integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Biological Control of Insect Pests of Horticultural Crops)
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14 pages, 1321 KiB  
Article
Effect of Induced Polyploidy on Morphology, Antioxidant Activity, and Dissolved Sugars in Allium cepa L.
by Mujahid Ado Abubakar, Novitskaya Elena Gennadievna, Son Oksana Mikhailovna and Kim Ekaterina Mikhailovna
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020154 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
The role of onion as the second most-consumed and cultivated vegetable around the world and its renowned qualities that lead it to be called the “queen of the kitchen” have positioned it as a vital source of nutritional and economic contributions around the [...] Read more.
The role of onion as the second most-consumed and cultivated vegetable around the world and its renowned qualities that lead it to be called the “queen of the kitchen” have positioned it as a vital source of nutritional and economic contributions around the world. Polyploidy serves as a groundbreaking innovation in plant breeding, improving the yield and vigor of plants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of applying different concentrations of colchicine to onion seedlings on their morphology, antioxidant activity, and dissolved sugars. The mutagen was applied to the onion seeds at three different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% w/v) for an exposure period of 24 h. A chromosomal analysis confirmed the induction of polyploidy, which led to the successful duplication of the chromosome number from diploid (2n = 16) to tetraploid (4n = 32). The control recorded a survival rate of 91.57%, while 83.33%, 3.33%, and 0.00% survival rates were recorded for seedlings treated with 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% (w/v) concentrations of colchicine, respectively. Furthermore, the tetraploids showed significant differences in morphology, producing the tallest seedlings (reaching up to 73.6 cm tall) and the greatest average bulb diameter (of 5.64 cm) after 14 weeks. The tetraploids also showed significant differences in antioxidant activity and the amount of dissolved sugars, recording the highest DPPH scavenging percentage of 72.58% and refractive index of 1.369. Successful induction of polyploidy was achieved with the application of 0.05% (w/v) colchicine, which produced tetraploids that are morphologically and biochemically superior to other treated and control plants at a significance level of p < 0.05. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable Crops: Cultivation, Nutritional Value and Bioactive Components)
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15 pages, 1390 KiB  
Article
A Promising Genotype of Lepidium sativum for Enhanced Yield and Agronomic Performances Under Optimal Growth Conditions
by Said Mohammed, Ketemaw Tiku and Frehiwot Daniel
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020153 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Lepidium sativum, commonly known as garden cress, is a notable traditional medicinal plant within the Brassicaceae family, widely recognized for its health benefits in the globe. This study aimed to identify the seed colour variant best suited to the climate of Ethiopia, [...] Read more.
Lepidium sativum, commonly known as garden cress, is a notable traditional medicinal plant within the Brassicaceae family, widely recognized for its health benefits in the globe. This study aimed to identify the seed colour variant best suited to the climate of Ethiopia, specifically in the Ataye region, by examining various agronomic traits. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of two distinct seed colour variants (brown and light blue) following standard agronomic protocols. Results indicated that the brown seed variant outperformed the light blue variant across multiple agronomic traits, demonstrating a shorter time to 50% germination, flowering, and maturation. Statistically significant differences were observed in these parameters. Additionally, plants derived from brown seeds exhibited superior growth characteristics, including greater plant height, longer primary branch length, and a higher number of primary branches per plant compared to those from light blue seeds. Furthermore, the brown seed variant displayed increased productivity, with more pods and seeds per plant, a greater one thousand seed weight, and a higher overall yield. The only traits showing no significant differences were the number of secondary branches per plant and internode length. Overall, the brown seed variant demonstrated strong adaptability to the Ataye climatic conditions, excelling in yield per hectare as well as in the number of seeds and pods produced. Based on these findings, we recommend the cultivation of brown seed colour variants for optimal performance in Ataye region, Ethiopia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)
17 pages, 941 KiB  
Review
Light Controls in the Regulation of Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Leafy Vegetables: A Review
by Chang-Kyu Kim and Seok-Hyun Eom
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020152 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 352
Abstract
Leafy vegetables are excellent dietary sources of carotenoids, offering various nutritional benefits to human health. With the growing interest in health, the enhancement of functional compounds in crops through environmental control is emerging as an important topic in the field of agricultural research. [...] Read more.
Leafy vegetables are excellent dietary sources of carotenoids, offering various nutritional benefits to human health. With the growing interest in health, the enhancement of functional compounds in crops through environmental control is emerging as an important topic in the field of agricultural research. Light serves as a major environmental signal regulating carotenoid levels. Light-activated photoreceptor proteins initiate intracellular signaling pathways that regulate carotenoid metabolism in response to environmental changes. Recent studies have shown that blue and ultraviolet (UV) light wavelengths are particularly effective in accumulation of foliar carotenoids, as they trigger photo-oxidative stress while activating defense mechanisms to mitigate it. Light intensity and exposure time, as quantitative aspects of light, are also involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in a similar manner. However, although previous studies provide valuable insights into light-mediated carotenoid accumulation, the interplay of light parameters (e.g., spectrum, intensity, exposure) with crop species and growth stages remains unclear due to the lack of well-organized data. In this review, we summarize recent advanced information about light-mediated carotenoid biosynthesis in leafy vegetables and highlight an integrated experimental approach to explore optimal light conditions for maximizing carotenoid accumulation in commercial production systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology of Vegetable Crops)
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16 pages, 2350 KiB  
Article
Study of Zhejiang Tangerine E-Commerce Reviews Based on Natural Language Processing
by Leiming Yuan, Haoyang Liu, Fangfang Fu, Yimin Liu, Xiaoyu Zuo and Limin Li
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020151 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
In recent years, the global economy has experienced significant shifts, leading to a trend of consumption downgrading. Amid economic pressures and uncertainties, consumers are increasingly turning to cost-effective shopping methods. The COVID-19 lockdowns further accelerated the growth of e-commerce platforms, presenting both opportunities [...] Read more.
In recent years, the global economy has experienced significant shifts, leading to a trend of consumption downgrading. Amid economic pressures and uncertainties, consumers are increasingly turning to cost-effective shopping methods. The COVID-19 lockdowns further accelerated the growth of e-commerce platforms, presenting both opportunities and challenges for sales. Electronic commerce has played a crucial role in enhancing the sales of agricultural products with regional characteristics in China, thereby opening new channels for farmers. This article utilizes tangerines, particularly popular in Zhejiang Province, as a case study to explore e-commerce reviews and assist merchants in delivering more satisfactory products. The analysis of tangerine reviews revealed that customers primarily focused on the taste, service, quality, and price. By applying the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic model, comments were categorized into four themes: ‘quality’, ‘service’, ‘price’, and ‘flavor’, with key terms identified for each theme. Through sentiment analysis using SnowNLP and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), it was found that online shoppers generally expressed positive sentiment toward tangerines. However, there was also some negative feedback. These findings are of paramount importance for businesses aiming to meet consumer demands. The study acknowledges certain limitations including the reliability of data mining and the accuracy of Chinese corpus analysis. Future research could benefit from employing more precise language models to enhance the analysis, ultimately improving the consumer shopping experience and aiding businesses in service improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Economics, Policy, Business Management and Marketing)
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18 pages, 2210 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Salt Tolerance of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings Illuminated by LED Red Light
by Kexin Xu, Xiaoan Sun, Chitao Sun, Yuqing Wang, Haiyan Zhu, Wanli Xu and Di Feng
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020150 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 194
Abstract
Light quality is an important variable affecting plant growth, so we aimed to explore the impact of light quality on plants under salt stress. The salt tolerance of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings illuminated by LED red light and 4:1 of red/blue [...] Read more.
Light quality is an important variable affecting plant growth, so we aimed to explore the impact of light quality on plants under salt stress. The salt tolerance of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings illuminated by LED red light and 4:1 of red/blue light in a hydroponic system was evaluated at three salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mmol/L of NaCl) for their morphological and physiological parameters and their root growth characteristics in response to salt stress. Results demonstrated that, as salt stress intensified, the plant height, aboveground fresh/dry mass, root growth indices, and chlorophyll content of pea seedlings exhibited a decreasing trend, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in leaves increased. Also, more sodium (Na⁺) but less potassium (K⁺) ions were detected due to the change in electrolyte balance. Compared with pea seedlings under no salt stress, the growth rate, plant height, and K⁺ ion content significantly increased with the red light treatments, but both lights did not affect the aboveground fresh/dry mass, chlorophyll content, or root growth index. Under medium salt stress (50 mmol/L), red light helped generate more chlorophylls by 17.06%, accelerate leaf electrolyte exudation by 23.84%, accumulate more K⁺ ions by 46.32%, and increase the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio by 45.45%. When pea seedlings were stressed by 100 mmol/L salinity stress, red light was able to maintain the leaf chlorophyll level by 114.66%, POD enzyme activity by 157.78%, MDA amount by 14.16%, leaf and stem electrolyte leakage rate by 38.76% and 21.80%, respectively, K⁺ ion content by 45.47%, and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio by 69.70%. In conclusion, the use of red light has proven to enhance the salt tolerance of pea seedlings in a hydroponic system, which can and should be a promising approach to prime pea seedlings for more salt tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Stress Responses of Horticultural Plants)
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18 pages, 817 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Microclonal Propagation of Red Currant Cultivars: The Role of Nutrient Media, Sterilizers, and LED Lighting in Plant Adaptation
by Olga Panfilova, Nelli Ryago, Gabrijel Ondrasek, Inna V. Knyazeva, Ibrahim Kahramanoğlu, Oksana Vershinina, Mikhail Tsoy, Andrey Yu Izmailov and Alexey S. Dorokhov
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020149 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
This study focuses on refining in vitro propagation protocols for red currant cultivars of the Ribes genus and evaluating the role of LED lighting in the adaptation of microplants. The cultivars ‘Red Lake’, ‘Englische Grosse Weisse’, ‘Marmeladnitsa’, and ‘Podarok Leta’ were successfully introduced [...] Read more.
This study focuses on refining in vitro propagation protocols for red currant cultivars of the Ribes genus and evaluating the role of LED lighting in the adaptation of microplants. The cultivars ‘Red Lake’, ‘Englische Grosse Weisse’, ‘Marmeladnitsa’, and ‘Podarok Leta’ were successfully introduced into in vitro culture during their dormancy phase using 0.1% HgCl2 as a sterilizing agent. The period of spring introduction is not very efficient in connection with the intensive development of saprophytic microflora and weak morphogenesis microplants. Using 0.01% C9H9HgNaO2S sterilizer resulted in a decrease in the necrosis percentage, but an increase in mold proportion. The preparation of the plants with 12% H2O2 was considered environmentally not effective enough to obtain a large number of healthy microplants. The use of 12% H2O2 resulted in increased necrosis rates by 24.76% compared to 0.01% C9H9HgNaO2S and 0.1% HgCl2 sterilizers. The variety specificity of Ribesia plants in terms of the content of MS and LF nutrient media components was determined by the survival rate of explants, the formation of additional micro-shoots, and the morphological development. The MS medium with the addition of 1 mg∙L−1 BAP decreased the percentage of mold and necrosis infection and provided a high percentage of viable plants with optimal growth and reproduction rate. In contrast, the LF medium with the same concentration of 6-BAP resulted in poor explant quality and leaf chlorosis at later stages. The study also investigated the effects of different LED light spectra on morphological and physiological traits. For ‘Red Lake’ and ‘Englische Grosse Weisse’, RWUV-A (625–740 nm) lighting enhanced biomass and chlorophyll (Chl a and Chl a + b) accumulation, while the White (W) spectrum benefited ‘Podarok Leta’. Conversely, the RW spectrum with minimal green and no ultraviolet light restricted growth and photosynthetic pigment accumulation across all cultivars, promoting compact plant structures. The RWUV-A lighting condition resulted in the highest NDVI values across all cultivars, indicating an improved physiological status and biomass accumulation. These findings underscore the importance of refining the microclonal reproduction protocols for Ribesia subgenus representatives, emphasizing the genotype-specific light modulation during the proliferation stage. The study highlights the utility of the MS medium and tailored light conditions in enhancing the effectiveness of propagation techniques for producing high-quality planting material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Culture and Micropropagation Techniques of Horticultural Crops)
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17 pages, 1951 KiB  
Article
Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Proteins from Cauliflower and Broccoli Waste Leaves
by Tea Sedlar, Igor Pasković, Danka Dragojlović, Senka Popović, Strahinja Vidosavljević, Smiljana Goreta Ban and Ljiljana Popović
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020148 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
This research presents a novel approach to protein extraction from cauliflower (CL) and broccoli (BL) waste leaves by using enzymatic pretreatment, demonstrating its effectiveness on protein yield. Enzymatic pretreatment (pH 4.5, 10 h, t = 35 °C), was performed using commercial enzyme preparations, [...] Read more.
This research presents a novel approach to protein extraction from cauliflower (CL) and broccoli (BL) waste leaves by using enzymatic pretreatment, demonstrating its effectiveness on protein yield. Enzymatic pretreatment (pH 4.5, 10 h, t = 35 °C), was performed using commercial enzyme preparations, Viscozyme® L and Vinozyme®, in three different enzyme-to-substrate ratios E/S (0.2%, 2.5%, and 4.8%) of each enzyme. Leaf proteins (LPs) were obtained with alkaline extraction at pH 10–11 and their isoelectric precipitation at pH 4, following the control sample (extraction without enzymes). Protein yield (%), which was used as a parameter to monitor enzymatic efficiency, demonstrated a direct correlation with the enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratio. The highest protein yields were obtained at an enzyme concentration of 4.8% for both cellulolytic and pectolytic enzyme preparations, yielding 14.90 ± 0.12% for CL and 29.88 ± 0.86% for BL. The obtained proteins were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and these methods confirmed the enzymatic efficiency of protein isolation. Isolated LPs showed high protein content for CLP 4.8% (77.27 ± 0.14%) and BPL 4.8% (84.66 ± 0.51%), and an increase in total amino acids, while the content of essential amino acids was over 40%. Protein solubility was assessed, revealing significant improvements (p < 0.05) in LPs derived from CL and BL at the highest E/S ratio of 4.8%, compared to the control sample C0%. Specifically, the solubility of CLP reached 29.4 mg/mL at pH 11, while BLP achieved 36.4 mg/mL at pH 10. As a result, these leaf proteins not only meet nutritional demands but also open innovative avenues of research in food science and biotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Food Products and Technologies within the Horticultural Chain and Circular Economy Framework)
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15 pages, 5175 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Genetic Diversity of Tunisian Monumental Olive Trees to Enhance the Olive Sector
by Sameh Rahmani Mnasri, Cinzia Montemurro, Monica Marilena Miazzi and Olfa Saddoud Debbabi
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020147 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
The centennial olive trees of Tunisia serve as enduring symbols of resilience, having withstood the test of time while witnessing the effects of climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, and the emergence of new diseases. Presently, there is a notable lack of research [...] Read more.
The centennial olive trees of Tunisia serve as enduring symbols of resilience, having withstood the test of time while witnessing the effects of climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, and the emergence of new diseases. Presently, there is a notable lack of research on the genomic analysis of ancient trees. This study investigates the genetic diversity of twenty-eight ancient olive specimens collected from archeological sites in nine governorates from the north to the south of Tunisia. Using nine highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, these ancient olive trees were compared with twenty-five local Tunisian cultivars and sixty olive varieties from other Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, and Spain). The ancient olive trees were revealed to have a high genetic diversity, with 67 alleles and a Shannon index of 1.68. The key findings identify the ancient trees M25, M1, M28, and M24 as synonyms for local olive cultivars, while “M10” is noted as a first-generation migrant from Tunisian olives. Cluster analysis methods, including structure, neighbor-joining (NJ), and principal coordinates (PCoA), show that these ancient trees share a common genetic background and ancestry with varieties from Tunisia, Italy, Spain, and Greece. The conservation and evaluation of these genotypes will increase the genetic diversity available for breeding programs and strengthen the resilience of agriculture, which is currently facing unprecedented pressure worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetics, Breeding, and Quality Improvement of Olive)
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12 pages, 4707 KiB  
Article
Table Grape Ferritin1 Is Implicated in Iron Accumulation, Iron Homeostasis, and Plant Tolerance to Iron Toxicity and H2O2 Induced Oxidative Stress
by Zhenqiang Xie, Bin Peng, Matthew Shi, Guangrong Yang and Zhizhong Song
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020146 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
In plants, Ferritin is the earliest discovered regulator of iron (Fe) metabolism and plays a critical role in maintaining Fe storage and sequestration, which contributes to cellular Fe homeostasis and tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, biological functions of Ferritin proteins in perennial fruit [...] Read more.
In plants, Ferritin is the earliest discovered regulator of iron (Fe) metabolism and plays a critical role in maintaining Fe storage and sequestration, which contributes to cellular Fe homeostasis and tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, biological functions of Ferritin proteins in perennial fruit crops are largely rare. In this study, VvFerritin1 was isolated from ‘Irsay Oliver’ table grape, and it was mainly expressed in roots and induced under Fe toxicity, H2O2 stress, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Complementation of VvFerritin2 in yeast mutant DEY1453 directly restored the mutant growth, and VvFerritin1 can transport Fe2+ in yeast. The heterologous expression of VvFerritin1 in fer1-2 mutant effectively rescued the dwarfed growth of Arabidopsis fer1-2 mutant, under the control condition, Fe toxicity, or H2O2 stress, embodied in enhanced fresh weight (126%, 81%, or 48%), total root length (140%, 98%, or 64%), total root surface (70%, 84%, or 120%), and total leaf chlorophyll (56%, 51%, or 53%), respectively. In particular, tissue Fe concentration and activities of nitrite reductase (NiR), aconitase (ACO), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were significantly enhanced in fer1-2/35S::Ferritin1 lines, respectively, compared to that of fer1-2 mutant. This work contributes to the study of molecular mechanisms of Fe storage and homeostasis in ‘Irsay Oliver’ table grape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Abiotic Stress or Environmental Influence on Horticultural Traits of Garden Crops)
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17 pages, 5787 KiB  
Article
Composition of Anthocyanins, Specific Sugars, and Organic Acids in Wild Edible Aromatic and Medicinal Vegetables
by Ertan Yildirim, Metin Turan, Melek Ekinci, Sezai Ercisli, Halil Ibrahim Ozturk, Murat Aydin, Emre Ilhan, Simona Ioana Vicas, Carmen Violeta Iancu, Daniela Gitea, Cristian Gabriel Domuța, Ioana Maria Borza and Manuel Alexandru Gitea
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020145 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
This study investigates the bioactive compound profiles of 12 wild edible plant species from the Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Polygonaceae, and Urticaceae families, consumed as aromatic and medicinal vegetables by local communities and forming part of the natural vegetation of [...] Read more.
This study investigates the bioactive compound profiles of 12 wild edible plant species from the Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Polygonaceae, and Urticaceae families, consumed as aromatic and medicinal vegetables by local communities and forming part of the natural vegetation of Mount Ergan. The plants were collected and analyzed for their anthocyanin, organic acid, and sugar contents, using advanced liquid chromatography techniques. Statistically significant differences were observed between species for each compound analyzed, highlighting their diverse phytochemical profiles. Malva neglecta, Brassica nigra, and Taraxacum phaleratum exhibited the highest anthocyanin contents, suggesting their strong potential as natural antioxidant sources. Organic acid levels were notably elevated in Polygonum cognatum, T. phaleratum, Urtica dioica, and M. neglecta, which positions these species as promising candidates for use as natural acid regulators in food and pharmaceutical formulations. In terms of sugar content, Chenopodium album, Mentha longifolia, and T. phaleratum had the lowest levels, while M. neglecta, Cirsium arvense, P. cognatum, and Tragopogon buphthalmoides showed significantly higher concentrations, indicating potential applications in the development of natural sweeteners. This study’s findings provide valuable insights into the phytochemical diversity of these wild plant species, emphasizing their potential utility in health nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This study emphasizes the significance of investigating underexploited plant species for their bioactive chemicals and illustrates their potential contribution to the development of sustainable, natural product-based solutions for diverse industrial uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals of Natural Products: Analysis and Biological Activities: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 6211 KiB  
Article
Plastomes of Seven Coelogyne s.l. (Arethuseae, Orchidaceae) Species: Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships
by Songkun Lin, Ruyi Li, Shuling Tang, Yuming Chen, Yin Yan, Xuyong Gao and Xiaokang Zhuo
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020144 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
The Coelogyne s.l. is one of the emblematic genera of the Asian orchids, with high horticultural and medicinal values. However, the phylogenetic relationships of the genus inferred from previous studies based on a limited number of DNA markers remain ambiguous. In this study, [...] Read more.
The Coelogyne s.l. is one of the emblematic genera of the Asian orchids, with high horticultural and medicinal values. However, the phylogenetic relationships of the genus inferred from previous studies based on a limited number of DNA markers remain ambiguous. In this study, we newly sequenced and assembled the complete plastomes of seven Coelogyne species: C. bulleyia, C. fimbriata, C. flaccida, C. prolifera, C. tricallosa, C. uncata, and an unknown taxa, Coelogyne sp. The plastomes of Coelogyne exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, varying in length between 157,476 bp and 160,096 bp, accompanied by a GC content spanning from 37.3% to 37.5%. A total of 132 genes were annotated for each plastome, including 86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. Among these, 19 genes underwent duplication within the inverted repeat (IR) regions, and 18 genes exhibited the presence of introns. Additionally, we detected 54 to 69 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 30 to 49 long repeats. In terms of codon usage frequency, leucine (Leu) emerged with the highest frequency, while cysteine (Cys) exhibited the lowest occurrence. Furthermore, eight hypervariable regions (atpB-rbcL, psbK-psbI, rps8-rpl14, rps16-trnQUUG, psaC-ndhE, ndhF-rpl32, psbB-psbT, and ycf1) were identified. Phylogenetic analyses using complete plastomes and protein-coding genes indicated that Coelogyne s.l. was monophyletic. Moreover, the results robustly supported the division of Coelogyne s.l. into five clades. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural variation and phylogenetic analysis of the Coelogyne s.l. based on plastome data. The findings offer significant insights into the plastid genomic characteristics and the phylogenetic relationships of Coelogyne s.l., contributing to a deeper understanding of its evolutionary history. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchids: Advances in Propagation, Cultivation and Breeding)
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15 pages, 832 KiB  
Article
Differential Metabolite Analysis of Anthocyanins in Variously Colored Petal Types During Different Developmental Stages of Sophora japonica L
by Lingshan Guan, Xinyue Ji, Tao Sun, Yanjuan Mu, Yan Wang, Yi Han, Yanguo Sun, Xinhui Li, Kongan Xie, Shuxin Zhang, Chenxia Song and Yizeng Lu
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020143 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
Flower color serves as a vital ornamental feature of landscape plants; Sophora japonica L. mutant ‘AM’ exhibits the different colors from the common S. japonica. ‘AM’, presenting with a light purple-red wing and keel and yellowish-white flag petals, while common S. japonica [...] Read more.
Flower color serves as a vital ornamental feature of landscape plants; Sophora japonica L. mutant ‘AM’ exhibits the different colors from the common S. japonica. ‘AM’, presenting with a light purple-red wing and keel and yellowish-white flag petals, while common S. japonica is yellow and white. The metabolites contributing to this color specificity in red-flowered S. japonica ‘AM’ are not yet fully understood. In this study, the flag, wing, and keel petals were collected from ‘AM’ at various phases, including the flower bud phase, initial flowering phase, full bloom phase, and final flowering phase, for conducting the metabolic assays targeting anthocyanins. Subsequently, we identified 45 anthocyanin-related metabolites, including nine flavonoids and 36 anthocyanins. Ten major floral chromoside metabolites were found to affect the coloration differences among the petals, where the most abundant anthocyanin was cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G), which was much higher in the keel petal (LGB) and wing petal (YB) than in the flag petal (QB), and similarly, during the four periods of different petal types, the Cy3G content was higher in the initial flowering stage (S2), the full bloom stage (S3), and the final flowering stage (S4) than the flower bud stage (S1), which was in accordance with the trend of the observed petal floral color phenotypic difference measurement correlation. This suggested that the Cy3G accumulation was the primary factor driving the distinct coloration of varying types of petals. These findings could contribute to the understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying S. japonica petal coloration and may support future efforts in flower color improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Color Formation and Regulation in Horticultural Plants)
11 pages, 1823 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Propagation of Peumus boldus Molina Using a Temporary Immersion System
by Francesca Guerra, Loreto Badilla, Ricardo Cautín and Mónica Castro
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020142 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
Peumus boldus Mol. (boldo) is a Chilean endemic tree species, characteristic of the region’s sclerophyllous forests. Increasing demand for its leaves and bark, valued for their antioxidant properties, has contributed to declining populations of this species in its natural habitat. This decline is [...] Read more.
Peumus boldus Mol. (boldo) is a Chilean endemic tree species, characteristic of the region’s sclerophyllous forests. Increasing demand for its leaves and bark, valued for their antioxidant properties, has contributed to declining populations of this species in its natural habitat. This decline is further exacerbated by low natural germination rates and anthropogenic pressures. To support conservation efforts, efficient mass propagation protocols are needed. This study pioneered the use of temporary immersion systems (TIS) for the in vitro propagation of boldo, successfully developing a novel mass propagation protocol. To optimize the in vitro propagation of boldo shoots using the temporary immersion system (TIS), various immersion durations were tested. While a 3 min immersion resulted in a high proliferation rate (10.8), it also induced shoot vitrification, a detrimental physiological disorder. However, reducing the immersion duration to 2 min successfully prevented vitrification while still achieving a satisfactory multiplication rate of 7.2. The shoots reached an average length of 6.1 to 6.4 cm with 6-benzylaminopurine (4.44 μM). Ex vitro rooting was achieved in 75.4% of shoots treated with 1476 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) across all tested substrates. The plantlets subsequently acclimatized with a survival rate between 77.1% and 83.3%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biotechnology: Applications in In Vitro Plant Conservation and Micropropagation)
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19 pages, 1697 KiB  
Article
Identification and Expression Analysis of miR166 Gene Family in Response to Salt Stress in Chrysanthemum
by Di Wang, Shuheng Wang, Dongyang Zhang, Yuan Meng, Ying Qian, Siyu Feng, Yun Bai and Yunwei Zhou
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020141 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
cgr-miR166 was observed to be significantly enhanced in Chrysanthemum under 200 mM NaCl treatment. Here, ten family members were identified by aligning cgr-miR166 with scaffold sequences from the Chrysanthemum nankingense genome database, naming them from cgr-miR166a to cgr-miR166j, and their precursors could [...] Read more.
cgr-miR166 was observed to be significantly enhanced in Chrysanthemum under 200 mM NaCl treatment. Here, ten family members were identified by aligning cgr-miR166 with scaffold sequences from the Chrysanthemum nankingense genome database, naming them from cgr-miR166a to cgr-miR166j, and their precursors could form stable stem-loop structures. The mature regions were observed to be highly conserved, with the 3′ end being more conserved than the 5′ end. miR166s promoters have been found to contain cis-acting elements responsive to diverse stimuli like the phytohormones ABA and IAA. qRT-RCR results demonstrated that the transcriptome sequencing results were reliable and miR166 was present at different levels in the roots, stems, leaves and flowers of Chrysanthemum. Furthermore, the HD-ZipIII transcription factor was validated to be the target gene of Chrysanthemum miR166s by degradome sequencing. Taken together, the cgr-miR166 family exhibited both evolutionary conservation and diversification. The expression level of miR166 was upregulated in root under salt stress, while the expression level of the target gene HD-ZipIII was downregulated. These findings established the foundation for further understanding the mechanism of miR166-HD-ZipIII modules in salt response and tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm, Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants)
24 pages, 1044 KiB  
Review
Cultivating the Future: A Bibliometric Review of Emerging Trends in Soilless Farming
by Diego Appicciutoli, Alessandro Sebastian Amici, Deborah Bentivoglio, Giulia Chiaraluce, Giacomo Staffolani and Adele Finco
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020140 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
The agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including resource depletion, climate change, and a growing global population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production. Innovative techniques like soilless farming are gaining attention as potential solutions to ensure [...] Read more.
The agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including resource depletion, climate change, and a growing global population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production. Innovative techniques like soilless farming are gaining attention as potential solutions to ensure sustainable food production. Although other bibliometric reviews have examined the possibilities of soilless farming technologies, focusing separately on certain fields such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics, the novelty of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive view of soilless farming in the current research landscape. Using VOSviewer software (1.6.20), the study conducts a thorough analysis of 256 articles, looking at key themes, emerging trends and influential works in the field. The results showed the relevance of soilless farming and its strong link to field such as digitalization, sustainable food production, and biofortification. A strong promising area is the connection between soilless farming and urban agriculture, investigated as a theoretical tool to implement these systems in sustainable cities. The major gap emerged in the research is the lack of studies on the economic feasibility. According to the study’s findings, policymakers ought to concentrate on allocating specific funds to encourage the adoption of soilless farming, especially in urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Protected Culture)
15 pages, 5432 KiB  
Article
Lavender Breeding for Winter Hardiness in a Temperate Climate
by Viktoriya Kryuchkova, Anastasia Evtyukhova, Sergey Avdeev, Vitaly Donskih, Olga Shelepova, Olga Ladyzhenskaya and Yuri Gorbunov
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020139 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Lavandula angustifolia is a promising essential oil and ornamental crop whose distribution in the temperate zone and northern regions is limited by its low winter hardiness. Analyzing the causes of low winter hardiness will facilitate the selection of the most winter-hardy hybrids. The [...] Read more.
Lavandula angustifolia is a promising essential oil and ornamental crop whose distribution in the temperate zone and northern regions is limited by its low winter hardiness. Analyzing the causes of low winter hardiness will facilitate the selection of the most winter-hardy hybrids. The study goal is to evaluate the climatic conditions and winter hardiness of narrow-leaved lavender and to determine critical conditions for the successful overwintering of plants in the conditions of Moscow. The studies were conducted in the laboratory of cultivated plants of MBG RAS from 2015 to 2022. The research objects were 72 lavender hybrids. The assessment of hybrids’ winter hardiness was carried out after complete snow melt. Average daily temperature, snow cover height, and precipitation were considered daily. Data statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel and PAST 4.5 software. Optimal lavender overwintering conditions were formed in 2018 and the greatest plant damage was observed in 2017. The research years were grouped by winter hardiness structured into clusters, which allowed us to identify common features in climatic conditions and to identify critical periods of the winter period leading to a decrease in winter hardiness. Temperature fluctuations in winter, frequent temperature transitions over the 0 °C mark, high levels of snow cover and the formation of ice deposits led to severe damage to some lavender hybrids. Severe frosts in the absence of snow cover can lead to the death of lavender plants in the temperate zone. Lavender hybrids were grouped by winter hardiness into two clusters and 11 subclusters. A group of hybrids with consistently high resistance has been selected throughout the years of the study; these hybrids are the most promising for further hybridization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tolerance and Response of Ornamental Plants to Abiotic Stress)
17 pages, 3241 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Analysis of the ABCB Family and Its Expression in Adventitious Root Development of Paeonia ostii
by Wenqian Shang, Can Cui, Xi Liu, Weihao Meng, Yongjie Qiu, Yuke Sun, Yuxiao Shen, Weichao Liu, Zheng Wang, Songlin He, Yinglong Song and Liyun Shi
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020138 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 492
Abstract
Tree peony (Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J. X. Zhang) is an important medicinal and ornamental plant. It would be useful to propagate this plant in tissue culture, but it is difficult to induce root formation. Auxin plays a pivotal role in [...] Read more.
Tree peony (Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J. X. Zhang) is an important medicinal and ornamental plant. It would be useful to propagate this plant in tissue culture, but it is difficult to induce root formation. Auxin plays a pivotal role in adventitious root formation, and ABCB transporter proteins are involved in auxin transport. To elucidate the function of the ABCB transporter family in P. ostii, we identified members of the ABCB gene family in the P. ostii genome and analyzed the functional characteristics of the putative proteins. In total, 29 ABCB genes were identified in P.ostii, distributed on five chromosomes. In a phylogenetic analysis, the PoABCBs were grouped into four subfamilies, with the largest being Subfamily I, characterized by their MDR structure. PoABCB genes in the same subfamily exhibited similar intron/exon arrangements and motif composition. The promoters of PoABCBs contained cis-acting elements associated with the photoresponse and hormone signaling. qRT-PCR analyses showed that, after treatment of tissue-cultured P. ostii seedlings with auxin, five PoABCB gene family members (PoABCB6, PoABCB10, PoABCB11, PoABCB12, and PoABCB16) were significantly upregulated during adventitious root development. These genes may play roles in the auxin response and adventitious root development of P. ostii in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))
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18 pages, 3833 KiB  
Article
Plant Probiotic Potential of Native Rhizobia to Enhance Growth and Sugar Content in Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue
by Víctor Manuel Maranto-Gómez, Clara Ivette Rincón-Molina, Luis Alberto Manzano-Gómez, Adriana Gen-Jiménez, Julio César Maldonado-Gómez, Juan José Villalobos-Maldonado, Víctor Manuel Ruiz-Valdiviezo, Reiner Rincón-Rosales and Francisco Alexander Rincón-Molina
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020137 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Beneficial soil microorganisms, particularly plant probiotic bacteria (PPB), play a pivotal role in promoting plant growth, development, and overall health through root colonization. PPB-based biofertilizers offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural inputs. This study evaluates the plant probiotic potential of [...] Read more.
Beneficial soil microorganisms, particularly plant probiotic bacteria (PPB), play a pivotal role in promoting plant growth, development, and overall health through root colonization. PPB-based biofertilizers offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural inputs. This study evaluates the plant probiotic potential of three native bacterial strains Rhizobium sp. ACO-34A, Sinorhizobium mexicanum ITTG R7T, and Sinorhizobium chiapasense ITTG S70T to enhance the growth, quality, and sugar content of Agave tequilana. A comprehensive genomic and functional analysis was conducted for each strain to assess their plant probiotic traits. Additionally, a greenhouse inoculation assay was performed on six-month-old agave seedlings at the “piña” stage to evaluate the effects of these strains on plant growth and sugar content. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that these rhizobial strains harbor genes associated with key plant probiotic traits, reinforcing their role in enhancing plant development. The results demonstrated significant effects (p < 0.05) on growth and sugar content in inoculated plants. ACO-34A increased plant height by 35.4%, fresh weight by 41.5%, and inulin content by 57.3%, while ITTG-R7T showed improvements of 26.4%, 35.2%, and 38.2%, respectively, compared to the control, and ITTG S70T also exhibited enhancements, although to a lesser extent, with increases of 23.5% in plant height, 28.9% in fresh weight, and 31.2% in inulin content. These findings highlight the biofertilizer potential of these native rhizobial strains, particularly Rhizobium sp. ACO-34A, positioning them as promising candidates for the sustainable cultivation of A. tequilana. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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14 pages, 2299 KiB  
Article
Effect of Branch-Bagged Shading on the Photosynthetic Physiology of Sweet Cherry Leaves in a Greenhouse Environment
by Jiayin Ai, Min Wu, Feng Cai, Mingli He, Yao Chen and Qijing Zhang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020136 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 400
Abstract
The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the impacts of low-light stress induced by branch-bagged shading on photosynthetic physiology and biochemical composition. Eight-year-old ‘Tieton’ sweet cherry leaves and white parchment bags with a 23% shading rate were selected to cover [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the impacts of low-light stress induced by branch-bagged shading on photosynthetic physiology and biochemical composition. Eight-year-old ‘Tieton’ sweet cherry leaves and white parchment bags with a 23% shading rate were selected to cover ten 50 cm long branches for 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d followed by 10 d light restoring. The results indicated that when shading for 30 d, the net photosynthetic rate (PN) of the leaves, including stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxide (POD), catalase (CAT), starch, and sugar contents were lower, whereas chlorophyll (Chl) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were higher than those in CK leaves. After 10-10 treatments, leaf parameters including SOD, POD, CAT, starch, and sugar levels were almost the same as those in control (CK; no shading) leaves; the opposite was true for Chl and MDA. However, after 10 d of no bag following 20 and 30 d of shading, the PN, Ci, E, and SOD, CAT, glucose, sorbitol, sucrose and starch levels were lower than those in CK leaves, whereas MDA levels were higher. At 20-10, there was no difference in leaf fructose levels compared to those in CK leaves; the Chl levels were higher. At 30-10, leaf fructose levels were reduced compared with those in CK leaves; Chl levels showed no difference. Therefore, sweet cherry leaves have robust recovery abilities; however, prolonged low-light stress can impede physiological restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)
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19 pages, 2028 KiB  
Article
Effect of Organic Farming Techniques on the Quality of Almond Fat
by María Dolores García-Martínez, Patricia Esteve Ciudad, Miguel Ángel Gómez Tenorio and María Dolores Raigón Jiménez
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020135 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 405
Abstract
Almond fruit is characterized by a mature, hardened endocarp enclosing the seed. Despite being a drupe botanically, almonds are commonly referred to as nuts due to their low water content. The edible seed, known as the kernel, is the primary commercial product. Fatty [...] Read more.
Almond fruit is characterized by a mature, hardened endocarp enclosing the seed. Despite being a drupe botanically, almonds are commonly referred to as nuts due to their low water content. The edible seed, known as the kernel, is the primary commercial product. Fatty acid composition was determined to value the quality of fat over four years in almonds of the Guara variety, from plots where the production system (organic and conventional), the irrigation system (intense irrigation, support irrigation and dry land), and the use of plant cover varied. The oil content and fatty acid composition were determined over four years in almonds of the Guara variety, using different sustainable agriculture techniques. Oil almond content ranged from 35% to 55% of total fresh weight of the kernel, with strong variability between years. Fatty acid composition was also highly variable, with significant differences depending on agricultural practices. Oleic acid, which ranged from 59% to 78%, was statistically higher with support irrigation. Plant cover also favored the synthesis of oleic acid. Linoleic acid, which ranged from 11% to 25%, had a statistically higher content in almonds from organic farming and dry land conditions. The atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and the value of health-beneficial fat was better in organically prod\uced almonds. The great variability observed in the quality of almond fat represents a very promising basis for establishing practices for adaptation to arid cultivation conditions, irrigation management, and organic and regenerative techniques, satisfying requirements for healthier and more sustainable diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Utilization and Application of Bioactive Compounds from Horticultural Plants)
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15 pages, 1276 KiB  
Article
Application of Plant Growth Regulators During Early Fruit Development Stage Increased Perceived Sweetness of Mango Fruit
by Li Li, Xiaowei Ma, Songbiao Wang, Chi Xu, Hongxia Wu, Yanke Wu, Yingzi He, Bin Zheng, Qingzhi Liang, Wentian Xu and Weiming Li
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020134 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
This study investigated the optimal strategies for improving sugar biosynthesis in mango fruits. Randomized block design was used for experimental treatments. The mango cultivar “Renong-1” was sprayed with five green plant growth regulators, including solutions of SBP (sucrose-based polymers, a new highly efficient [...] Read more.
This study investigated the optimal strategies for improving sugar biosynthesis in mango fruits. Randomized block design was used for experimental treatments. The mango cultivar “Renong-1” was sprayed with five green plant growth regulators, including solutions of SBP (sucrose-based polymers, a new highly efficient and eco-friendly plant growth regulator), SPM (sucrose + potassium dihydrogen phosphate + microelement fertilizer), TPM (taurine + potassium dihydrogen phosphate + microelement fertilize), PFA (potassium fulvic acid), and SOP (seaweed oligosaccharide peptide) at different fruit development stages. Indicators, such as soluble solid content, soluble sugar and starch contents, and activities of 11 enzymes associated with sugar metabolism in physiologically mature and in full ripening fruits were evaluated. The results showed that SBP solution diluted 100-fold exerted the strongest effect on the soluble sugar content and sweetness value of “Renong-1” mango fruits. Based on the linear regression analysis, a significant negative correlation was observed between the activity of acid invertase and the perceived sweetness of physiologically mature fruits, while the activities of other enzymes were significantly negatively correlated with the perceived sweetness of full ripening fruits. According to multiple regression (by lars function in R) and other comprehensive analysis, A1B3 (spraying SBP solution one time in the young fruit stage) was selected as the optimal treatment combination for enhancing “Renong-1” mango perceived sweetness, followed by A1B2 (spraying SBP solution for the first time in the young fruit stage and the second time at medium maturity) as the alternative treatment combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tree Crop Cultivation and Fruit Quality Assessment)
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Article
Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigates Manganese-Induced Toxicity in Malus hupehensis Plants by Regulating Osmoregulation, Antioxidant Defense, Mineral Homeostasis, and Glutathione Ascorbate Cycle
by Bowen Liu, Baozhu Wang, Tianlnog Chen and Manrang Zhang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020133 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is a toxic metal element that adversely affects plant growth. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered an important signaling molecule with significant potential in alleviating various abiotic stresses. However, there is limited information available on the role of H2 [...] Read more.
Manganese (Mn) is a toxic metal element that adversely affects plant growth. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered an important signaling molecule with significant potential in alleviating various abiotic stresses. However, there is limited information available on the role of H2S in alleviating manganese stress in plants. In this study, the effects of exogenous H2S and its scavenger, homocysteine thiolactone (HT), on the physiological and biochemical parameters of Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis seedlings were evaluated. Our results show that H2S treatment significantly alleviates growth inhibition and oxidative damage induced by manganese stress in Malus hupehensis seedlings, primarily by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and up-regulating the ascorbate-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle. H2S treatment increased photosynthetic pigment content and helped maintain osmotic balance in leaves, thereby enhancing key gas exchange parameters and mitigating manganese-induced suppression of photosynthesis. H2S treatment enhanced the absorption of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn under manganese stress, significantly reduced manganese accumulation in Malus hupehensis seedlings, and modulated the transcriptional expression of MTPs, facilitating the transfer of manganese to the leaves. Thus, H2S reduces oxidative damage and promotes growth under Mn stress, highlighting its important role in plant stress tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tolerance and Response of Ornamental Plants to Abiotic Stress)
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