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17 pages, 5310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Short-Term Storage in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) on Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity in Juices from Haskap Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.)

by Barbara Anna Kowalczyk, Monika Bieniasz and Jan Błaszczyk

Agriculture 2025, 15(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15030253 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 429

Abstract

This article focuses on analysing the properties of six varieties of haskap berry (honeyberry) as a valuable raw material for producing health-promoting juices. Significant differences in the content of bioactive compounds were observed between juices derived from fruits of the same species. This [...] Read more.

This article focuses on analysing the properties of six varieties of haskap berry (honeyberry) as a valuable raw material for producing health-promoting juices. Significant differences in the content of bioactive compounds were observed between juices derived from fruits of the same species. This study demonstrated that controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (20% CO₂ and 5% O₂) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in Xtend bags affected juice quality by minimising nutritional losses. The analysis of polyphenol content in the juices revealed significant differences between varieties and years (2021 and 2022), primarily due to varying weather conditions. In 2022, the polyphenol content of the varieties ‘Usłada’, ‘Candy Blue’, ‘Boreal Beauty’, and ‘Boreal Beast’ was from 69% to twice as high compared to values recorded in 2021. CA and MAP storage conditions were found to be more effective than normal atmosphere (NA) in preserving bioactive components, and thus the antioxidant activity of the fruits, as measured by the DPPH method. The variety ‘Sinij Utes’ had the highest total polyphenol contents and their lowest loss during storage. Conversely, the variety ‘Boreal Beauty’ contained the lowest polyphenol levels both after harvest and storage. This study confirmed the importance of proper storage conditions for maintaining the antioxidant properties of haskap berries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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18 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Biodegradable Mulch and Different Synthetic Mulches on Growth and Yield of Field-Grown Small-Fruited Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

by Katarzyna Adamczewska-Sowińska, Joanna Bykowy and Janina Jaworska

Agriculture 2025, 15(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15020212 - 19 Jan 2025

Viewed by 438

Abstract

Mulching is a widely adopted practice in vegetable cultivation globally. This technique employs various plastic materials, such as polyethylene (PE) film or polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabric, with an increasing trend toward the use of biodegradable materials. Between 2014 and 2016, field experiments were [...] Read more.

Mulching is a widely adopted practice in vegetable cultivation globally. This technique employs various plastic materials, such as polyethylene (PE) film or polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabric, with an increasing trend toward the use of biodegradable materials. Between 2014 and 2016, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the small-fruited tomato Intrigo F1 cultivated using synthetic mulches. The trials, designed as single-factor experiments employing a randomized block layout with three replicates, assessed plant morphological traits, yield, and the biological value of the tomato fruits. Weather conditions and the type of mulch applied had a pronounced influence on the quality of tomato plants and yield. Compared to the control, the use of black, red, and aluminum PE films and brown PP resulted in a 7.2% increase in plant height. All mulching treatments, except white film, increased the lateral spread of the plants by an average of 24.2%. Plants cultivated on red PE film exhibited a 26.4% increase in leaf count with respect to the control. Mulched treatments achieved an average increase of 19.6% in marketable yield. The highest marketable fruit yield was recorded with black nonwoven fabric mulch. Mulching had a significant effect on the chemical composition of tomato fruits. Fruits on biodegradable foil had the most potassium, lycopene, and polyphenols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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28 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Physiological Traits of Fragaria vesca Genotypes Under Water Deficit Conditions

by Marta Rokosa, Małgorzata Mikiciuk and Piotr Ptak

Agriculture 2025, 15(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15010070 - 30 Dec 2024

Viewed by 457

Abstract

Drought is one of the key challenges of climate change. The basic global problem related to the increasing water deficit is that the vast majority of crops are species and varieties that are the result of breeding work that did not anticipate such [...] Read more.

Drought is one of the key challenges of climate change. The basic global problem related to the increasing water deficit is that the vast majority of crops are species and varieties that are the result of breeding work that did not anticipate such a rapid decrease in water availability in the soil. The main objective of the conducted research was to compare the physiological and biochemical response to water deficit of plants of the species Fragaria vesca—two cultivated varieties, and one collected from the natural environment. A two-year pot experiment was conducted in a polyethylene tunnel. The substrate moisture level was monitored using tensiometer readings. Measurements of gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll “a” fluorescence, content of photosynthetic pigments in leaves, index of relative water content in leaves, total fruit yield, single fruit mass and content of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo and the ratio of mono- to divalent cations in leaves, roots and plant crowns were taken three times each year during the experiments. Based on one-way and two-way analysis of variance, statistically significant differences were observed between wild-growing plants and cultivated varieties under control conditions, particularly in terms of chlorophyll fluorescence values and the content of photosynthetic pigments. A significant main effect of the soil moisture level was identified for most measured parameters across the majority of assessment time points. However, a significant interaction effect between soil moisture level and genotype was less frequently observed. Significant changes in response to water deficit varied depending on the parameter and genotype, ranging from 2.5% to 106.1%. For the content of chemical elements, the changes reached up to 157.1%. The results suggest that plants obtained from natural environments exhibit better adaptation to water deficit conditions, making them suitable for use in breeding programs aimed at developing varieties resistant to soil water deficits. However, the study’s limitations, particularly the absence of molecular analyses regarding the plants’ adaptive mechanisms, should be taken into consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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16 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Selected Species of Spiraea L. for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Soils of Urban Areas

by Wojciech Antkowiak, Maciej Bosiacki and Mateusz Sowelo

Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111916 - 29 Oct 2024

Viewed by 707

Abstract

Four taxa of Spiraea were selected for this study: S. × cinerea Zabel ‘Grefsheim’, S. nipponica Maxim. ‘Snowmound’, S. splendens É. N. Baumann ex K. Koch and S. × vanhouttei (Briot) Carrière growing for a minimum of 5 years along heavily trafficked [...] Read more.

Four taxa of Spiraea were selected for this study: S. × cinerea Zabel ‘Grefsheim’, S. nipponica Maxim. ‘Snowmound’, S. splendens É. N. Baumann ex K. Koch and S. × vanhouttei (Briot) Carrière growing for a minimum of 5 years along heavily trafficked traffic routes. This study included the genus Spiraea due to its popularity in horticultural practice (commercial availability, widespread in urban environments). In addition, the use of ornamental shrubs for phytoremediation in urban green spaces effectively combines the aesthetic needs of residents with those of caring for the urban environment. This study was conducted in Poznań (population 550,000, the fifth largest city in Poland). Soils and foliage were examined in spring and autumn. Soil pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (EC) were determined. The content of micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) and toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb) in soil dry matter and leaves was determined. The uptake capacity of bioavailable forms of heavy metals by Spiraea from the soil was analyzed by determining the bioconcentration factor (BCF). It was found that the studied taxa meet the basic requirements for plants used for soil phytoremediation processes, especially for chromium phytoextraction. The degree of salinity of the tested soils did not pose a threat to the shrubs growing there, and most of the sites, despite the alkaline reaction, are suitable for their cultivation. S. × cinerea and S. × vanhouttei have BCFs for lead <1. The remaining taxa are characterized by strong concentrations of all analyzed elements. A particularly high BCF, above 10, was recorded for chromium and high for manganese and nickel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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17 pages, 8225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing Productivity and Fruit Quality of ‘Mutsu’ Apple Orchard by Dwarfing Treatments

by Maria Małachowska, Tomasz Majak, Tomasz Krupa and Kazimierz Tomala

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101838 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 796

Abstract

The aim of this 2022 study was to evaluate the effect of tree growth-limiting treatments on the tree yield and quality of ‘Mutsu’ apples. The experiment was established on 7-year-old trees on M.9 rootstock in a commercial orchard in Wilga near Warsaw. Growth-limiting [...] Read more.

The aim of this 2022 study was to evaluate the effect of tree growth-limiting treatments on the tree yield and quality of ‘Mutsu’ apples. The experiment was established on 7-year-old trees on M.9 rootstock in a commercial orchard in Wilga near Warsaw. Growth-limiting treatments included unilateral root pruning, spraying the trees with Regalis Plus 10 WG at various times, and spraying with Flordimex 480 SL. Eight combinations were used, with four replicates of 20 trees per repetition. The measurements included fruit set, length of this year’s shoots, yield per tree, average fruit weight, and the size structure of the yield. The distinctive physiological status of the apples was assessed directly after harvest, directly after 8 months of storage under CA conditions (1.5% CO₂, 1.5% O₂, 1 °C, >92% RH) and after an additional 7 days of shelf-life. Spraying trees with Regalis Plus 10 WG from the balloon stage onwards, irrespective of the treatment with root pruning, was most effective in both inhibiting long-stem growth and increasing tree yield (by almost two times) by increasing the number of apples per tree. The growth response of long-stemmed apple trees to both unilateral root pruning and Ethephon spray was significantly lower than it was to Regalis Plus 10 WG spray and had relatively little effect on their yield. Regalis Plus 10 WG resulted in a clear reduction in average fruit weight (by about 100 g), which, in the case of the large-fruited cultivar ‘Mutsu’, should be seen as an advantage. Its application from the balloon stage onwards promoted higher apple firmness at harvest and after simulated handling preceded by long-term storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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13 pages, 840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Antioxidative Properties of Extracts from the Fruits of Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd and Pyrus ×myloslavensis Czarna & Antkowiak Grown under Natural Environmental Conditions

by Marzanna Hęś, Wojciech Antkowiak, Kinga Stuper-Szablewska, Krzysztof Dziedzic, Marta Jessa and Paulina Ratajczak

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101790 - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 612

Abstract

Analyses were conducted on extracts from the fruits of P. pyraster and P. ×myloslavensis. Extraction with 80% methanol was performed at room temperature. The total phenolic content was determined by spectrophotometry using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, with gallic acid as the reference [...] Read more.

Analyses were conducted on extracts from the fruits of P. pyraster and P. ×myloslavensis. Extraction with 80% methanol was performed at room temperature. The total phenolic content was determined by spectrophotometry using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, with gallic acid as the reference standard. Phenolic compounds and organic acids were identified on a liquid chromatograph. The antioxidative activity of the extracts was tested in relation to linoleic acid incubation of the emulsions for 19 h based on the neutralization of the DPPH radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and the ABTS cation radical (2,2′-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) as well as by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The analyses showed that the extract from P. pyraster fruits is characterized by a higher content of phenolic compounds and a higher antioxidative potential compared with that from P. ×myloslavensis. In extracts of both pear species, seven phenolic compounds and four organic acids were identified. The total fiber content in pears of P. pyraster and P. ×myloslavensis was determined at 36.45 g and 24.74 g/100 g d.m. of the pear fruits, of which most comprised the insoluble fraction (32.49 g and 20.86/100 g, respectively). The results of the conducted research are highly significant, as they confirm that pears contain many valuable nutrients and biologically active compounds, including antioxidants and dietary fiber. Adding pear extracts to food products may offer a way to boost their health benefits while also broadening the variety of items that have appealing sensory characteristics. Moreover, research has shown that fruit extracts can help to prolong the shelf life of food products by safeguarding them against lipid oxidation and the decline in their nutritional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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11 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Impact of Treatments Stimulating Branching on the Quality of Maiden Apple Trees

by Magdalena Kapłan, Kamila E. Klimek and Kamil Buczyński

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101757 - 5 Oct 2024

Viewed by 665

Abstract

Nursery material intended for establishing intensive apple orchards should be characterised by a dominant and straight leader with an appropriate number of shoots that develop at the right height and are regularly spaced along the leader. The use of well-branched trees can lead [...] Read more.

Nursery material intended for establishing intensive apple orchards should be characterised by a dominant and straight leader with an appropriate number of shoots that develop at the right height and are regularly spaced along the leader. The use of well-branched trees can lead to fruiting in the first year after planting. However, many apple varieties have difficulty forming lateral shoots due to strong apical dominance. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of treatments stimulating the branching of maiden apple trees of the ‘Gloster’ variety. The research was carried out in 2017–2019 at a private nursery farm located in eastern Poland. The studied trees were subjected to a mechanical branching stimulation treatment, which consisted of pinching off 4–5 of the youngest leaves located below the growth cone, and chemical branching stimulation treatments, which consisted of applying growth regulator mixtures in the form of an aqueous solution, i.e., BA+GA₃ and BA+GA₄₊₇. The conducted studies showed that the type of branching-stimulating treatment had a significant effect on the height and trunk diameter of the maiden trees, the number of lateral shoots, the average length of one shoot and the sum of the lengths of all sylleptic shoots. The maiden trees treated with BA+GA₃ were characterised by the best quality among the analysed combinations. Maiden apple trees treated with BA+GA₃ were the tallest (2017—167.7 cm; 2018—175.3 cm; 2019—164.4 cm), produced the largest number of shoots (2017—6.5 pcs; 2018—6.8 pcs; 2019—6.3 pcs) and had the largest sum of lateral shoot lengths (2017—148.0 cm; 2018—155.4 cm; 2019—140.6 cm) among the evaluated combinations. The number of treatments and the concentration of applied growth regulators had a significant effect on the structure of the crown of the maiden apple trees of the ‘Gloster’ cultivar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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17 pages, 778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Biostimulants and Microbiological Preparations on the Yield and the Occurrence of Diseases and the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn, Lepidoptera, Crambidae) on Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Var. saccharata)

by Elżbieta Wojciechowicz-Żytko, Edward Kunicki and Jacek Nawrocki

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101754 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 970

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of chosen biostimulants and microbiological preparations on the yield of sweet corn and the occurrence of Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn, and diseases. In both years of the study, the preparations used in this experiment [...] Read more.

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of chosen biostimulants and microbiological preparations on the yield of sweet corn and the occurrence of Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn, and diseases. In both years of the study, the preparations used in this experiment did not have a statistically significant effect on marketable yield; however, in 2017, the highest weight was observed in the cobs of plants treated with Rizocore and Polyversum WP while the lowest in the cobs treated with RhizoVital 42. The biostimulant Asahi SL and the biological fungicide Serenade ASO proved to be the most effective in protecting sweet corn against cob and shoot infections by fungi of the genus Fusarium. All the preparations reduced the development of the common smut in corn, especially on the cobs. There were no statistically significant differences in cob infection by the O. nubilalis in the combinations treated with different preparations, although the lowest number of cobs damaged by pest in both years were observed on plots treated with Serenade ASO and RhizoVital 42, while the highest on plots treated with Goëmar BM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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10 pages, 407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Chosen Biostimulants on the Yield of White Cabbage

by Edward Kunicki, Ewa Capecka and Elżbieta Wojciechowicz-Żytko

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101700 - 28 Sep 2024

Viewed by 951

Abstract

An open-field study evaluated the effects of four biostimulants (Asahi, Optysil, Optycal, and Tytanit) on the yield and chemical composition of two white cabbage cultivars (‘Caraflex’ and ‘Alfredo’). Although the biostimulants did not significantly impact the marketable yield, all treatments led to a [...] Read more.

An open-field study evaluated the effects of four biostimulants (Asahi, Optysil, Optycal, and Tytanit) on the yield and chemical composition of two white cabbage cultivars (‘Caraflex’ and ‘Alfredo’). Although the biostimulants did not significantly impact the marketable yield, all treatments led to a significant increase in ascorbic acid content. The influence on dry matter, sugars, phenols, and antioxidant activity varied by cultivar but generally did not result in inferior outcomes compared to the control. The effect on nitrate levels also varied, with Optysil and Asahi showing some adverse effects depending on the cultivar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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16 pages, 2887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Soil Surface Mulching on Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Production under Temperate Climate Conditions

by Katarzyna Adamczewska-Sowińska

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081398 - 19 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1069

Abstract

Despite its significant thermal requirements, melon is a vegetable species that holds the potential for expanding the crop range in temperate climate regions. The selection of appropriate varieties and agronomic practices facilitates its cultivation in these regions. This experiment, employing a randomized block [...] Read more.

Despite its significant thermal requirements, melon is a vegetable species that holds the potential for expanding the crop range in temperate climate regions. The selection of appropriate varieties and agronomic practices facilitates its cultivation in these regions. This experiment, employing a randomized block design, was conducted from 2019 to 2021, and this study evaluated the response of three melon varieties—‘Seledyn F1’, ‘Melba’, and ‘Malaga F1’ (factor I)—to various mulching materials (factor II): black polyethylene film (PE), black polypropylene nonwoven (PP), biodegradable film (Fbio), and giant miscanthus straw. Control plots were left unmulched. Melon seeds were sown on 15 April, and seedlings were transplanted on 31 May at a spacing of 100 × 80 cm. This study assessed yield, fruit number, individual fruit weight, and vertical and horizontal fruit diameters. Under optimal conditions, the varieties Seledyn F1 and Malaga F1 produced fruits with the highest individual mass. The application of synthetic mulches led to a two-fold increase in fruit yield compared to unmulched plots, with a 23.7% increase in fruit number. On average, the largest fruits were obtained with PE mulch. Melons grown on Fbio mulch yielded, on average, 40% less and produced 18.8% fewer fruits compared to those grown with PE mulch. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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16 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Living Mulches or Environmental Conditions Have a Greater Impact on the External Quality of the Apple Fruit ‘Chopin’ Cultivar?

by Maria Licznar-Malanczuk and Urszula Barbara Baluszynska

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040610 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1290

Abstract

Research was carried out to assess the yield and quality of fruits from the new Polish apple tree ‘Chopin’—a ‘green peel’, scab-resistant cultivar under grass living mulch management. Blue fescue and red fescue were tested in experiment no. 1. In experiment no. 2, [...] Read more.

Research was carried out to assess the yield and quality of fruits from the new Polish apple tree ‘Chopin’—a ‘green peel’, scab-resistant cultivar under grass living mulch management. Blue fescue and red fescue were tested in experiment no. 1. In experiment no. 2, meadow grass and perennial ryegrass were used. Every species of grass was sown in two doses of 50 and 150 kg per ha. Herbicide fallow was introduced as a control in both experiments. Strongly variable temperatures and precipitations in the years of evaluation made it possible to estimate year—a function of variable environmental conditions—as an additional experimental factor. An unexpected effect of the presence of living mulch was its significant impact on the appearance of blush on the ‘green peel’ fruit. However, living mulches had little effect on weight and fruit size. Cool days during apple ripening enhanced the process of fruit skin red coloration. The effect of both agrotechnical and environmental factors on fruit quality was more visible in the case of less vigorous trees, which were more susceptible to experimental, stressful conditions. However, increasing the sowing dose of each grass seed did not influence red blushing, weight, or fruit size. An additional difficulty for the trees was the competition caused by the early germination of these living grass mulches, reinforced by the presence of Trifolium repens L. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

Review

Jump to: Research

41 pages, 1394 KiB

Open AccessReview

Harnessing Beneficial Microbes for Drought Tolerance: A Review of Ecological and Agricultural Innovations

by Grzegorz Mikiciuk, Tymoteusz Miller, Anna Kisiel, Danuta Cembrowska-Lech, Małgorzata Mikiciuk, Adrianna Łobodzińska and Kamila Bokszczanin

Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122228 - 5 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1397

Abstract

Drought is an increasingly critical global challenge, significantly impacting agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem stability. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of drought events, innovative strategies are essential to enhance plant resilience and sustain agricultural systems. This review explores the [...] Read more.

Drought is an increasingly critical global challenge, significantly impacting agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem stability. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of drought events, innovative strategies are essential to enhance plant resilience and sustain agricultural systems. This review explores the vital role of beneficial microbes in conferring drought tolerance, focusing on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi, endophytes, actinomycetes, and cyanobacteria. These microorganisms mitigate drought stress through diverse mechanisms, including osmotic adjustment, enhancement of root architecture, modulation of phytohormones, induction of antioxidant defenses, and regulation of stress-responsive gene expression. Ecological and agricultural innovations leveraging these beneficial microbes have demonstrated significant potential in bolstering drought resilience. Strategies such as soil microbiome engineering, bioaugmentation, and the integration of microbial synergies within pest management frameworks enhance ecosystem resilience and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, advancements in agricultural practices, including seed coating, soil amendments, the development of microbial consortia, and precision agriculture technologies, have validated the effectiveness and scalability of microbial interventions in diverse farming systems. Despite promising advancements, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of microbial solutions. Environmental variability can affect microbial performance, necessitating the development of robust and adaptable strains. Scale-up and commercialization hurdles, economic constraints, and regulatory and safety considerations also pose significant barriers. Furthermore, the complex interactions between microbes, plants, and their environments require a deeper understanding to optimize microbial benefits consistently. Future research should focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, synthetic biology, and precision agriculture to refine and enhance microbial interventions. Collaborative efforts among academia, industry, and government are essential to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation. By addressing these challenges and harnessing microbial innovations, it is possible to develop resilient and sustainable agricultural systems capable of thriving in an increasingly water-scarce world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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40 pages, 2918 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biochar as a Multi-Action Substance Used to Improve Soil Properties in Horticultural and Agricultural Crops—A Review

by Agnieszka Kozioł, Dominika Paliwoda, Grzegorz Mikiciuk and Nadhira Benhadji

Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122165 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

With climate change escalating to global proportions over the past decade, along with a growing population, methods are being sought to help the natural and cultivated environment function in an ecologically balanced manner. Over the past few years, there has been a significantly [...] Read more.

With climate change escalating to global proportions over the past decade, along with a growing population, methods are being sought to help the natural and cultivated environment function in an ecologically balanced manner. Over the past few years, there has been a significantly increased interest in research on the use of natural substances for sustainable agriculture and horticulture. One of the most effective solutions to the emerging need is biochar, which has been the subject of environmental research for years due to its potential to increase soil carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, remediate contaminated soil, and alleviate anthropogenic pressures. There is evidence of improved soil fertility and increased crop yields in agricultural production after biochar application. Our work comprehensively describes the effects of biochar on soil properties, crop productivity, and mitigating environmental stresses, and its remediation potential in heavy metal-contaminated soils. We analyzed a wide range of the literature on the most important properties of biochar for various potential uses. We summarized the results of research work over the past two decades to analyze soil and plant responses to biochar application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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19 pages, 2250 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climate Change as an Existential Threat to Tropical Fruit Crop Production—A Review

by Chinnu Raju, Sellaperumal Pazhanivelan, Irene Vethamoni Perianadar, Ragunath Kaliaperumal, N. K. Sathyamoorthy and Vaithiyanathan Sendhilvel

Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14112018 - 8 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1438

Abstract

Climate change is an emerging threat to global food and nutritional security. The tropical fruits such as mango, bananas, passionfruit, custard apples, and papaya are highly sensitive to weather changes especially; changes of monsoon onset and elevated temperature are influencing crop growth and [...] Read more.

Climate change is an emerging threat to global food and nutritional security. The tropical fruits such as mango, bananas, passionfruit, custard apples, and papaya are highly sensitive to weather changes especially; changes of monsoon onset and elevated temperature are influencing crop growth and production. There is a need for more specific studies concerning individual crops and regional variations. Long-term effects and interactions of weather parameters and increased concentration of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, with phenological stages of the plant, pests, and diseases remain understudied, while adaptation strategies require further exploration for comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation. Few researchers have addressed the issues on the effect of climate change on tropical fruits. This paper focuses on the impact of abiotic (temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, evaporation, carbon dioxide concentration) and biotic (pest and pathogens dynamics) factors affecting the fruit crop ecosystem. These factors influence flowering, pollination, fruit set, fruit yield and quality. This review paper will help develop adaptive strategies, policy interventions and technological innovations aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on tropical fruit production and safeguarding global food and nutritional security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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25 pages, 1738 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conception, Consequences and Design of Cool Climate Viticulture Training Systems

by Richard Danko, Pavel Pavloušek, Magdalena Kapłan and Kamila E. Klimek

Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1966; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111966 - 1 Nov 2024

Viewed by 954

Abstract

In this review, the problems, challenges and opportunities of trellis design are dealt with in the conditions of cool climate viticulture influenced by climate changes. Viticulture in so-called cool climate regions faces a number of weather and climatic extremes that directly or indirectly [...] Read more.

In this review, the problems, challenges and opportunities of trellis design are dealt with in the conditions of cool climate viticulture influenced by climate changes. Viticulture in so-called cool climate regions faces a number of weather and climatic extremes that directly or indirectly damage the grapes and so the wine. A suitable option is to use the structural and technical implementation of vine trellises—training systems, canopy management, and pruning methods which can help the plant withstand various extremes. At the same time, it is essential to choose trellis design training systems that growers can maintain and that support the appropriate quality of the grapes. Viticultural regions of warmer climate are strengthening the shading potential of training systems. Even so, the central viticultural areas withstand highly variable extremes of previous vintages with numerous shortcomings in the shading potential of trellis design. Meanwhile, the cool climate regions tend to use a trellis design with a simple canopy and easy sunlight exposition to reach the maximum solar contribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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22 pages, 364 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of the Report on the Nutritional and Health-Promoting Values of Species of the Rubus L. Genus

by Kamil Buczyński, Magdalena Kapłan and Zbigniew Jarosz

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081324 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

The genus Rubus encompasses over 1000 species, including raspberries and blackberries, known for their rich nutritional and health-promoting properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nutritional values, health benefits, and potential medical and pharmaceutical applications of Rubus species. The [...] Read more.

The genus Rubus encompasses over 1000 species, including raspberries and blackberries, known for their rich nutritional and health-promoting properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nutritional values, health benefits, and potential medical and pharmaceutical applications of Rubus species. The fruits, roots, shoots, and leaves of these plants are distinguished by their high content of polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to their potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-cancer effects. The diverse phytochemical profiles of the Rubus species support their use in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, the Rubus species are valuable as pharmaceutical raw materials due to their bioactive compounds. Despite the focus on a few widely cultivated species, numerous wild and lesser-known Rubus species offer significant untapped potential as functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Future research should explore the detailed mechanisms of their bioactivities, develop effective extraction and formulation techniques, and integrate these findings into public health strategies. The genus Rubus represents a promising resource for enhancing human health and nutrition, as well as for pharmaceutical and medical applications, justifying increased cultivation and utilization of species from this genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities)

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