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14 pages, 1060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Salinity and Biostimulants on Cherry Tomato Yield and Quality

by Ida Di Mola, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Christophe El-Nakhel, Nunzio Fiorentino, Maria Eleonora Pelosi, Youssef Rouphael and Mauro Mori

Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121239 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 232

Abstract

Salt stress causes several detrimental effects on the growth and production of cultivated plants; therefore, scientists have investigated several strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress, including the application of biostimulants. In our research, we tested four salinity levels of irrigation [...] Read more.

Salt stress causes several detrimental effects on the growth and production of cultivated plants; therefore, scientists have investigated several strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress, including the application of biostimulants. In our research, we tested four salinity levels of irrigation water (tap water and water at 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 dS m⁻¹, EC0, EC3, EC6, and EC9, respectively) and two biostimulant applications (untreated plants—Control and plants treated with an extract from seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum—Bio) on a cherry-type tomato. The marketable tomato yield linearly decreased with increasing salinity stress in both treated and untreated plants. However, biostimulant application boosted the production, on average, by 53.2%, significantly impacting only the Control and EC3 treatments. Regarding qualitative traits, no interaction between the factors was detected, except for color parameters. Nonetheless, salinity, particularly in the two less stressed treatments, led to an increase in total soluble solids, firmness, lipophilic antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid, while the biostimulant improved plant biomass, total soluble solids, firmness, and hydrophilic antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the seaweed extract of Ascophyllum nodosum elicited a beneficial response in tomato plants subjected to low levels of salt stress, as well as in optimal irrigation condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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17 pages, 6722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening and Verification of Aquaporin Gene AsPIP1-3 in Garlic (Allium sativum L.) under Salt and Drought Stress

by Hanyu Wei, Jiaojiao Ruan, Rong Zhou, Yunhe Bai, Min Liu, Fangling Jiang and Zhen Wu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070738 - 12 Jul 2024

Viewed by 663

Abstract

In order to screen candidate aquaporin genes involved in resisting osmotic stress, we analyzed the physiological responses and the expression levels of aquaporin genes in garlic under drought and salt stress with ‘Er Shuizao’ as plant material. Different physiological indicators were detected under [...] Read more.

In order to screen candidate aquaporin genes involved in resisting osmotic stress, we analyzed the physiological responses and the expression levels of aquaporin genes in garlic under drought and salt stress with ‘Er Shuizao’ as plant material. Different physiological indicators were detected under drought and salt stress treatments. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of the candidate aquaporin genes in specific tissues. Finally, we screened AsPIP1-3 as a candidate gene and analyzed its function. The results showed that the relative water content and chlorophyll content of leaves decreased, the O₂⁻ production rate increased, and H₂O₂ accumulated in garlic under drought and salt stress. The activities of SOD, POD, and CAT enzymes first increased and then decreased in garlic. The content of soluble sugar and proline increased to maintain cell osmotic balance, and the content of MDA and relative conductivity continued to increase. Most aquaporin gene expression first increased and then decreased in garlic under drought and salt stress. AsPIP1-3 gene expression is up-regulated under drought and salt stress in garlic. The relative expression was the highest on the 6th day of stress, being related to antioxidant enzyme activity and osmotic regulation. The consistent changes in gene expressions and physiological responses indicated that AsPIP1-3 played a role in resisting garlic osmotic stress. AsPIP1-3 was located on the cell membrane, being consistent with the predicted results of subcellular localization. The germination rate and root length of transgenic Arabidopsis under drought stress were significantly different from the wild type. Drought stress reduced the ROS accumulation of transgenic Arabidopsis, and the antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly higher than the wild type. The relative conductivity and MDA content significantly decreased, and the proline content increased under drought stress. The expression level of the genes related to drought stress response (AtRD22, AtP5CS, AtABF3, and AtLEA) significantly increased. The overexpression of AsPIP1-3 genes improved the drought tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis plants, showing that AsPIP1-3 proteins enhanced drought tolerance. Our study laid a foundation for exploring the regulatory mechanism of garlic to abiotic stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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18 pages, 1528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Salinity on ‘Fino 95’ Lemon Trees Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

by Josefa M. Navarro, Olaya Pérez-Tornero and Asunción Morte

Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060612 - 9 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 906

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with two-year-old ‘Fino 95’ lemon plants (Citrus limon Burm. f. cv. Fino) grafted on C. macrophylla (Citrus macrophylla Wester) to study the effects of salinity on plants inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Half of the inoculated [...] Read more.

An experiment was conducted with two-year-old ‘Fino 95’ lemon plants (Citrus limon Burm. f. cv. Fino) grafted on C. macrophylla (Citrus macrophylla Wester) to study the effects of salinity on plants inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Half of the inoculated (+AM) and non-inoculated (−AM) plants were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland solution, and the remainder were inoculated with half-strength Hoagland solution + 30 mM NaCl. Ninety-eight days later, results showed that AMF had alleviated the negative effect of salinity on growth. Inoculation with AMF provided some protection against the damage that salinity caused on cellular membranes and improved the plant water status and turgor under saline conditions (Ψ_x and Π increased by 16% and 48%, respectively). The responses of mineral nutrition to salinity and AMF treatments were complex. P concentrations in the leaves and roots of +AM plants were lower than in those of −AM plants, but inoculation improved Ca²⁺ (by 20%), Mg²⁺ (24%), Fe²⁺ (21%), and Zn²⁺ (7%) nutrition in roots and also the Mg²⁺/Na⁺ ratio in leaves (33%), reducing the antagonistic effect of Na⁺ on Mg²⁺ nutrition in salt-treated plants. AMF could protect plants against salt stress through the maintenance of the gas exchange capacity and due to a better antioxidant response. All these positive effects of AMF contributed to mitigating the harmful effects of salinity stress on the plant growth performance of lemon trees grafted on C. macrophylla rootstock under salinity conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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21 pages, 1509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Water Use Efficiency, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Crimson Seedless Grapevines under Drought Stress

by Mohamed E. A. El-Sayed, Amr A. Hammam, Ahmed S. K. Fayed, Nazih Y. Rebouh and Rasha M. Badr Eldin

Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060576 - 1 Jun 2024

Viewed by 978

Abstract

Drought stress is a group of abiotic stresses that affects plant growth and yield production. A field experiment over two successive seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) in sand soil was conducted to investigate the integration effect of deficit irrigation, soil amendment “hundzsoil”, and the [...] Read more.

Drought stress is a group of abiotic stresses that affects plant growth and yield production. A field experiment over two successive seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) in sand soil was conducted to investigate the integration effect of deficit irrigation, soil amendment “hundzsoil”, and the spraying of proline on the water use efficiency (WUE), yield, and fruit quality of 8-year-old Crimson seedless table grapes. Four application rates of soil amendment (0, 2, 4, and 6 kg hundzsoil /vine) were added during the dormancy period, and four irrigation levels at 125, 100, 75, and 60% of the field capacity were applied just before flowering until harvest. Proline at two levels (0 and 500 ppm) was applied as a foliar spray. Parameters such as bud fertility, weight of 100 berries, juice volume, and cluster number were positively affected by irrigation at 75% FC along with applying hundzsoil at 2 and 4 kg/vine under proline spray in both seasons. Irrigation at the 125% FC level with a 6 kg hundzsoil application under proline spray resulted in the highest yield, berries number, cluster length, cluster weight, and total anthocyanin in both seasons. The TSS/acidity ratio was significantly and positively affected by deficit irrigation (60% FC level) under hundzsoil at a rate of 4 kg alongside proline spray. Reducing irrigation to 60% FC without hundzsoil and proline spray negatively affected numerous growth parameters and the yield. However, irrigation at 60% FC alongside 6 kg of hundzsoil and proline showed the highest IWUE in both seasons. Proline spray was a key factor in conserving water used for irrigation. This study recommends using deficit irrigation alongside hundzsoil application under proline spray as an adequate strategy for water use efficiency and improving the yield and fruit quality of Crimson seedless grapevines cultivated in sand soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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16 pages, 2833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitivity and Regulation of Diel Photosynthesis in Red-Fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Micropropagules under Mannitol-Induced Water Stress/Rehydration Cycle In Vitro

by Yu-Chi Lee and Jer-Chia Chang

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030235 - 28 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1137

Abstract

Climate change-induced prolonged water stress (WS) affects crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis in pitaya (Hylocereus), limiting crop productivity through insufficient photosynthate. To document how WS/rehydration affects diel photosynthesis, red-fleshed pitaya (H. polyrhizus) micropropagules were studied for 5 weeks in a [...] Read more.

Climate change-induced prolonged water stress (WS) affects crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis in pitaya (Hylocereus), limiting crop productivity through insufficient photosynthate. To document how WS/rehydration affects diel photosynthesis, red-fleshed pitaya (H. polyrhizus) micropropagules were studied for 5 weeks in a mannitol-induced water potential gradient replaced with moderate (MWS; −1.0 MPa in week 2; −0.5 MPa for the rest) or intensified (IWS; −1.0 and −1.5 MPa in weeks 2 and 3; −0.5 MPa for the rest) WS in vitro. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and integrated net CO₂ uptake (INCU) were measured using an Arduino-based photosynthesis system. Micropropagules under MWS had similar Pn in weeks 5 and 1, whereas the control (−0.5 MPa) increased. Pn recovery did not occur after IWS. The average relative INCU was similar in the control and MWS, but lower in IWS. The Pn difference increased with WS, becoming more evident at dawn (Phase II), evening (Phase IV), and predawn the next day (Phase I), and occurred earlier in Phases IV and I under IWS. MWS did not reduce photosynthesis, demonstrating that the photosynthetic regulation could respond to short-term WS in pitaya and indicating the potential of watering for Pn recovery at evening and predawn under IWS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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19 pages, 6046 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Physiological and Productive Responses of Two Vitis vinifera L. Cultivars across Three Sites in Central-South Italy

by Filippo Ferlito, Elisabetta Nicolosi, Angelo Sicilia, Clizia Villano, Riccardo Aversano and Angela Roberta Lo Piero

Horticulturae 2023, 9(12), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9121321 - 8 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1224

Abstract

Grapevine adaptation to drought involves morphological, anatomical, and physiological modifications that could be viewed as a measure of drought avoidance. The main vine responses to drought consist of the regulation of carbon assimilation as a consequence of limited stomatal conductance, which is reflected [...] Read more.

Grapevine adaptation to drought involves morphological, anatomical, and physiological modifications that could be viewed as a measure of drought avoidance. The main vine responses to drought consist of the regulation of carbon assimilation as a consequence of limited stomatal conductance, which is reflected in changes in plant water status. In this factorial study (2020–2021 growing seasons), two red cultivars, the local ‘Aglianico’, widely grown in Central-South Italy, and the international ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, were used to evaluate how their interaction in three different environments can modify physiological adaptations and how yields and their qualitative traits can be modified. The lowest leaf water potential (−0.68 Mpa) for the two cultivars was registered in Molise, while the most stressed vine was found in Sicily for Aglianico (−1.86 MPa). At least in two of three locations, Molise and Campania, the detected stomatal conductance and the leaf water potential have shown that Cabernet Sauvignon can be classified as a near-isohydric cultivar, whereas Aglianico can be categorized as a near-anisohydric cultivar. The interactions between genotype x environment highlight different levels of adaptability between the two cultivars in different sites during each season. The data presented here contribute to a better understanding of the effects of genotype and environment interactions in progressive dry cultivation and how these interactions can modify the qualitative traits of grapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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16 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Light Intensity and Water Stress on Growth, Photosynthetic Characteristics and Plant Survival of Cistus heterophyllus Desf. Subsp. carthaginensis (Pau) M. B. Crespo & Mateo

by María José Gómez-Bellot, María Jesús Sánchez-Blanco, Beatriz Lorente, María José Vicente-Colomer and María Fernanda Ortuño

Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080878 - 2 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1496

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the physiological mechanisms used by Cistus heterophyllus Desf. Subsp. carthaginensis (Pau) M. B. Crespo & Mateo, a species in critical danger of extinction, to cope with two typical abiotic conditions. During the summer of 2021, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to identify the physiological mechanisms used by Cistus heterophyllus Desf. Subsp. carthaginensis (Pau) M. B. Crespo & Mateo, a species in critical danger of extinction, to cope with two typical abiotic conditions. During the summer of 2021, plants were cultivated under a shade mesh that intercepted 50% of the incident solar radiation (SHADE) and in natural conditions (SUN). Three irrigation treatments were also applied: control, T1, moderate water deficit; T2, 60% of the control, severe deficit; and T3, 30% of the control. Therefore, there were six treatments (SUN-T1, SUN-T2, SUN-T3, SHADE-T1, SHADE-T2, SHADE-T3). Plants were more affected by solar radiation than by deficit irrigation. Although leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and root biomass decreased by up to 45%, 63% and 65%, respectively, as deficit irrigation increased, plants were able to develop a leaf osmotic adjustment and an improved intrinsic water-use efficiency to maintain their growth and survival rate. Shade conditions improved gas exchange, reduced leaf temperature and induced the synthesis of chlorophylls, regardless of the irrigation level imposed. This indicated that radiation was the most limiting factor in our experiment. Applying 50% of the radiation and a moderate water deficit would help to obtain a good plant development and high survival rate in future recovery and conservation programs for the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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15 pages, 6431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Cold Tolerance Evaluation of Four Species of Liliaceae Plants through Cell Death Measurement and Lethal Temperature Prediction

by Woo-Hyeong Yang, Seong-Hyeon Yong, Dong-Jin Park, Sung-Jin Ahn, Do-Hyun Kim, Kwan-Been Park, Eon-Ju Jin and Myung-Suk Choi

Horticulturae 2023, 9(7), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9070751 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1453

Abstract

Although Liliaceae are valuable resource plants with medicinal and edible uses, techniques for evaluating their tolerance to various abiotic stresses are very limited. This study evaluated the cold tolerance using visual inspection, electrolyte leakage, and Evan’s blue assay. Visual inspection of the responses [...] Read more.

Although Liliaceae are valuable resource plants with medicinal and edible uses, techniques for evaluating their tolerance to various abiotic stresses are very limited. This study evaluated the cold tolerance using visual inspection, electrolyte leakage, and Evan’s blue assay. Visual inspection of the responses to different temperatures, using a temperature range of 4 to −12 °C, showed that Scilla scilloides was receive the least damage. However, electrolyte leakage tests showed slightly different results from visual inspection. The median lethal temperature (LT₅₀) was expected to be between −4 and −8 °C. The LT₅₀ was considered a measure of damage due to electrolyte leakage in plant cold tolerance evaluation. As a result of predicting the lethal temperature using the logistic regression equation, the average LT₅₀ of the four plants was −9.0 °C. The species with the lowest LT₅₀ was measured for Hosta plantagines (−11.14°C), whereas the highest LT₅₀ was measured for Hemerocallis fulva (−7.14°C). As a result of the Evan’s blue assay, it was found that cell necrosis occurred when the plants were exposed to low temperatures. Visual observation showed that more than 50% of the three plants’ cells, except for H. plantaginea, were stained blue even at 8 °C. From this result, H. plantaginea was judged to have strong low-temperature tolerance. At −12 °C, more than 50% of the four Liliaceae plants were colored blue, and the LT₅₀ value was expected to be below −12 °C. The reducing sugar content, an indicator of plant cold tolerance, was the highest in H. plantaginea, followed by S. scilloide and H. longipes. Combining the three methods, H. plantaginea had the highest cold tolerance, followed by H. longipes, S. scilloides, and H. fulva. The results of this study will be widely used in selecting cold-tolerant useful resource plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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14 pages, 5647 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Managing Water Stress in Olive (Olea europaea L.) Orchards Using Reference Equations for Midday Stem Water Potential

by Marta Sánchez-Piñero, Mireia Corell, Alfonso Moriana, Pedro Castro-Valdecantos and María-José Martin-Palomo

Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050563 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2454

Abstract

The irrigation surface of olive orchards has increased over recent decades. In zones affected, deficit irrigation scheduling is a must. The aim of this work was to study water stress management based on reference equations for midday stem water potential. An experiment was [...] Read more.

The irrigation surface of olive orchards has increased over recent decades. In zones affected, deficit irrigation scheduling is a must. The aim of this work was to study water stress management based on reference equations for midday stem water potential. An experiment was conducted over three seasons in Seville (Spain) from 2020 to 2022. A young hedgerow olive orchard (cv Manzanilla de Sevilla) was irrigated using three different treatments: Control (full irrigated), RDI, and Rainfed, in a completely randomized design (six replications). The midday stem water potential and leaf conductance were measured throughout the three seasons. Stem water potential was more sensitive to water stress than leaf conductance and showed a clearer impact and rehydration. Individual data of stem water potential were grouped according to leaf conductance reduction. The relationship of these stem water potentials and temperature or vapor pressure deficit was significant, linear, and aligned to published baselines. Scattering in these equations increased when the leaf conductance reduction was greater. These reference equations would be useful to define moderate water stress conditions in the most sensitive processes, such as vegetative or fruit growth. Definition of severe water stress conditions would be better established with constant values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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14 pages, 3077 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimization of Applied Irrigation Water for High Marketable Yield, Fruit Quality and Economic Benefits of Processing Tomato Using a Low-Cost Wireless Sensor

by Antonio El Chami, Raffaele Cortignani, Davide Dell’Unto, Roberto Mariotti, Piero Santelli, Roberto Ruggeri, Giuseppe Colla and Mariateresa Cardarelli

Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030390 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Water management is a key factor to optimize fruit quality and yield of processing tomatoes which are site-specific and influenced by environmental conditions e.g., soil, temperature, precipitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacity of a low-cost wireless soil moisture [...] Read more.

Water management is a key factor to optimize fruit quality and yield of processing tomatoes which are site-specific and influenced by environmental conditions e.g., soil, temperature, precipitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacity of a low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor in determining the irrigation level for optimizing the marketable yield, fruit quality and economic profit of processing tomato. A two-years (2017–2018) trial was conducted in open field, applying nine drip irrigation levels controlled by wireless soil moisture capacitance sensors. The irrigation levels were as follows: 13.2, 16.7, 25.4, 33.3, 50.0, 62.3, 82.5, 100 and 186.8% of water restitution based on soil moisture sensor readings. Because of the crop stress induced by heavy rainfalls occurring in 2018 growing season, total and marketable yields reached higher maximum values in 2017 than 2018. In 2017, total and marketable yields were maximized by supplying 92.8% and 96.2% of irrigation level, respectively. Moreover, 95.6% and 91.2% of irrigation level were necessary in 2018 to maximize total and marketable yield, respectively. In both growing seasons, marketable yield variation was due to changes of both fruit number and fruit mean weight. Total soluble solids of fruit juice linearly decreased by increasing the irrigation level with a more pronounced effect in the driest growing season (2017). Economic analysis demonstrated that 100% of irrigation level should be preferred by the Italian farmers since it maximized the operating margins of processing tomatoes in both years. To conclude, the use of the tested low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor is an effective tool to manage the level of irrigation and optimize the processing tomato yield and economic benefits for farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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16 pages, 5548 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Low Nitrogen Stress Promotes Root Nitrogen Uptake and Assimilation in Strawberry: Contribution of Hormone Networks

by Wenjie Zhang, Ting Zhang, Jia Zhang, Weiwei Lei, Lin Zhao, Shuai Wang, Mengyun Shi and Meng Wei

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020249 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2476

Abstract

Low nitrogen stress severely impedes crop growth and productivity. There has been substantial research on root adaptation to low nitrogen conditions in many plant species. However, the mechanism underlying the morphological response of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) root to low-NO [...] Read more.

Low nitrogen stress severely impedes crop growth and productivity. There has been substantial research on root adaptation to low nitrogen conditions in many plant species. However, the mechanism underlying the morphological response of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) root to low-NO₃⁻ or low-NH₄⁺ stress remains poorly understood. Strawberry plants were hydroponically cultivated under 1 mM NO₃⁻, 1 mM NH₄⁺, and control (15 mM NO₃⁻) conditions to assess the physiological responses of their roots to low nitrogen stress. As a result, low nitrogen stresses increased the fresh weight of root, lateral root density, and root surface area, as well as enhanced the accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid and jasmonic acid while significantly reducing salicylic acid in the roots. Correspondingly, low nitrogen stresses increased PM H⁺-ATPase activity. Low-NO₃⁻ stress enhanced the activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, whereas low-NH₄⁺ treatment led to higher glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase activities. Collectively, the present results demonstrate that low nitrogen stresses enhance nitrogen uptake of strawberry roots by regulating hormones (indole-3-acetic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid) and thereby mediating PM H⁺-ATPase activity, while promoting nitrogen metabolism by upregulating the activities of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthase. In conclusion, low nitrogen conditions may facilitate more efficient acquisition of available N from the soil by strawberry root system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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15 pages, 3372 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Variability in the Agronomic Behavior of 12 White Grapevine Varieties Grown under Severe Water Stress Conditions in the La Mancha Wine Region

by A. Sergio Serrano, Jesús Martínez-Gascueña, Gonzalo L. Alonso, Cristina Cebrián-Tarancón, M. Dolores Carmona, Adela Mena Morales and Juan L. Chacón-Vozmediano

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020243 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1847

Abstract

Viticulture around the world is currently affected by climate change, which is causing an increasing scarcity of water resources necessary for the maintenance of vineyards. Despite the drought hardiness of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), this threat seriously compromises its cultivation in the [...] Read more.

Viticulture around the world is currently affected by climate change, which is causing an increasing scarcity of water resources necessary for the maintenance of vineyards. Despite the drought hardiness of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), this threat seriously compromises its cultivation in the near future, particularly in wine-growing areas with a semi-arid climate. Identifying varieties capable of producing suitable yields and good-quality grapes under drought conditions is integral to ensuring the sustainability of the wine sector. This study focuses on vines from both minority and widely grown varieties, which were supplied only with the water intended to ensure their survival. The carbon and oxygen isotope ratios, yield, and quality parameters were evaluated on the vines and musts during the period of 2018–2020. The results revealed that not all varieties responded equally well to drought. Albillo Real, Coloraillo, Macabeo, and Verdejo adapted well to drought conditions, simultaneously maintaining high yields and must quality. By contrast, Pedro Ximénez can be considered poorly adapted. This variety was the one that produced the lowest yield and had low acidity levels in the must. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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14 pages, 2427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Priming Watermelon Resistance by Activating Physiological Response and Defense Gene Expression to Alleviate Fusarium Wilt in Wheat-Watermelon Intercropping

by Huifang Lv, Junyang Lu, Yuan Huang, Mingxia Wang, Congsheng Yan and Zhilong Bie

Horticulturae 2023, 9(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010027 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

Wheat intercropping in watermelon could provide relief from the occurrence of Fusarium wilting of watermelon, a severe soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). The current study aims to investigate the effect of root exudates from three wheat [...] Read more.

Wheat intercropping in watermelon could provide relief from the occurrence of Fusarium wilting of watermelon, a severe soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). The current study aims to investigate the effect of root exudates from three wheat cultivars and one watermelon cultivar on the growth of FON and the responses of Fusarium wilt in watermelon to intercropping with wheat. The results revealed the contrasting effects of root exudates on the mycelial growth of FON; the wheat root exudates inhibited the mycelial growth of FON, and watermelon root exudates promoted the mycelial growth of FON. Watermelon plants suffered less Fusarium wilt in the intercropping system than in the monocropping system. Wheat intercropping reduced the incidence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon, and this effect was associated with the role of wheat root exudates that inhibited the growth of FON. Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased in the intercropping system compared with the monocropping system after FON inoculation. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities, and total phenolics and flavonoid contents in the roots of watermelon in the intercropping system were significantly higher than those in the monocropping system. Real-time PCR analysis showed that ClCAT, ClSOD, ClAPX, and ClPPO defensive enzymes and ClPDF2.1 and ClPDF2.4 defensin-like gene expression were significantly induced during the early stage after FON inoculation in the intercropping system compared to the monocropping system, while peroxidases did not show a significant response to FON infection. It is suggested that intercropping with wheat alleviates Fusarium wilt of watermelon by reducing the population of FON in rhizospheric soil and activating physiological responses and defense gene expression to protect watermelon from FON infection and improve the resistance of watermelon to FON in the intercropping system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessReview

γ Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): A Key Player in Alleviating Abiotic Stress Resistance in Horticultural Crops: Current Insights and Future Directions

by Faisal Hayat, Ummara Khan, Juan Li, Nazir Ahmed, Fakhara Khanum, Shahid Iqbal, Muhammad Ahsan Altaf, Jalil Ahmad, Hafiz Umer Javed, Yang Peng, Xiaoyan Ma, Panfeng Tu, Jiezhong Chen and Muhammad Adnan Shahid

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060647 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid known for its role in the nervous system of animals. However, research has also revealed its presence and function in plants recently. In plants, GABA is a signal molecule involved in multiple physiological processes, including [...] Read more.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid known for its role in the nervous system of animals. However, research has also revealed its presence and function in plants recently. In plants, GABA is a signal molecule involved in multiple physiological processes, including stress response, growth, and development. This review aims to present a thorough summary of the current knowledge regarding the role of GABA in plants. We begin by discussing the biosynthesis and transport of GABA in plants, followed by a detailed examination of its signaling mechanisms. Additionally, we explore GABA's potential roles in various plant physiological processes, such as abiotic stress response, and its potential application in horticultural plants. Finally, we highlight current challenges and future directions for research in this area. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of the significance of GABA in plants and its potential implications for plant physiology and crop improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Crop Physiological Responses under Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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