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Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition
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Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Biotic and Abiotic Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 21 March 2025 | Viewed by 7111

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Susana González-Morales

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Guest Editor
CONAHCYT-UAAAN, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico
Interests: chitin- and chitosan-based polymers; abiotic stress tolerance; biotic stress tolerance; plant gene expression; plant biology; plant biotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Fabián Pérez Labrada

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Guest Editor
Department of Botany, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico
Interests: plant physiology; plant stress; iron; calcareous soil; organic acids
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Dr. Yolanda González-García

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Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Centro de Investigación Regional Noroeste, Campo Experimental Todos Santos, La Paz 23070, Mexico
Interests: plant ecophysiology; nanomaterials; plant stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza

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Guest Editor
Department of Horticulture, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico
Interests: nanotechnology; plant biostimulation; biostimulants; biofortification; plant stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are constantly exposed to environmental factors that affect them and negatively impact the growth, development, productivity, and survival of major crops and forest ecosystems worldwide. Abiotic stress is intensified by global climate change, which increases desertification and soil salinization. Against this backdrop, plants have developed mechanisms (at the molecular, cellular, and plant levels) to detect and respond to these environmental challenges and adjust their growth to survive and reproduce. Understanding such mechanisms is crucial to implementing strategies that mitigate abiotic stress's adverse impact on plants.

This Special Issue, “Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition”, aims to present some of the results of the research conducted by colleagues interested in the different facets of abiotic stress in horticulture from a molecular, biochemical, physiological, or productivity point of view. The various production systems and the botanical diversity of horticultural crops are welcome as relevant components of this Special Issue.

Dr. Susana González-Morales
Dr. Fabián Pérez Labrada
Dr. Yolanda González-García
Dr. Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • defense system
  • salinity
  • drought
  • heat stress
  • cold stress
  • metals toxicity
  • nutrient stress
  • soil health
  • soil quality
  • biostimulation

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2485 KiB  
Article
Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Changes in the Grape Variety “Hotan Red” Caused by the Occurrence of Stress Under the Influence of Saline–Alkaline Growing Conditions
by Yan Song, Ruxue Li, Long Zhou, Lili Jiang and Xiong Wang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010069 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 408
Abstract
The native Hotan Red grape germplasm from Xinjiang has strong saline–alkali tolerance. To clarify the physiological mechanisms of Hotan Red grapes in response to saline–alkali stress, Hotan Red hydroponic seedlings were used as the research material in this study and were subjected to [...] Read more.
The native Hotan Red grape germplasm from Xinjiang has strong saline–alkali tolerance. To clarify the physiological mechanisms of Hotan Red grapes in response to saline–alkali stress, Hotan Red hydroponic seedlings were used as the research material in this study and were subjected to the combined saline–alkali stress treatments of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mmol·L−1. After the 15th day of stress, plant height, shoot thickness, saline–alkali injury index, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, osmoregulatory substance content, oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes of Hotan Red were determined. The results showed that the growth of plant height and shoot thickness of Hotan Red was inhibited, chlorophyll content decreased and the salinity damage index increased with increasing saline–alkali stress. Saline–alkali stress resulted in a non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis in Hotan Red, which was manifested by a decrease in net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, and an increase in the concentration of intercellular carbon dioxide, in which the net photosynthetic rate reached a minimum value of 3.56 μmol·m−2·s−1 under 120 mmol·L−1 saline–alkali stress; the actual photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light and maximal quantum yield of PSⅡ decreased, with minimum values of 0.16 and 0.60, respectively. Accumulation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugars and soluble proteins, and enhancement of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities were observed in Hotan Red under saline–alkali stress. Partial least squares path model analysis showed that photosynthesis was the main driver of saline–alkali injury in Hotan Red, followed by oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes, with osmoregulators playing an indirect role. This study revealed the physiological mechanism by which Hotan Red tolerates saline–alkali stress, providing a basis for further research into the mechanism of saline–alkali tolerance in grapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1411 KiB  
Article
The Applications of Different Glycine Betaine Doses on Young Pear Trees Under Drought Stress Conditions
by Cenk Küçükyumuk, Zeliha Küçükyumuk, Burhanettin İmrak and Songül Çömlekçioğlu
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111217 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 613
Abstract
This experiment was conducted at the Fruit Research Institute, MAREM, Eğirdir-Isparta, Turkey, to detect the effects of different glycine betaine doses in drought stress conditions on young pear trees in 2019. The pear trees used in the study were one-year-old Deveci (Pyrus [...] Read more.
This experiment was conducted at the Fruit Research Institute, MAREM, Eğirdir-Isparta, Turkey, to detect the effects of different glycine betaine doses in drought stress conditions on young pear trees in 2019. The pear trees used in the study were one-year-old Deveci (Pyrus Comminus L.) variety grafted onto OHxF 333 rootstock. There were three different irrigation treatments in the experiment. Treatments were I100 treatment—available soil water reached field capacity for each irrigation, 100% (control); I50 treatment—irrigated with 50% of the water used in the I100 treatment (50% water deficit, moderate stress); I25 treatment—irrigated with 25% of the water used in the I100 treatment (75% water deficit, severe stress). Four different GB doses were used: GB0: 0, control; GB1: 1 mg L−1; GB5: 5 mg L−1; and GB10: 10 mg L−1. GB was not applied to pear trees in the I100 treatment. That is, there were nine different treatments in this study. GB applications provided a 19% increase in Pn of both the I25 and I50 treatments. According to the results of gsw, gsw increased between 18.0% and 27.8% for GB50 and GB25 treatments, respectively. In total, 10.9% and 14.8% increasing rates in shoot length were detected in GB10 applications in both the 50% and 75% water deficit treatments. The highest trunk diameter and fresh root weight results were determined in 10 mg L−1 GB dose applications under 50% water deficit conditions (I50GB10). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2490 KiB  
Article
Studying the Combined Impact of Salinity and Drought Stress-Simulated Conditions on Physio-Biochemical Characteristics of Lettuce Plant
by Mostafa Abdelkader, Ahmad A. Suliman, Salem S. Salem, Ansabayeva Assiya, Luidmila Voronina, Mikhail Puchkov, Elena Loktionova, Axay Bhuker, Farid Shokry Ataya, Mohamed H. Mahmoud and Mohamed F. M. Abdelkader
Horticulturae 2024, 10(11), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10111186 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1402
Abstract
Water scarcity and increasing salinity stress are significant challenges in the farming sector as they often exacerbate each other, as limited water availability can concentrate salts in the soil, further hindering plant growth. Lettuce, a crucial leafy vegetable with high nutritional value, is [...] Read more.
Water scarcity and increasing salinity stress are significant challenges in the farming sector as they often exacerbate each other, as limited water availability can concentrate salts in the soil, further hindering plant growth. Lettuce, a crucial leafy vegetable with high nutritional value, is susceptible to water availability and quality. This study investigates the growth and development of lettuce plants under water scarcity and varying levels of salinity stress to identify effective strategies for reducing water consumption while maintaining or improving plant productivity. Field experiments were designed to simulate three drought levels (50, 75, and 100% of class A pan evaporation) and three salinity stress levels (control, 1500, and 3000 ppm NaCl), assessing their impact on lettuce’s morphological and biochemical parameters. The combination of reduced water supply and high salinity significantly hindered growth, underscoring the detrimental effects of simultaneous water deficit and salinity stress on plant development. Non-stressed treatment enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents and progressively decreased with the reduction in water supply from 100% to 50%. Interestingly, higher salinity levels increased total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity, suggesting an adaptive stress response. Moreover, antioxidant activity, evaluated through DPPH and ABTS assays, peaked in plants irrigated with 75% ETo, whether under control or 1500 ppm salinity conditions. The Yield Stability Index was highest at 75% ETo (0.95), indicating robust stability under stress. The results indicated that lettuce could be cultivated with up to 75% of the water requirement without significantly impacting plant development or quality. Furthermore, the investigation demonstrated that lettuce could thrive when irrigated with water of moderate salinity (1500 ppm). These findings highlight the potential for reducing water quantities and saline water in lettuce production, offering practical solutions for sustainable farming in water-scarce regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 4500 KiB  
Article
Application of Silicon Iron and Silver Nanoparticles Improve Vegetative Development and Physiological Characteristics of Boysenberry Plants Grown under Salinity Stress In Vitro Cultivation Conditions
by Zehra Kurt and Sevinç Ateş
Horticulturae 2024, 10(10), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10101118 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 990
Abstract
Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that affect plant growth and limit agricultural productivity. In this study, the effects of iron (FeNP), silver (AgNP), and silicon dioxide (SiNP) nanoparticles on the morphological and physiological parameters of in vitro boysenberry [...] Read more.
Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that affect plant growth and limit agricultural productivity. In this study, the effects of iron (FeNP), silver (AgNP), and silicon dioxide (SiNP) nanoparticles on the morphological and physiological parameters of in vitro boysenberry plants grown under salinity stress (NaCl) were investigated. According to our study results, higher values were obtained from SiNP application in terms of shoot development parameters; FeNP application was found to be more successful for root development; AgNP application was effective in terms of SPAD, leaf relative water content (LRWC), and relative growth rate (RGR); and FeNP application increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. Salt stress significantly affected root development, SPAD values, LRWC and RGR, and SOD and CAT enzyme activities. As a result, under salt stress conditions, SiNP, FeNP, and AgNP applications can significantly reduce the negative effects of stress and promote the vegetative development of the plant compared to control conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 678 KiB  
Article
Physio-Morphological Traits Contributing to Genotypic Differences in Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Leafy Vegetable Species under Low N Stress
by Firdes Ulas, Yusuf Cem Yücel and Abdullah Ulas
Horticulturae 2024, 10(9), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10090984 - 17 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 964
Abstract
Soil fertility is declining in low-input agriculture due to insufficient fertilizer application by small-scale farmers. On the other hand, concerns are rising regarding the environmental pollution of both air and water in high-input agriculture due to the excessive use of N fertilizers in [...] Read more.
Soil fertility is declining in low-input agriculture due to insufficient fertilizer application by small-scale farmers. On the other hand, concerns are rising regarding the environmental pollution of both air and water in high-input agriculture due to the excessive use of N fertilizers in short growing seasons for vegetable crops, which is directly linked to the health of human beings and environmental safety. This study aimed to determine genotypic differences in the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) levels of different leafy vegetable species (Arugula, Spinach, Cress, Parsley, and Dill) grown hydroponically under two different N rates, low N (0.3 mM) and high N (3.0 mM), and to identify the plant traits that are contributing to NUE. A nutrient solution experiment was conducted between March and April 2024 by using an aerated Deep-Water Culture (DWC) technique in a fully automated climate room with a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications for five weeks. The results indicated that shoot growth, as well as root morphological and leaf physiological responses, was significantly (p < 0.001) affected by genotype, the N rate, and genotype–N rate interactions. Shoot growth in some vegetable species (Arugula, Spinach, and Cress) was significantly higher under a low N than a high N rate, illustrating that they have a great capability for NUE under low N stress conditions. Similar results were also recorded for the root growth of the N-efficient species under low N rates. The NUE levels of these species were closely associated with leaf physiological (leaf area, leaf chlorophyll index (SPAD), photosynthesis, and total leaf chlorophyll (a + b) and carotenoids) and root morphological (root length, root volume, and average root diameter) characteristics. These plant traits could be useful indicators for the selection and breeding of ‘N-efficient’ leafy vegetable species for sustainable low-input agriculture systems in the future. However, further investigation should be carried out at the field level to confirm their commercial production viability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 2734 KiB  
Article
Improved Waterlogging Tolerance in Roots of Cucumber Plants after Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
by Nan Xiang, Zhen Liu, Xiao Tian, Dan Wang, Abeer Hashem, Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah, Qiang-Sheng Wu and Ying-Ning Zou
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050478 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhances host plant resistance to various unfavorable environmental stresses, but whether and how it also enhances waterlogging tolerance in cucumber plants is not known. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of Paraglomus occultum inoculation on biomass production, [...] Read more.
Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhances host plant resistance to various unfavorable environmental stresses, but whether and how it also enhances waterlogging tolerance in cucumber plants is not known. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of Paraglomus occultum inoculation on biomass production, osmolyte levels, and the expression of 12 heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) genes and 14 plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) genes in the roots of cucumber plants under a short-term waterlogging stress (WS) (5 days) condition. Although the short-term WS treatment significantly inhibited the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization of roots, the inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) significantly increased leaf, stem, and root biomass under WS. AMF inoculation also significantly increased root glucose, sucrose, betaine, and proline contents, along with decreased fructose levels, compared with the uninoculated control. More CsHsp70 and CsPIP genes were up-regulated in AMF-inoculated plants than in AMF-uninoculated plants in response to WS. AMF inoculation showed no significant effect on the expression of any of the examined CsHsp70 genes under no-waterlogging stress, but it did raise the expression of 11 of 12 CsHsp70 genes under WS. AMF colonization also down-regulated or had no effect on CsPIP expression under no-waterlogging stress, whereas it up-regulated the expression of 12 of the 14 CsPIP genes under WS. It is concluded that AMF inoculation enhances waterlogging tolerance in cucumber plants by increasing osmolyte levels and stress-responsive gene (CsPIP and CsHsp70) expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Horticultural Crops—2nd Edition)
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