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Horticulturae
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Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and...
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Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and Plant Protection Levels

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Protected Culture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2024) | Viewed by 13293

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sonia Cacini

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Guest Editor
CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via dei Fiori 8, 51012 Pescia, Italy
Interests: growing media; nutrient management; precision agriculture; modeling; ecophysiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Catello Pane

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Guest Editor
CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via Cavalleggeri, 25, 84098 Pontecagnano Faiano, Italy
Interests: plant pathology; digital support systems for disease management; agroecology; biological control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soilless cultivation in horticulture is reaching high technological levels by means of decision support systems (DSSs), enabling digital control of a lot of cultural operations, including fertigation, water supply, disease and pest management, greenhouse climate conditioning, and physiological effect lighting. The development and consolidation of new managing protocols, based on biological and non-chemical tools, in association with the latest advanced digital horticultural technologies, has been widely investigated. Furthermore, the increasing number of issues related to growing media sustainability, as well as availability and usability, are moving towards new challenges compared to previous studies. 

This Special Issue welcomes papers focusing on cutting-edge technologies, new methods, and both biological and non-chemical next-generation tools, including growing media, aimed at improving plant productivity and protection levels against pests and diseases, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and phytosanitary products by favoring the optimal use of resources, and in particular enhancing energy, water, and nutrient use efficiency. 

Dr. Sonia Cacini
Dr. Catello Pane
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

  • DSSs
  • sensors
  • growing media
  • fertilization
  • irrigation management
  • pest and disease control
  • sustainability
  • circular economy
  • energy

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2680 KiB  
Article
Salinity Impact on Yield, Quality and Sensory Profile of ‘Pisanello’ Tuscan Local Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Closed Soilless Cultivation
by Fatjon Cela, Giulia Carmassi, Basma Najar, Isabella Taglieri, Chiara Sanmartin, Susanna Cialli, Costanza Ceccanti, Lucia Guidi, Francesca Venturi and Luca Incrocci
Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060570 - 30 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1085
Abstract
Tomatoes are globally renowned for their nutritional value and culinary versatility. However, environmental stresses, particularly salinity, present significant challenges to tomato production, impacting both yield and fruit quality. In light of these challenges, this study investigates the effect of salinity on yield and [...] Read more.
Tomatoes are globally renowned for their nutritional value and culinary versatility. However, environmental stresses, particularly salinity, present significant challenges to tomato production, impacting both yield and fruit quality. In light of these challenges, this study investigates the effect of salinity on yield and fruit quality of a local cultivar tomato named ‘Pisanello’ in a closed soilless rockwool cultivation system. Total yield, fruit size, and number were investigated in both control (10 mM of NaCl) and salinity-treated plants (salinity 1 (S1)~30 mM of NaCl and salinity 2 (S2)~60 mM of NaCl), alongside various physicochemical parameters in fully ripened tomato fruits. The results indicated a decrease in crop production with rising sodium chloride concentration in the nutrient solution (25% and 41% for S1 and S2 treatment, respectively). Conversely, salinity-treated fruits exhibited an increase in total phenolic content of +21.9% in S1 and +36.7% in S2 and in antioxidant capacity (+33.5% and +34.7%, for the S1 and S2 treatments, respectively). Salinity treatments registered in general higher quality parameters such as titratable acidity (+8.9 for S1 and +16.5% for S2), total soluble solids (+18.5% for S1 and +43.0% for S2) and fruit firmness (+30.7% for S1 and +60.3% for S2) in comparison with control tomato fruits. Sensory profile analysis further validated the preference for fresh consumption of tomato fruits grown with saline water. These findings suggests that salinity stress can enhance the nutritional quality and taste of the Pisanello tomato. Further investigation could explore the optimal NaCl concentration to balance tomato production and nutritional quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and Plant Protection Levels)
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19 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Yield, Quality and Antioxidant Content of Lettuce through Innovative and Eco-Friendly Biofertilizer Practices in Hydroponics
by Hayriye Yildiz Dasgan, Dilek Yilmaz, Kamran Zikaria, Boran Ikiz and Nazim S. Gruda
Horticulturae 2023, 9(12), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9121274 - 27 Nov 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4851
Abstract
Hydroponics is a contemporary agricultural system providing precise control over growing conditions, potentially enhancing productivity. Biofertilizers are environmentally friendly, next-generation fertilizers that augment product yield and quality in hydroponic cultivation. In this study, we investigated the effect of three bio-fertilizers in a hydroponic [...] Read more.
Hydroponics is a contemporary agricultural system providing precise control over growing conditions, potentially enhancing productivity. Biofertilizers are environmentally friendly, next-generation fertilizers that augment product yield and quality in hydroponic cultivation. In this study, we investigated the effect of three bio-fertilizers in a hydroponic floating system, microalgae, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), combined with a 50% reduction in mineral fertilizer, on lettuce yield and quality parameters including antioxidants: vitamin C, total phenols and flavonoids. The treatments tested were: 100% mineral fertilizer (control 1), 50% mineral fertilizer (control 2), 50% mineral fertilizer with microalgae, 50% mineral fertilizer with PGPR and 50% mineral fertilizer with AMF. The research was conducted during the winter months within a controlled environment of a glasshouse in a Mediterranean climate. The PGPR comprised three distinct bacterial strains, while the AMF comprised nine different mycorrhizal species. The microalgae consisted of only a single species, Chlorella vulgaris. AMF inoculation occurred once during seed sowing, while the introduction of PGPR and microalgae occurred at 10-day intervals into the root medium. Our findings revealed that the treatment with PGPR resulted in the highest growth parameters, including the lettuce circumference, stem diameter and fresh leaf weight. The 100% mineral fertilizer and PGPR treatments also yielded the highest lettuce production. Meanwhile, the treatment with AMF showed the highest total phenol and flavonoid content, which was statistically similar to that of the PGPR treatment. Furthermore, the PGPR recorded the maximum range of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Thus, the inclusion of PGPR holds promise for optimizing the lettuce growth and nutrient content in hydroponic systems. In conclusion, PGPR has the potential to enhance nutrient availability in a floating hydroponic system, reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers. This mitigates environmental pollution and fosters sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and Plant Protection Levels)
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17 pages, 321 KiB  
Article
The Phytonutrient Content and Yield of Brassica Microgreens Grown in Soilless Media with Different Seed Densities
by Manyasha L. L. Ntsoane, Vimbainashe E. Manhivi, Tinotenda Shoko, Faith Seke, Martin M. Maboko and Dharini Sivakumar
Horticulturae 2023, 9(11), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9111218 - 10 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1799
Abstract
Microgreens are increasingly valued by consumers for their phytonutritional benefits. There is limited information to growers on the influence of growth media and seed density on antioxidant properties of Brassica microgreens. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the effect of seedling media [...] Read more.
Microgreens are increasingly valued by consumers for their phytonutritional benefits. There is limited information to growers on the influence of growth media and seed density on antioxidant properties of Brassica microgreens. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the effect of seedling media (Hygromix, Promix, and TS1) and seed density (4, 8, and 12 seeds per seed cavity) on morphological parameters, yield, color, antioxidant components, and their activities in radish (Raphanus sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), and rocket (Eruca sativa) microgreens. Fourteen days after seeding, Promix at a seed density of 12 per cavity improved yield of radish, cabbage, and rocket microgreens. Irrespective of the seed density, all three Brassica microgreens grown in TS1 had higher leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium content. Interaction effects of Hygromix x seed densities were more pronounced on the antioxidant properties (DPPH and FRAP). These differences could be due to the physical properties of growth medium. Vitamin C and total glucosinolate were improved on Brassica microgreens grown in Hygromix at a seed density of 4 per cavity. Twelve seeds per cavity in Promix growth medium improved Brassica microgreens yield, whereas phytochemicals were most likely improved by growing media, Hygromix followed by TS1 and mineral content improved in TS1 followed by Hygromix at low seed density of 4 per cavity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and Plant Protection Levels)
17 pages, 4659 KiB  
Article
Lemon Peel and Juice: Metabolomic Differentiation
by Pablo Melgarejo, Dámaris Núñez-Gómez, Francisca Hernández, Rafael Martínez-Font, Vicente Lidón Noguera, Juan José Martínez-Nicolás and Pilar Legua
Horticulturae 2023, 9(4), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9040510 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2011
Abstract
Lemon is one of the most significant crops globally, with annual production exceeding 20.8 million tons in 2021. Spain leads the production in Europe with over 62% of lemon production (1.17 million tons in 2021). This study evaluated the real impact of cultivation [...] Read more.
Lemon is one of the most significant crops globally, with annual production exceeding 20.8 million tons in 2021. Spain leads the production in Europe with over 62% of lemon production (1.17 million tons in 2021). This study evaluated the real impact of cultivation conditions (rootstock and culture medium) on the compositional characteristics of ‘Verna’ lemons (peel and juice) using 1H-MNR metabolomic identification techniques and multivariate analyses. Twenty metabolites were identified in both the peel and juice samples. Arginine, phenylalanine, ethanol, and trigonelline were absent in the peel samples but present in all the juice. On the other hand, the metabolites asparagine, glutamate, formate, and malate were present in the peel samples but absent in the juice. The analysis of the results indicates that the rootstock had a significant impact on the metabolites related to the energy metabolism of the plant, which directly affects the development of fruits and the influence of the culture conditions (rootstock and culture medium) on the plant’s adaptive response and modification of metabolic pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and Plant Protection Levels)
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18 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Morphological, Phytochemical, and Photosynthetic Performance of Grafted Tomato Seedlings in Response to Different LED Light Qualities under Protected Cultivation
by Seyedreza Soltani, Hossein Arouiee, Reza Salehi, Seyed Hossein Nemati, Moein Moosavi-Nezhad, Nazim S. Gruda and Sasan Aliniaeifard
Horticulturae 2023, 9(4), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9040471 - 9 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
Healing and acclimatization are critical in vegetable grafting under controlled environments. Here, we investigated the impacts of LED light qualities on the morphological traits and photosynthetic performance of grafted tomato seedlings. Seeds of the tomatoes “DRW 7806 F1” and “Maxifort” (Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum [...] Read more.
Healing and acclimatization are critical in vegetable grafting under controlled environments. Here, we investigated the impacts of LED light qualities on the morphological traits and photosynthetic performance of grafted tomato seedlings. Seeds of the tomatoes “DRW 7806 F1” and “Maxifort” (Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum habrochaites) used as scion and rootstock were planted in 104-cell plug trays into a mixture of cocopeat and perlite (volume ratio: 3 to 1). Survival ratio, above- and underground growth, photosynthetic performance, soluble carbohydrate content, pigmentation, and antioxidant enzymes activity were evaluated following 20 days of exposure to different light qualities, including white (35% B, 49% intermediate spectra, 16% R) light as control, blue, red, and a combination of red (68%) and blue with the same light intensity of 75 ± 5 µmol m−2 s−1. The lowest scion diameter, leaf area, root and shoot dry weight, SPAD value, and the highest scion length and amount of soluble carbohydrate were detected in R-exposed seedlings. Moreover, R-exposed seedlings showed leaf epinasty and reduced photosynthetic performance. On the other hand, RB-exposed seedlings showed the highest leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, plant fresh and dry weight, scion stem diameter and photosystem II efficiency. In addition, superoxide dismutase activity was increased in R-exposed seedlings, while guaiacol peroxidase activity was enhanced in seedlings grown in RB. In conclusion, a combination of R and B is suggested as the suitable light spectrum to promote plant growth and photosynthetic performance in grafted tomato seedlings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soilless Cultivation in Horticulture: Cutting-Edge Solutions to Increase Productivity and Plant Protection Levels)
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