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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 47312

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Dr. Spyridon A. Petropoulos

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Guest Editor

Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Thessaly, Greece
Interests: bioactive compounds; antioxidant activity; onion; vegetable quality; garlic; wild edible greens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nikos Tzortzakis

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
Interests: horticulture; vegetable science; aromatic/medicinal plants; greenhouse crops and hydroponics; substrate/growing media evaluation; soil; fresh produce preservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues

Vegetable crop cultivation uses intensified cropping systems in the pursuit of high yields, especially in the case of greenhouse cultivation, which is considered the most intense and high yielding cropping system. However, modern horticulture and vegetable production is under increasing pressure from the ongoing climate change and soil degradation, as well as the market demands for higher yields and better-quality products. Therefore, producers are caught in a vicious circle, where they have to increase agrochemical inputs to achieve the targeted yields with questionable results mostly in regard to final product quality and consumer safety issues as well as of the enterprise viability. Within this framework, farmers and related stakeholders have to reinvent vegetable crop cultivation and try to conform to modern requirements through the application of biodiversity-based and precise farming systems, the use of intensified cropping systems (e.g., indoors cultivation, hydroponics), the valorization of local landraces and farmers’ varieties, urban farming, vertical gardening and cost-efficient vegetable production, the exploitation of wild edible species for commercial cultivation, and the selection of elite genotypes of vegetable crops adapted to the new and ever-changing environment.

This Special Issue invites original research papers and reviews focusing on the rural and urban farming development through the sustainable vegetable production under the climate change challenges. Special focus will be given to biodiversity-based farming systems, plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, and eco-efficient cropping systems, although other research topics related with vegetable production are also welcomed. The Special Issue aims to contribute to the literature on sustainable cultivation of vegetable crops and foster and reinforce vegetable production with modern tools towards rural and urban development.

Prof. Dr. Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Prof. Dr. Nikos Tzortzakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Biodiversity
Farming systems
Local landraces
Vegetable production
Wild edible species
Climate change
Quality and safety
Urban and rural farming

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 1917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Properties of Purple French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as Affected by Water Deficit Irrigation and Biostimulants Application

by Ângela Fernandes, Sara Figueiredo, Tiane C. Finimundy, José Pinela, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Marija Ivanov, Marina Soković, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Spyridon A. Petropoulos and Lillian Barros

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6869; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126869 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2688

Abstract

Biostimulants are a novel and eco-friendly agronomic tool with practical applications in alleviating negative effects of environmental stressors. The present work studied the effects of three biostimulant products (Nomoren (N), Twin-Antistress (TW), and X-Stress (XS)) under normal irrigation (W+) and water deficit irrigation conditions (W−) on the nutritional, chemical composition and bioactive properties of common bean fresh pods. A variable effect of biostimulants and water deficit irrigation was observed on nutritional value parameters, while fructose and sucrose were the main detected sugars, especially in NW+ and CW− treatments. Oxalic, malic, and citric acid were the main detected organic acids, while γ- and total tocopherol content was the highest in TWW+. (+)-Catechin and (−)-epicatechin were the most abundant phenolic compounds, especially in the NW− treatment. A variable antioxidant capacity was observed for the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Oxidative Haemolysis assays (OxHLIA), while TWW+ extracts showed the best overall results against the tested fungi. In conclusion, the tested biostimulants had a positive effect on chemical composition and bioactivities of purple bean depending on the irrigation regime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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13 pages, 1001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Appraisal of Urine Derivatives Integrated in the Nitrogen and Phosphorus Inputs of a Lettuce Soilless Cultivation System

by Christophe El-Nakhel, Danny Geelen, Jolien De Paepe, Peter Clauwaert, Stefania De Pascale and Youssef Rouphael

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4218; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084218 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3333

Abstract

Reinforcing and optimizing sustainable food production is an urgent contemporary issue. The depletion of natural mineral resources is a key problem that is addressed by recycling mined potassium and phosphorus, and nitrogen, whose production depends on very high energy input. A closed-loop approach of fertilizer use asserts the necessity for efficient management and practices of organic waste rich in minerals. Human-derived urine is an underutilized yet excellent source for nitrogen fertilizer, and, in this study, processed urine fertilizer was applied to greenhouse soilless cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Grand Rapids. Biomass increase, biometric parameters, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index, minerals, and organic acids content of lettuce were analyzed. From eight different urine fertilizer products generated, K-struvite, urine precipitate-CaO, and the liquid electrodialysis (ED) concentrate supported the growth of lettuce similar to that of commercial mineral fertilizer. ED concentrate application led to the accumulation of potassium (+17.2%), calcium (+82.9%), malate (+185.3%), citrate (+114.4%), and isocitrate (+185.7%); K-struvite augmented the accumulation of magnesium (+44.9%); and urine precipitate-CaO induced the highest accumulation of calcium (+100.5%) when compared to the control, which is an added value when supplemented in daily diet. The results underlined the potential of nitrogen- and phosphate-rich human urine as a sustainable source for the fertilization of lettuce in soilless systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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23 pages, 2989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Combined Application of Potassium Silicate and Salicylic Acid on the Defense Response of Hydroponically Grown Tomato Plants to Ralstonia solanacearum Infection

by Ni-Hao Jiang and Shi-Han Zhang

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3750; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073750 - 27 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4154

Abstract

Bacterial wilt, caused by soilborne pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum, is a serious and widespread disease that affects global tomato production. Both silicon (Si) and salicylic acid (SA) play important roles in enhancing tomato resistance against bacterial wilt, however, their combined effects on the defense responses of infected tomato plants remain unknown. Hence, the combined effects of Si and SA on physiological and biochemical parameters of R. solanacearum-infected tomato plants were investigated. The combination treatment of Si and SA significantly decreased disease incidences, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and ethylene (ET) production. The combined treatments were more prominent in improving the morphological traits of root systems, such as root length, root surface area, average root diameter and root volume. The activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) and the concentrations of total soluble phenolics (TSPs) and lignin-thioglycolic acid (LTGA) derivatives were significantly increased in the plants with combined treatments. Si in combination with SA could significantly enhance neutral invertase (NI) and acid invertases (AI) activities in the leaves of tomato plants at 3 days post-infection (dpi) compared with application of Si alone. Three defense-related genes, PAL, POD and pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1), were significantly induced in Si+SA treatment at 7 dpi when compared with individual application of Si or SA. The expression level of salicylic acid-binding protein 2 (SABP2) was significantly higher for combination treatment when compared with treatment of Si or SA alone. The possible mechanisms involved in the synergistic effects of Si and SA on the control of tomato bacterial wilt were proposed. This study indicates that under hypertonic conditions, the combined application of 2.0 mM potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) and 0.5 mM SA had a synergistic effect on the control of tomato bacterial wilt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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17 pages, 478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sustainable Use of Cotton, Hazelnut and Ground Peanut Waste in Vegetable Crop Production

by Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Ângela Fernandes, Sofia Plexida, Carla Pereira, Maria Inês Dias, Ricardo Calhelha, Antonios Chrysargyris, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Jovana Petrović, Marina D. Soković, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira and Lillian Barros

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8511; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208511 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2922

Abstract

The environmental burden from crop production byproducts is gradually increasing and necessitates the sustainable management of waste towards a circular economy approach. In the present study, three byproducts (cotton ginning waste (CGW), ground hazelnut husks (GHH) and ground peanut husks (GPH)) were evaluated in lettuce cultivation. For this purpose, the tested materials were incorporated in soil at two different rates (25% and 50% of total substrate volume) while a control treatment (no addition of byproducts) was also considered. Fresh weight per plant and total yield was the highest for the GHH50% treatment. The highest fat, protein, carbohydrates and energy content were observed for the CGW25% treatment. Chemical composition also differed among the tested byproducts where CGW25% treatment had the highest total tocopherols, sugars (sucrose, fructose, trehalose and total sugars) and organic acids content. The most abundant fatty acids were α-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acid in all the tested treatments, while the highest antioxidant activity was observed for the GHH50% treatment. Regarding polyphenols, phenolic acids content was the highest in the GHH treatments, whereas flavonoids were the highest for the CGW25% treatment. No cytotoxicity against the PLP2 non-tumor cell line was observed, whereas only the GPH50% treatment showed moderate efficacy against HeLa, HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines. The tested extracts also showed moderate antibacterial activities and only the extracts from the CGW50% treatment were more effective than the positive control against Trichoderma viride. In conclusion, the present results showed the great potential of using the tested byproducts as soil amendments for vegetable crops production, since they may improve the nutritional parameters, the chemical profile and the bioactivities of the final product. The suggested alternative use of the tested byproducts not only will increase the added value of crops but will also alleviate the environmental burden from bulky agroindustry byproducts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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15 pages, 1397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Biostimulant Effects of a Novel Plant-Based Formulation on Tomato Crop

by Antonios Chrysargyris, Savvas Charalambous, Panayiota Xylia, Vassilis Litskas, Menelaos Stavrinides and Nikos Tzortzakis

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8432; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208432 - 13 Oct 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3669

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the biostimulant effects of an eco-product (EP) containing essential oils of rosemary and eucalyptus on tomato crop. Experiments were conducted to evaluate EP effects on plant growth and physiological parameters (e.g., chlorophyll content), total phenols and antioxidant activity, enzyme activities (e.g., catalase), plant macronutrient content and fresh tomato fruit quality. The application of an EP once (EP-1x) increased tomato plant height by 19%, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content compared to the control (sprayed with water). EP triplicate (EP-3x) application significantly increased yield (0.79 kg plant⁻¹) compared to the control (0.58 kg plant⁻¹). However, application of EP-3x was associated with a higher percentage of fruit cracking in comparison to the control. Total phenols and antioxidant activity were affected from both the use of EP and application frequency. EP application decreased by 27.3% the leaf damage index in comparison to the control. Nutrient content in leaves (N, Mg) was significantly decreased in the case of EP-3x treatment. Fruit firmness was decreased by 19.9% in the case of EP-1x application. Fruit marketability and tomato-like aroma, fresh weight and soluble solids did not differ among the treatments. Further research is required to examine the potential use of essential oils as biostimulants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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16 pages, 1493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Imposed Self-Governance on Irrigation Rules Design among Horticultural Producers in Peri-Urban Kenya

by Mwangi Joseph Kanyua

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 6883; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176883 - 24 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

While high urban vegetable demand has driven unprecedented intensification of small private irrigation in peri-urban Kenya, absence of appropriate local governance mechanisms has necessitated interventions by concerned state agencies. Based on Ostrom’s design principles for sustainable commons, this paper evaluates the robustness of the irrigation management regime emanating from involuntary self-governance among peri-urban farmers. Findings show that since conflicts were fueled by water scarcity peaks corresponding with market price peaks, the interventions overemphasized facilitating water sharing among users. With conflicting users viewed as the problem by the agency, their experiences with the resource system, existing social structures, and resource use dynamics causing conflicts were largely ignored in the change process. Consequently, narrowly focused use rules that failed to properly define important resource parameters resulted. Further, user drawing rights have no significant input requirement, monitoring of water resource condition and sanctioning of deviant behavior are overlooked due to a lack of sufficient social capital and commitment to the collective establishment. Although inherent conflicts signify high economic valuation of water access by users, the lack of local ownership of the transition process made the policy interventions fail to produce rules that can guarantee sustainable irrigation development in an environment characterized by intensive irrigation and agrochemicals application, and growing domestic and industrial water demand. Therefore, recognizing water as a commercial input, recognizing conflicting users and their experiences as an essential solution, and integrating them in a participatory manner in subsequent institutional change is deemed necessary for effective governance in the post-conflict setup. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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10 pages, 1091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biostimulants as a Tool for Improving Environmental Sustainability of Greenhouse Vegetable Crops

by Sara Rajabi Hamedani, Youssef Rouphael, Giuseppe Colla, Andrea Colantoni and Mariateresa Cardarelli

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5101; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125101 - 23 Jun 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6336

Abstract

Plant biostimulants have gained great interest from the agrochemical industry and farmers because of their ability to enhance nutrient use efficiency and increase abiotic stress tolerance in crop production. However, despite the considerable potential of biostimulants for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, the environmental evaluation of the application of biostimulants is still missing. Hence, this is the first study that focuses on the environmental assessment of the biostimulant action of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices and vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate on two greenhouse vegetable crops, spinach and zucchini squash, under different fertilization regimes. The life cycle assessment from a cradle to gate perspective, which covers all processes related to crop cultivation up to harvest, was carried out to calculate the carbon footprint of the production chain for these two crops. The results of the comparative analysis revealed that the CO₂ equivalent emissions of both crops were reduced due to the biostimulant applications. In particular, the effect of the mycorrhization on the reduction of carbon emissions compared to the un-mycorrhized control was higher in zucchini plants under organic fertilization (12%) than under mineral fertilization (7%). In addition, organic fertilization increased the total carbon footprint of zucchini (52%) compared with mineral fertilization. The results also showed that an increase of nitrogen fertilization from 15 to 45 kg N ha⁻¹ in spinach production enhanced the total CO₂ emissions per ton of harvested leaves in comparison with treatments that involved the foliar applications of protein hydrolysate together with a lower nitrogen input; this increase was 4% compared to the unfertilized treatment with application of biostimulant. This study can support decision-making in terms of agronomic technique choices in line with sustainable development of vegetable crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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21 pages, 3471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Treated Wastewater and Fertigation Applied for Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation Grown in Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Soil Mixtures

by Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Christos Saridakis and Antonios Chrysargyris

Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104287 - 24 May 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3440

Abstract

Low-fertility soil and the use of brackish water for irrigation act as obstacles and limit crop production. The utilization of municipal solid waste (MSW), compost (C), and treated wastewater (TWW) is receiving attention nowadays not only to overcome the above limitations but also as an efficient way for waste management and reuse of raw materials. In the present study, MSW compost in different ratios (5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), fertigation and/or irrigation with TWW were studied in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The addition of compost increased organic content, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and mineral content of the growing media, while fertigation and TWW supported the mineral status of the growing media, and this was reflected in the increase of N, K, and Na in tomato leaves. Plants grown in compost-based media with fertigation produced more leaves, compared to the control, while irrigation with TWW did not increase the number of leaves. Plant biomass increased with the application of ≥20% C, fertigation, and/or TWW applications. Plant yield increased in 40% C, while fertigation increased yield in case of lower (5%-10% C) compost ratios, but TWW application did not change the yield. The combination of high C ratios and fertigation and/or TWW decreased tomato fresh weight. Different levels of C did not affect leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal CO₂ concentration, and chlorophyll fluorescence, but, in general, the combination of compost with fertigation and/or TWW affected them negatively. Fruit total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid, firmness, and total phenolics were increased with the high ratios of compost and/or fertigation and TWW applications, but marketability did not. Bacteria (total coliform and Escherichia coli) units increased in growing media subjected to TWW, but lower levels were counted on the fruit, mainly due to splashing or fruit contact with the soil. The results indicate that up to 40% C can be added into the substrate, as increased plant growth and maintained plant yield for greenhouse tomato cultivation is observed, while fertigation and TWW could be used in a controlled manner as alternative means for nutrient and irrigation in vegetables following safety aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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Review

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21 pages, 1492 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytosanitary and Technical Quality Challenges in Export Fresh Vegetables and Strategies to Compliance with Market Requirements: Case of Smallholder Snap Beans in Kenya

by Alex M. Fulano, Geraldin M. W. Lengai and James W. Muthomi

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031546 - 2 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4786

Abstract

Kenya is one of the leading exporters of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) to Europe, but the export volume has remained below potential mainly due to failure to meet the market quality standards. The quality concerns include the presence of regulated and quarantine pests, pesticide residues, harmful organisms, and noncompliance with the technical standards. These challenges call for the development of alternative approaches in overcoming the phytosanitary and quality challenges in the export of snap beans and other fresh vegetables. These may include integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that incorporate non synthetic chemical options, such as diversified cropping systems, plant and microbial-based pesticides, varieties with multiple disease and pest resistance, insecticidal soaps, pheromones and kairomones, entomopathogens and predators. These approaches, coupled with capacity-building and adherence to the set quality standards, will improve compliance with export market requirements. The aim of this paper is to increase knowledge on implementing good practices across the value chain of fresh vegetables that would lead to improved quality and thereby meeting institutional requirements for the export market. The novelty of the current review is using snap beans as a model vegetable to discuss the challenges that must be mitigated for the quest of achieving high quality and increased volume of fresh export products. Whilst many of the publications have focused on alternatives to synthetic pesticides in addressing MRLs in fresh vegetable exports, there is a disconnect between research and industry in achieving chemical residue and pest free export vegetables. This review describes the phytosanitary and technical challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing export markets, evaluates the phytosanitary and quality requirements by the niche markets, and explores the strategies that could be used to enhance compliance to the institutional and market requirements for fresh vegetables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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22 pages, 2973 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selected Insect Pests of Economic Importance to Brassica oleracea, Their Control Strategies and the Potential Threat to Environmental Pollution in Africa

by Nelson Mpumi, Revocatus S. Machunda, Kelvin M. Mtei and Patrick A. Ndakidemi

Sustainability 2020, 12(9), 3824; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093824 - 8 May 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 10487

Abstract

The most common destructive insect pests affecting cabbages in African smallholder farmers include Plutella xylostella, Helula undalis, Pieris brassicae, Brevycoryne brassicae, Trichoplusia ni and Myzus persicae. Those insect pests infest cabbages at different stages of growth, causing huge damage and resulting into huge yield losses. The African smallholder farmers use cultural and synthetic pesticides to control insect pests and minimize infestations. The cultural practices like crop rotation, weeding and handpicking are used to minimize the invasion of cabbage pests. However, those practices are not sufficiently enough to control cabbage insect pests although they are cheap and safe to the environment. Also, the African smallholder famers rely intensively on the application of broad-spectrum of synthetic pesticides to effectively control the cabbage pests in the field. Due to severe infestation of cabbages caused by those insects, most of African smallholder farmers decide to; first, increase the concentrations of synthetic pesticides beyond the recommended amount by manufacturers. Secondly, increase the rate of application of the synthetic pesticides throughout the growing season to effectively kill the most stubborn insect pests infesting cabbages (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Thirdly, they mix more than two synthetic pesticides for the purpose of increasing the spectrum of killing the most stubborn insect pests in the field. All those scenarios intensify the environmental pollution especially soil and water pollution. Moreover, most of insecticides sprayed are made with broad-spectrum and are hazardous chemicals posing environmental pollution and threats to natural enemies’ ecosystems. Therefore, this paper reviews Brassica oleracea var. capitata insect pests and control measures as a potential environmental pollution threat in African smallholder farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Vegetable Production and Biodiversity within a Climate Change Environment)

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