Abstract: There is a lack of studies that relate the physical and physicochemical characteristics of onion genotypes to their suitability for different uses. This study aimed to characterize onion genotypes and associate their properties with suitability for processing, storage, or fresh consumption. The experiment used a completely randomized design with 10 genotypes and 5 replicates. We evaluated traits including dry matter, firmness, color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, antioxidant potential, and pyruvic acid content. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were applied to classify genotypes according to use. The results showed significant differences among genotypes. Genotypes 13, 21, 23, and 41 were better suited for fresh consumption due to their low pungency and high sugar content. Genotypes 45 and 71 presented traits desirable for processing, such as high dry matter and pyruvic acid content. Genotypes 41 and 83 were suitable for storage due to firmness and resistance indicators. These results show that physical and chemical parameters are effective for discriminating onion genotypes and selecting the most appropriate types for specific uses. This approach contributes to the improvement of postharvest handling, processing efficiency, and strategic cultivar recommendations.

Abstract: Strawberry production in tropical and subtropical climates has been adversely affected by rising temperatures and reduced cooling periods, leading to a decrease in flower induction and overall yield. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of root zone cooling on short-day strawberry plants cultivated under evaporative greenhouse conditions. The cooling methods employed included of four root zone cooling treatments: normal water dripping (NWD), cold-water (10 °C) dripping (CWD), cold-water dripping plus cold-water pipe (CWD+CWP), and normal water dripping plus cold-water pipe (NWD+CWP) embedded within the growing media. The results indicated that the CWD+CWP treatment being particularly effective, reducing RZT by approximately 2 °C compared to other treatments. Thereby promoting both vegetative and reproductive growth, particularly in the ‘Akihime’ strawberry. In the absence of root zone cooling, ‘Akihime’ and ‘Pharachatan 88’ were still capable of producing flowers and yield, whereas ‘Pharachatan 80’ was no. In addition, ‘Pharachatan 80’ was affected by CWD+CWP which shown highest of total phenolic compound, total anthocyanin and total vitamin C among all treatments. It can be concluded that reducing the root zone temperature through the combined use of cold water dripping embedded cold-water pipe in the growing media can enhance the growth and development of short-day strawberry plants cultivated under evaporative greenhouse conditions in tropical climate.

Abstract: The temperate terrestrial Australasian orchid genus Caladenia has 181 taxa in Western Australia, including 23 endangered species. They have relatively specific pollinators and fungi, so are difficult to propagate and conserve. This project focuses on three threatened Caladenia species from isolated habitats in the Western Australian wheatbelt. Despite many attempts to optimise orchid propagation methods, inexact and inconsistent success criteria make comparisons of them difficult. Our aims were to measure the efficiency, complexity and effectiveness of propagation methods for rare and common Caladenia species, document their development in relatively natural conditions and produce robust plants for translocation. We utilised three orchid seed germination methods (1) in vitro asymbiotic synthetic agar media without fungi, (2) ex situ seed baiting over concentrated soil organic matter (OM), and (3) a novel method using permeable pouches in non-sterile substrates containing OM from orchid habitats (the FORGE system). Methods were compared by measuring growth rates and survival of protocorms and seedlings. There were major differences between methods and species. In vitro asymbiotic germination on Petri plates produced many protocorms, but only a few survived explanting. Protocorms from non-sterile methods were substantially more resilient in the incubator or greenhouse. The FORGE system was most efficient, as seedlings grew 20 times faster and could be moved to new pouches for further growth. Seed baiting protocorms also survived in pouches. Several stages of growth in pouches produced large seedlings with tuber initiation, suitable for outplanting that year. Our observations lead to refined definitions of growth stages and success criteria for orchid propagation. We recommend further development of FORGE systems for efficiently producing orchid seedlings pre-adjusted to growth in nature, especially for conservation. This system also has great potential for fungal isolation and morphological or physiological studies, based on orchid development in near-natural conditions.

Abstract: Suboptimal temperatures severely repress the nutrient absorption, growth, and yield formation of vegetables in solar greenhouse during winter and early spring in China. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) are anionic acidic polysaccharides derived from brown algae, known for promoting plant growth and alleviating abiotic stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different nutrient solution concentration combined with AOS on the growth and nutrient uptake of cucumber seedling under suboptimal temperatures (15/8 °C, day/night). Potted ‘Jinchun No. 4’ cucumber seedlings grown in coconut coir were treated with 0.5×, 1.0×, or 1.5× strength of Hogland solution alone (N0.5, N1, N1.5), or with 30 mg·L⁻¹ AOS (A0.5, A1, A1.5). The results showed that growth attributes, and nitrogen accumulation of cucumber plants of N1 and N1.5 were significantly higher than those of N0.5. And plants of A0.5 exhibited significantly higher plant height, chlorophyll a content, root surface area, root volume, root vitality, nitrogen metabolism enzyme (NR, GDH, GS) activities and N accumulation, than those under N0.5, N1, or N1.5. Moreover, compared to A0.5, the net photosynthetic rate, total root length, root surface area, root N content, leaf nitrate reductase activity, root glutamate dehydrogenase activity and N accumulation of A1 and A1.5 were significantly higher than those of A0.5. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between root surface area, root volume, root vitality, and N content in plant organs. In summary, AOS enhanced the nutrient uptake and growth of cucumber seedlings through promoting root surface area, root vitality, and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities under suboptimal temperatures conditions, therefor it has a good application prospect and great ecological value for increasing nutrient use efficiency and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

Abstract: Diplotaxis tenuifolia, a species with high nutritional value, was recently introduced in Romania, being necessary in-depth research to develop an efficient cultivation technology to maximize its agronomic and economic potential. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of three mulch treatments, white polyethylene film (WLDPE), black polyethylene film (BLDPE) and nonmulched (NM), along with three fertilization regimes, organic (OF), chemical (ChF) and nonfertilized (NF), on the Bologna perennial wall‒rocket cultivar from 2022–2023. The results showed that the use of white polyethylene film and the application of organic fertilizer led to superior quantitative and qualitative results compared with those of the other experimental variants. The use of white film mulch without fertilization resulted in a yield of 52.73 t·ha−1, whereas organic fertilization alone produced a yield of 61.17 t·ha−1. The combination of WLDPE mulching with organic fertilization achieved a yield of 58.45 t·ha−1. These values are significantly greater than or comparable to the control yield, which reached 53.66 t·ha−1. Furthermore, PCA highlighted that the WLDPE×OF experimental variant was also associated with the highest values of lycopene, photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll A content. In contrast, the Bologna cultivar experienced the greatest oxidative stress under the nonfertilized regime, with the most pronounced effects observed when no mulching was applied.

Abstract: Proximal plant-based monitoring provides high-resolution data about trees, leading to more precise orchard management and in-depth knowledge about the tree physiology. The present work focuses on continuous real-time monitoring of olive cv. 'Ascolana Tenera' on an hourly time span during the third stage of fruit growth (mesocarp cell expansion) under mild water stress conditions (ψStem above -2 MPa). This is achieved by mounting dendrometers on the root, trunk, branch, and fruit to assess and model the behavior of each organ. The diameter variation of each organ at various time intervals (daily, two-weeks, and entire experiment), as well as their hysteretic patterns relative to each other and vapor pressure deficit, has been demonstrated. The results show different correlations between various organs, ranging from very weak to strongly positive. However, the trend of fruit versus root consistently shows a strong positive relationship throughout the entire experiment (R² = 0.83) and good across various two-week intervals (R² ranging from 0.54 to 0.93). Additionally, different time lags in dehydration and rehydration between organs were observed, suggesting that the branch is the most reactive organ, regulating dehydration and rehydration in the tree. Regarding the hysteretic pattern, different rotational patterns and characteristics (shape) were observed among the organs and in relation to vapor pressure deficit. This research provides valuable insight into the flow dynamics within a tree, models plant water relations and time lags in terms of water storage and transport and could be implemented for precise olive tree water status detection.

Abstract: Cowpea is a nutritionally and economically valuable legume, known for its adaptability to adverse conditions. However, water stress negatively affects its development, requiring technologies to enhance resilience. This study aimed to induce tolerance to water deficit in cowpea through seed priming with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and silicic acid. A completely randomized experiment was conducted in a phytotron chamber with two water regimes (W50 and W100) and six seed priming treatments, with four replications. Priming consisted of three water potentials induced by PEG 6000 (0 MPa, -0.4 MPa, and -0.8 MPa) and two silicon concentrations (0 and 200 mg L⁻¹). Gas exchange parameters, including photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci), instantaneous water use efficiency (EiUA), and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (EiC), were evaluated. Seed priming with PEG 6000 and silicon improved A, EiUA, and EiC under water deficit. Treatments 2 (0 MPa + 200 mg L⁻¹ Si), 3 (-0.4 MPa + 0 mg L⁻¹ Si), and 4 (-0.4 MPa + 200 mg L⁻¹ Si) enhanced gas exchange, suggesting an effective strategy for improving drought tolerance in cowpea and ensuring food security.

Abstract: To produce robust and high-quality planting material, the goal of this study is to examine the effects of fertilization practices under irrigation in the nursery. A challenging production period was experienced by nurseries in Romania because of weather-related variables. Water has therefore become essential to the process of growing fruit, to which fertilizers are added to raise the soil's nutrient level. The growth of the trees' morphological and physiological characteristics is where the effects of fertilization and watering are most noticeable. The two main elements influencing fruit nursery development and production are water management and fertilizer application. The study was conducted at a private nursery located in Romania's northwest. The study involved five repetitions of a trifactorial experiment using the plum cultivars Cacanska Lepotica and Stanley.

Abstract: Apple gray mold is an important disease caused by Botrytis cinerea. Resistance mechanisms against this pathogen in this plant have not been thoroughly revealed. Wall-associated kinases (WAKs) and WAK-like proteins (WAKLs) participate in conferring resistance by stimulating immune-generating receptor complex formation. Stb6 (KY485204) is a WAKL that provides strong resistance against Septoria tritici blotch in wheat. In this study, 15 orthologs of Stb6, named MdStb6-1 to MdStb6-15, were identified in apple by using the Stb6 sequence to conduct BLASTp analysis against the apple genome. These genes were divided into two clades via phylogenetic analysis, with their promoters containing auxin- and biotic and abiotic stress-responsive cis-elements, including pathogen infection-responsive elements. The expression of these genes was differentially induced by plant defensive hormones, MeJA, SA, ethylene and ABA and B. cinerea infection and exhibited differential expression in different organs. Overexpression of MdStb6-13, which was induced by JA and ABA, significantly conferred resistance against B. cinerea. This research highlights the involvement of genes in immunity generation in apple and in plant growth and development and provides a foundation for further elucidating immune signaling in apple and the molecular basis for breeding resistant apple cultivars with relatively high fruit quality and ideal plant stature.

Abstract: Stone fruits (Prunus spp.) occupy a pivotal position in global fruit production due to their significant nutritional profile and distinctive organoleptic characteristics. Contemporary orchard systems are undergoing transformation through innovative cultivation approaches, notably high-density dwarfing systems, greenhouse cultivation, agri-tech integration, and simplified management. As a crucial agronomic component in modern stone fruit cultivation, rootstock systems confer multi-benefits including enhanced environmental resilience, improved scion productivity, superior fruit quality, controlled vigor and dwarfing capacity. While the majority of european apple orchards have transitioned to dwarfing rootstock systems, achieving substantial gains in productivity and profitability, stone fruits cultivation lag significantly due to the key gaps in prunus rootstock development include genetic complexity, extended evaluation cycles, clonal propagation barriers and limited research programs. Urgent innovation is required to address these challenges in rootstock breeding to meet the demand of sustainable stone fruits production. This review systematically examines strategic breeding objectives and innovative molecular methodologies in Prunus rootstock development, with particular emphasis on marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction technologies. We provide a comprehensive synthesis of breeding achievements across major commercial rootstock cultivars, while proposing forward-looking research strategies incorporating CRISPR-based genome editing and multi-omics approaches. The synthesized insights establish a theoretical pathway for advancing rootstock genetic improvement and sustainable orchard management practices in stone fruit cultivation systems.

Abstract: Chrysanthemums are popular worldwide due to their beautiful range of colors, shapes, and flower sizes. Since they are in high demand during the off seasons, the present investigation was carried out on the effect of covering materials on off-season flower production of chrysanthemums during 2022-23. The covering materials used in the experiment included tarpaulin and three cultivars, each of standard and spray type. In the present investigation, the profitability of six chrysanthemum flower cultivars i.e. White Star, Yellow Star, Purnima, Surf, Apricot Parasol, and Wellspring White were assessed under two types of covering materials i.e. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and Tarpaulin. The results show that Yellow Star (2.08) with HDPE as a covering material performs best in w.r.t. return on investment followed by Surf (2.01). In contrast, the cultivar Wellspring White has the lowest BCR of 1.38. The cultivar White Star (1.92) and Apricot Parasol (1.65) have moderate BCRs. The results further showed that the cultivar Yellow Star has the highest BCR value among others when HDPE is used as a covering material. The study also presents the yield and profitability of these cultivars under Tarpaulin covering. Yellow Star (1.64) has the maximum BCR, followed by white Star (1.25) which was almost twice that of Purnima (0.88). Surf and Apricot Parasol also have typical BCRs (0.94 and 0.81, respectively), while Wellspring White has a minimum BCR of 0.73. Finally, the study revealed that Yellow Star is the most beneficial variety in terms of yield and return under both HDPE and Tarpaulin, followed by White Star and Purnima. These results provide valuable insights for both cut flower farms and investors, highlighting the significance of cultivar choice and covering material type when making investment or resource allocation decisions.

Abstract: Climate change is no longer a looming possibility—it is an active force reshaping agriculturewith alarming urgency. The crucial to world diets, vegetable crops such tomatoes, peppers, andleafy greens provide crucial vitamins A and C; nevertheless, they are also more susceptible.Rising temperatures lower yields: irregular rainfall disturbs growth cycles; and new pestpressures take advantage of these vulnerabilities, therefore endangering food security for billionsof people. Though fundamental to the history of agriculture, traditional breeding techniques need10 to 15 years to create a new variety-a timeframe made extinct by the fast speed ofenvironmental change. Using state-of-the-art technology to hasten the creation of robustvegetable crops, the Quantum-AI Genomic Frontier Platform presents a transforming answer. Itforecasts plant stress responses with an 83% accuracy rate (Pearson correlation coefficient of0.83) and increases stress tolerance by 12–15% by integrating quantum-inspired computing,sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI), and thorough multi-omics datasets. While a virtualreality (VR) interface promotes worldwide cooperation, real-time IoT sensor data guaranteesmodels mirror field reality. This open-source platform, which is described here, not only showsits field trial results and architecture but also establishes itself as pillar for precision farming. Itprovides a scalable, team able structure to protect food systems against a warming planet.

Abstract:

Grafting is widely used as a breeding method to enhance productivity and resilience. However, the mechanisms of graft healing remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed Malus domestica (‘Hanfu’) homograft and observed morphological and anatomical changes during the healing process in the graft junction within 40 days after grafting (DAG) with focus on vascular connection between the stock and the scion traced with acid fuchsin dye. The observation showed different phases in the healing process. Phase I, from 0 to 20 DAG, involved formation and proliferation of callus, while phase II, from 20 to 40 DAG, involved reestablishment of vascular connection between the stock and the scion. In order to obtain an in-depth understanding of graft healing processes, transcriptomic and metabolomic changes were analyzed in the stock and the scion tissues at the graft junction in different phases. The transcriptomic data showed different gene expression profiles in the scion and stock in phase I, while gene expression profiles were similar between the scion and the stock during phase II, when differentially expressed genes (DGEs) (20 DAG vs 40 DAG) were highly enriched in pathway of sugar metabolism. In agreement with the transcriptomic result, there was significant difference in metabolite profile between the stock and the scion at 20 DAG, while their metabolomic difference reduced at 40 DAG. Metabolomic analysis highlighted increase in many sugars such as sucrose, glucose, raffinose and melibiose before vascular reconnection (phase I) while decrease in these sugars after vascular reconnection (phase II). Exogenous application of glucose, sucrose, raffinose and melibiose promoted vascular reconnection. The results suggest a shift from asymmetry to relative symmetry in gene expression and metabolism between the stock and the scion during the process of graft junction formation, which involves changes in sugar metabolism. Sugar accumulation is important for the healing process between the stock and the scions.

Abstract: Seed science has undergone transformative advancements through the integration of microbial technologies, with beneficial microorganisms emerging as critical tools for enhancing germination, seedling vigor, and crop resilience. Research demonstrates that microbial treatments improve nutrient uptake, hormonal regulation, and stress tolerance while establishing early symbiotic relationships with plants. This review synthesized recent advances in understanding the roles of beneficial microbes in seed science, focusing on their impact on seed germination, seedling growth, and plant health. We explored the composition and transmission of seed microbiomes, highlighting the vertical transfer of microbes from parent plants to seeds and the influence of environmental factors on microbial community structure. The review also discussed innovative approaches to seed microbiome engineering. Particular attention was given to seed biopriming with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which has shown significant potential in improving germination rates, seedling vigor, and crop productivity. We examined specific microbial strains, such as Trichoderma species and Pseudomonas fluorescens, and their mechanisms of action in enhancing plant performance. The review also addressed the impact of breeding on seed microbiomes and explored emerging research directions, including the development of tailored microbial inoculants and the investigation of intracellular seed bacteria. By synthesizing these findings, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of seed microbiome research and its implications in seed science for sustainable agriculture.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of applying five concentrations of magnesium sulfate on selected species of microgreens. Six plant species (broccoli, mustard, cress, basil, sunflower, and cucumber) were treated with MgSO₄ solutions containing magnesium at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg·L⁻¹. The water-soluble magnesium and calcium content of plants, fresh yield, dry matter content, vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were monitored for all species. The highest content of water-soluble magnesium (after the application of 50 mg·L⁻¹) was found in cucumber (1,076 mg·kg⁻¹ FW), while the lowest was in sunflower (369 mg·kg⁻¹ FW). The application of 50 mg·L⁻¹ resulted in an increase in magnesium content in the plants, ranging from 67% in mustard to 137% in broccoli, and up to 262% in basil. It was observed that the highest applied concentration positively influenced the total phenol content, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity in broccoli. Dry matter content (excluding mustard) and fresh weight were generally not significantly affected in any species. All species were successfully enriched with magnesium; however, it seems that each species responded differently to the application of magnesium sulfate. Although the highest Mg content in treated plants was found in cucumber, broccoli appears to be a more promising species in terms of high antioxidant activity, vitamin C content, total phenols, and flavonoids.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to identify grape genotypes resistant to powdery mildew to reduce pesticide use in vineyards. A total of 70 hybrid genotypes from Narince x Regent and Narince Kishmish Vatkana crosses, along with four grape varieties (Narince, Regent, Kishmish Vatkana, and Isabella), were evaluated for their susceptibility to powdery mildew. Inoculations were carried out under controlled greenhouse and laboratory conditions between 2021 and 2022. The study assessed the severity of infection by measuring mycelium and sporulation density on the leaves. Results showed significant variation in susceptibility, with genotypes exhibiting differences in infection severity, ranging from resistant (Regent) to highly susceptible (Narince). Genotypes NRG-7, NRG-146, NRG-174, NRG-195, NRG-196, NRG-197, and NRG-200, as well as cultivars Regent, Kishmish Vatkana, and Isabella, showed resistance to the disease, while Narince was highly sensitive. These resistant genotypes have potential for use in organic farming, offering an opportunity to reduce fungicide applications and enhance sustainable viticulture practices.

Abstract: The use of non-biodegradable plastic mulching materials has become more and more widespread on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). At the end of their useful life, they become a source of pollution when disposed of improperly or require a subsequent removal and recovery process by waste managers that increase costs, especially in island conditions. The use of degradable mulch may be a solution, although there is practically no experience of its use in horticultural crops under the agro-climatic and soil conditions of Tenerife. In this trial, the productive behaviour of a crop of squash cv. ‘Largo de Nápoles’ was studied using two papers (Agropaper and Mimgreen), two biodegradable plastics (Mater-Bi and Cylplast Bio), a commercial polyethylene and a control without mulch. No significant differences were observed between the biodegradable materials and polyethylene in commercial or total yield or in the average weight of harvested squashes. The costs of biodegradable plastics were lower than the total cost of using polyethylene. Material costs and logistics are especially important in relatively remote island areas, such as Tenerife.

Abstract: In the years 2013–2016, a study was conducted to investigate the influence of different methods of treating seeds of three sour cherry cultivars – ‘Wanda’, ‘Wroble’ and ‘Lutowka’ – on their germination and the growth of the obtained seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The tested methods of seed treatment included different durations of the stratification period at 5°C and several variants of removing the sources of germination inhibitors present in the stones (en-docarps), seed coats and endosperm, and in the cotyledons of embryos. The highest number of germinated seeds/embryos was obtained by removing their seed coat attached to the endosperm and subjecting the exposed embryos to a temperature of 20°C after stratification them for a period of 90 days. The percentage of germinated seeds/embryos obtained by this method was as high as 80–90%, and their germination occurred over a shorter period of time than in the other treatments tested. This method produced 20–25 cm tall seedlings within five months. By contrast, using traditional stratification of seeds in endocarps at 5°C, a large proportion of seeds had still not germinated after five months. Seedlings obtained from seeds stratified for 90 days grew better than those obtained from seeds stratified for a shorter time. The developed method makes it possible to obtain a larger number of sour cherry seedlings, thus increasing the efficiency of creative breeding. Moreover, obtaining a higher germination percentage over a shorter period shortens the breeding cycle, which contributes to reducing the costs of sour cherry breeding.

Abstract: FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) belong to the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) Super-family and are involved in a wide range of biological processes including protein folding, hormone signalling, plant growth and stress responses. However, the FKBPs and their biological functions have not been identified in tea. In this study, we searched and identified 21 FKBP genes in the tea plant genome using the consensus model of the FK506 binding domain (PF00254). Their phylogeny, classification, structure, motifs, interactors and expression patterns were analysed. Comprehensive qRT-PCR analysis revealed different expression patterns of CsFKBPs in different tissues and in response to low-temperature. We performed a genome-wide analysis of the low-temperature expression pattern of this gene family and determined that overexpression of CsFKBP53 enhances low-temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis plants. Furthermore, the expression of CsFKBP53 differed significantly in different tea varieties. Our results suggest that the FKBP gene is highly conserved in plant species and that transgenic CsFKBP53 can improve low temperature resistance in plants.

Abstract: The AT-hook motif nuclear-localized (AHL) genes play crucial roles in chromatin remodeling and regulation of gene transcription, significantly influencing biological processes such as plant growth, development, and stress responses. Although AHL genes have been extensively studied in various plants, their biological roles in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) remain unknown. In this study, 45 AHL genes were identified in the pepper genome through bioinformatics approaches. These genes were analyzed for their chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, and the structural and functional characteristics of their encoded proteins. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the CaAHL proteins into four subgroups. Transcriptome data revealed that CaAHL genes are expressed across various tissues, including roots, stems, flowers, seeds, and fruits, at different growth stages. Subcellular localization experiments confirmed that CaAHL23 predominantly localizes to the cell nucleus, consistent with the localization of its homolog TEK in Arabidopsis thaliana. A yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that CaAHL23 binds to the promoter of CaCYP703A2, which is the homolog of the genic male sterility gene SlCYP703A2 in tomato. These findings indicate a potential link between CaAHL23 and genic male fertility in pepper. In summary, this study provides valuable insights that establish a foundation for future functional studies of CaAHL genes in pepper.