Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: The Texas High Plains (THP) is a major cotton-producing region facing challenges from continuous cotton monoculture, which has increased weed pressure and reduced system sustainability. Over 90% of cotton acreage relies on herbicides, accelerating herbicide-resistant weed development. Declining Ogallala Aquifer water levels and erratic rainfall further stress the system, highlighting the need for diversified, drought-resilient cropping systems. Sorghum, known for its drought tolerance and allelopathic properties, offers an effective rotational crop to suppress weeds and improve water-use efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of sorghum-cotton rotation on weed dynamics, crop growth, and yield. A two-year field experiment (2024-2025) was conducted at the Quaker Research Farm, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, using a split-plot design with crop rotations [sorghum-cotton (S-C), sorghum-sorghum (S-S), and cotton-cotton (C-C)] as main plots and weed management treatments (weeded and unweeded) as subplots, with four replications. Results showed that the C-C system had 41% higher weed density and 57% greater early-season biomass than S-C; cotton growth improved in S-C with 17-22% taller plants and 36-90% more biomass compared to cotton monoculture. Under weeded conditions, lint yield increased by 53% and seed yield by 30% compared with cotton monoculture. Under unweeded conditions, yields were 21% to 41% greater in the S-C system due to improved weed suppression and reduced competition. Overall, integrating sorghum into cotton-based systems reduced weed pressure, enhanced crop performance, and minimized yield losses under limited weed control, supporting more sustainable production in the THP.

Abstract: To investigate the effects of intercropping Morchella (morel mushrooms) between apple tree rows on fruit quality and orchard soil properties, a field experiment was conducted using a cultivation system combining plastic film mulching with small arched tunnels. Morchella was planted in the interrows of five-year-old apple trees, and after harvest, the spent mushroom substrate was returned to the soil via rotary tillage. Plots without Morchella cultivation served as the control. The experiment assessed the yield and quality of both apples and morels, as well as the overall impact on tree performance. In addition, soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were analyzed across the 0-40 cm soil profile at different depth intervals. The results demonstrated that: (1) Inter-cropping Morchella in apple interrows proved to be agronomically feasible, yielding a fresh mushroom production of 1333.737 g/m². Moreover, this cultivation system significantly enhanced the nutritional quality of the harvested morels, as evidenced by marked increases in crude fiber, total sugars, reducing sugars, and free amino acid contents. (2) In the 0-20 cm soil layer, the Morchella cultivated plots exhibited significantly higher natural water content compared to the control. The measured values for soil pH, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, organic carbon, catalase activity, and sucrase activity were 5.46, 6.733 mg/kg, 38.303 g/kg, 411.859 μ mol/h/g, and 9.885 mg/d/g, respectively, all significantly greater than those in the control (p < 0.05). In the 20-40 cm layer, however, soil available potassium and organic carbon contents were 418.370 mg/kg and 28.453 g/kg, respectively, both significantly lower than the control (p < 0.05). Across both treatments, the values of soil pH, alkali -hydrolyzable nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, available potassium, and the activities of urease, amylase, catalase, and sucrase generally decreased with increasing soil depth. Notably, in the non-cultivated control plots, the contents of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen and organic carbon increased with depth. (3) Morchella intercropping significantly improved apple fruit quality, as reflected by marked increases in individual fresh weight, fruit shape index, reducing sugars, total sugars, and soluble solids content. (4) The treatment also substantially enhanced the photosynthetic performance of apple trees, with significant increases in transpiration rate, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and stomatal conductance. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that intercropping Morchella between apple tree rows confers substantial agronomic advantages. This practice not only elevates the productivity and quality of both the mushroom crop and the apples, but also ameliorates key soil physicochemical characteristics and boosts foliar photosynthesis. The cumulative positive effects highlight its considerable promise as a viable and scalable agroecological strategy.

Abstract: Agro-food sector byproducts are valuable sources of biostimulants. Alperujo, the primary by-product generated during the two-phase centrifugation process of olive oil extraction, is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, which could enhance its valorization potential. Among these, hydroxytyrosol-4-glucoside and hydroxytyrosol were the predominant phenolic compounds detected. Despite the well-documented antioxidant and health-promoting properties of hydroxytyrosol, there is a notable lack of studies evaluating its use as a biostimulant in agricultural applications. To address this gap, the present study evaluated the agronomic and qualitative responses of tomato plants to the application of two commercial hydroxytyrosol-rich formulations (formulas A and B) derived from olive oil extraction by-products. Tomato plants were cultivated under greenhouse conditions using a soilless coco peat substrate, and the formulations were applied via the root system at different doses and application times, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Formulae A and B contained hydroxytyrosol at concentrations of 2.8 mg mL−1 and 6.4 mg mL−1, respectively. Key production parameters, including yield, fruit size, and number of fruits, both marketable and nonmarketable, were recorded. Additionally, fruit quality attributes were assessed, including shelf life, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), antioxidant capacity, and concentrations of lycopene, vitamin C, total polyphenols, and anthocyanins. Formula B also increased fruit Ca, K and N concentrations, suggesting enhanced nutrient partitioning towards fruits. Metabolomic analysis of fruit tissues was performed using NMR spectroscopy to quantify primary metabolites, including sugars, organic acids, and amino acids, in the fruit. The results demonstrated that the application of these biostimulant formulations enhanced crop yield. Formula B increased the total and marketable yields by 15.7% and 21%, respectively, and formula A by 9.6% and 14.5%, respectively. Fruit firmness improved by up to 30%, and shelf life was extended by 37% and 54% with the use of formulas A and B, respectively. In addition, the key antioxidant attributes were improved. Lycopene increased by 36% and 21% under formula A and B, respectively. Total vitamin C increased by 18% with Formula B. Sugar content (glucose and fructose) and malate concentrations were significantly higher in treated fruits, whereas glutamine levels increased by 67% with Formula B. These findings highlight the potential of hydroxytyrosol-rich biostimulants to improve tomato yield, fruit quality, and postharvest longevity while promoting sustainable agriculture and the valorization of agro-industrial waste.

Abstract: Drought tolerance assessment in maize requires the integration of yield performance and multiple stress-related indicators to identify genotypes combining productivity and environmental adaptation. In this study, twenty maize genotypes were evaluated under optimal and drought-stress conditions using grain yield parameters and fifteen drought tolerance indices. Significant variation was observed for yield potential (Yp), stress yield (Ys), and index-based drought responses. Productivity-related indices, including Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), Harmonic Mean (HM), Modified Stress Tolerance Index (MSTI), and Relative Efficiency Index (REI), showed strong associations with yield performance and effectively identified stable, high-performing genotypes. Correlation analysis revealed a clear separation between productivity-oriented and susceptibility-related indices. Principal Component Analysis explained 97.5% of total variation in the first two components and separated indices into productive adaptation and stress susceptibility groups. Cluster analysis classified genotypes into four distinct groups, identifying genotypes with high yield potential, superior drought adaptation, intermediate performance, and stress sensitivity. Genotypes G11, G12, and G13 demonstrated the highest yield retention under drought, while G3, G15, and G18 combined high productivity with acceptable stress performance. The integration of multi-index analysis and multivariate approaches provides an effective framework for selecting drought-resilient maize genotypes.

Abstract: Generation time is the principal bottleneck constraining genetic gain in plant breeding. Speed breeding (SB) addresses this by simultaneously managing photoperiod, light spectrum and intensity, temperature, CO2 concentration, mineral nutrition, growing substrate volume, and post-harvest seed dormancy, enabling four to seven generations per year in long-day cereals and legumes, and four to five generations in optimised short-day systems. This review sets the conventional pedigree framework as the benchmark against which SB is evaluated; synthesises validated environmental parameters and crop-specific protocols; and examines principal SB applications in hybridisation, genomic selection, disease-resistance screening, and allele introgression. A structured comparison of major review and protocol papers identifies broad consensus on core parameters alongside genuine divergence on far-red light supplementation. Critical evaluation addresses genotype-by-environment interaction, incomplete trait coverage, infrastructure costs, and unresolved questions on biological integrity of rapidly advanced generations. The review further discusses new genomic techniques (NGTs), particularly CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, in the context of the EU’s June 2026 NGT regulation, under which Category 1 plants carrying only targeted endogenous modifications are exempt from GMO authorisation. When combined with SB, this regulatory shift can compress the interval from gene-editing event to registered variety from decades to a few years. Speed breeding, NGTs, and conventional field-based selection are most productively treated as complementary elements of a unified pipeline.

Abstract: Sustainable production of Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is severely compromised by a vicious cycle of excessive chemical dependency and complex biotic stresses including anthracnose, nematodes, thrips and other associated pests and diseases. Moreover, the efficacy of single biocontrol agents in field applications often proves unstable, and balancing the growth-defense trade-off remains challenging. To break these impasses, we established a novel “ZR Synergistic Green Control System” (ZR-SGCS) by coupling an ultra-active plant immune inducer ZNC with a functional microbial agent Recharge. This system establishes a dual defense barrier, orchestrating internal immune activation with external ecological remodeling to engineer ecological synergy. Field trials demonstrated that the ZR-SGCS significantly accelerated seed tuber germination and seedling biomass accumulation. It established a spatiotemporal complementary defense network, exhibiting excellent integrated pest and disease control efficacy. The system maintained over 60% efficacy against foliar diseases such as anthracnose and brown spot, while enhancing the control of soil-borne diseases like wilt and root-lesion nematodes by more than 60% and 30%, respectively. It also achieved ~48% specific control of thrips. Crucially, ZR-SGCS alleviated the growth-defense conflict, significantly delaying plant senescence and synchronously optimizing yield structure for aerial beans and underground tubers. This synergy increased the proportion of high-quality yam beans, yielded a 51.66% surge in high-quality tubers, and improved total economic benefits by ~30%. The synergistic system successfully bridges the gap between laboratory potential and field stability for yam production, offering a robust and sustainable strategy to mitigate continuous cropping obstacles and reduce chemical inputs.

Abstract: Agave angustifolia Haw. is one of the primary sources for the production of mezcals such as raicilla and tuxca in western Mexico. In Jalisco, Agave angustifolia evolved from being a pre-Hispanic ritual and food resource (200–1500 CE) to becoming the primary basis for the 16th-century vino mezcal, the precursor to all mezcals, such as raicilla and tequila. This review synthesizes current genomic, epigenetic, and metabolic evidence to elucidate the species' evolutionary and adaptive potential. Our analysis confirms that the domestication of A. angustifolia is characterized by a "domestication paradox," where intensive clonal management ensures short-term productivity but creates genetic bottlenecks that limit long-term adaptive capacity. We synthesize empirical evidence to show that adaptive plasticity is driven by the integration of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) flexibility and dynamic global DNA methylation (GDM) profiles, which, while currently correlative, suggest an environmental response mechanism. We conclude that securing the socio-economic viability of Agave spirits requires a transition from intensive monocultures to regenerative agroforestry, incorporating sexual propagation to maintain evolutionary potential. Furthermore, we outline a roadmap for Genomics-Assisted Breeding (GAB 4.0), integrating marker-assisted selection for juvenile traits to accelerate the release of resilient biotypes, and precision diagnostic tools to reduce the ecological footprint of agave production. This framework secures the genomic integrity of traditional spirits within a circular, climate-resilient bioeconomy.

Abstract: Extensive livestock farming is characteristic of the landscape of the Mediterranean regions of Southern Iberian Peninsula. These production systems based on dryland pastures provide a wide range of services and contribute to maintaining environmental balance when compared with intensive agricultural or other livestock production systems. The application of dolomitic limestone and fertilizer, as well as the increasing livestock stocking rates are possible strategies to promote the sustainable management and the intensification of the Montado ecosystem. This study was carried out under the SUMO (“Sustainability of the Montado”) project during the vegetative cycle of 2023/2024 on a 4-ha pasture field located at Mitra farm (Southern Portugal). The experimental design included four treatments resulting from the combination of limestone application (with and without) and stocking rate (traditional: 7 sheep ha⁻¹; high: 17 sheep ha⁻¹). Sheep grazing preferences, soil compaction and fertility, pasture productivity, quality and floristic composition were monitored at 48 sampling areas. The results confirm that improving soil pH through the application of dolomitic limestone is an effective, although slow and gradual process. When combined with grazing management through increased stocking rates, several important outcomes were observed: (i) preferential grazing areas did not exhibit significant differences in soil trampling; (ii) higher stocking rates resulted in less selective grazing; (iii) soil amendment and higher livestock stocking rate contributed to greater pasture crude protein availability (pasture productivity and quality) and animal productivity; and (iv) the influence of pasture quality on grazing preferences depended on the phase of the pasture-grazing cycle. Overall, these findings are promising indicators of sustainability for extensive animal production in Mediterranean dryland silvopastoral systems.

Abstract: The study described the framework of compiling smart climate agriculture (CSA) technologies in six member countries of South Asia. Set of CSA technologies after initial listing, were prioritized and validated through participatory research action. Climate change for its adverse effects is a serious threat to food security, people’s livelihood and environmental sustainability in South Asia (SA). Climate smart agriculture practices can play a pivotal role in addressing food security issues in climate vulnerable scenario of South Asia. At the first stage a compendium of climate smart technologies was developed with the support of National Agriculture and Extension service of six SAARC member countries i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. These technologies were prioritized based on the World bank technology index (CSA-Tech) to evaluate the strength of particularly technology in the context of productivity, resilience and mitigation as shown by chord diagrams, technologies supported by national policies of particular country elaborate the importance of those technologies at country level as shown by heatmap. Selected CSA technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), and intercropping (IC) were validated in the farmers field through participatory action approach in the context of farmers preexisting knowledge and experiences blended with research framework for that particular technology. Results of such technology has been found encouraging in terms of increased crop productivity, enhance resource use efficiency, reducing Greenhouse gases emission, resilience as well as profitability and farm income.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of selected soil parameters and integrated fertilizer formulations on the productivity of three legume crops – mungbean, soybean, and cowpea – in order to identify the optimal strategies to maximize yields through reduced Nitrogen and bio-augmentation. A five-year experiment composed of 2-year pot trials (2019 – 2020) and 3-year field trials (2022 – 2024) were conducted to assess the changes in some soil parameters (N, P, K, OM, pH) and yield response of the crops with varying amounts (1, 2, 4kg) of Bradyrhizobium-based biofertilizer combined with 25-50% reduction in mineral N fertilizer. The biofertilizer is composed of locally-isolated strains which were genetically identified in our previous reports as B. elkanii NE1-6, NE2-1, B. diazoefficiens NE1-65, Bradyrhizobium sp. NE1-19, NE1-34, and NE2-3. Results indicated that among the soil parameters, the amount of K strongly influenced yield increase for soybean (r = 0.85, p>0.05) and mungbean (r = 0.67, p>0.05) while the amount of N has the highest influence on cowpea (r = 0.60, p=0.05). Soybean yield was maximized with 50% reduction in N fertilizer (20kgN) combined with 2-4kg biofertilizer while cowpea and mungbean achieved increased yields at 25% reduced N fertilizer combined with 2-4kg biofertilizer. This study confirms the viability of integrating Bradyrhizobium-based biofertilizer with 25-50% reduction in mineral N fertilizer without yield loss by harnessing the efficient N-fixation ability of the strains in the consortium.

Abstract: White mustard (Sinapis alba L.) productivity is strongly influenced by crop spatial configuration and environmental variability, particularly in dry steppe agroecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of seeding rate and sowing method on crop growth, biomass accumulation, and yield formation on southern carbonate chernozem soils. Field experiments were conducted during 2023 - 2025 using a two-factor design with three seeding rates (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 million viable seeds ha⁻¹) and two sowing methods (25 cm row spacing and 50 cm wide-row spacing). Seed yield was significantly affected by seeding rate, with 2.5 million viable seeds ha⁻¹ producing the highest and most stable yields across years. Both lower and higher seeding rates were associated with reduced productivity, particularly under drought conditions. Sowing method effects depended on hydrothermal conditions, with row sowing (25 cm) improving yield stability under moisture deficit. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that seed yield was more closely associated with plant height at flowering and pod formation than with early-stage biomass accumulation. Although biomass variables were strongly interrelated across growth stages, their direct association with seed yield was limited, indicating that reproductive-stage plant development was a more reliable predictor of yield variation under moisture-limited conditions. Significant seeding rate × sowing method interactions were observed under dry conditions, highlighting the importance of crop spatial configuration for stabilizing productivity under climatic variability. This study provides region-specific evidence of the combined effects of seeding rate and sowing method under contrasting hydrothermal conditions and identifies an effective crop spatial configuration for improving white mustard productivity in the dry steppe of Northern Kazakhstan.

Abstract: Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular degradation pathway that has emerged as an important regulator of plant immunity and a recurrent target of pathogen virulence strategies. In this review, we examine how Candidatus Liberibacter (CL) species and their hosts provide a useful informative system for understanding convergent pathogen manipulation of the ATG6-ATG8 autophagic hub in agricultural and model plants. We synthesize recent evidence showing that CL-effectors reprogram autophagy through mechanistically distinct but functionally convergent strategies, including interference with ATG6- and ATG8-associated processes and exploitation of host metabolic regulators linked to autophagic flux. By comparing these mechanisms with autophagy targeting strategies reported for other plant-associated pathogens, we highlight recurring vulnerability nodes within the host autophagic machinery and suggest that these nodes may represent promising targets for future resistance engineering. We further discuss how structure guided molecular design and programmable genome editing could, over time, inform the development of more precise and durable approaches to crop protection.

Abstract: Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a devastating vascular disease affecting global rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, leading to severe yield losses. Over-reliance on synthetic antibiotics and chemical pesticides has accelerated environmental degradation and led to the emergence of pathogen resistance. This study evaluated the efficacy of sustainable organic amendments as alternative bactericides. The pathogen was isolated from infected Basmati-370 plants at the SKUAST-Jammu research farm and confirmed via morphological characterization, Gram’s staining, and pathogenicity trials. In vitro screening using the poisoned food technique evaluated three organic extracts (Neem Seed Kernel Extract [NSKE], Neem Organic Extract [NOE], and Banana Peel Extract [BPE]) at 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations against Xoo. In vivo pot trials assessed a combination of seed-dip and foliar spray applications at a 10% concentration. In vitro results demonstrated that 10% NSKE completely suppressed Xoo growth, mirroring the efficacy of the positive control (Streptomycin sulphate), while BPE exhibited negligible inhibition. In greenhouse experiments, 10% NSKE reduced disease incidence to 16.2% and disease severity to 12.9%, compared to 30.9% incidence and 24.1% severity in the untreated control. NOE also showed significant protection, reducing incidence to 18.8% and severity to 15.3%. These findings demonstrate that neem-based derivatives, particularly NSKE, are powerful, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical antibiotics for the sustainable management of BLB in rice ecosystems.

Abstract: Fragrant pear canker, caused by Cytospora pyri, is a major branch disease that reduces the productivity and longevity of Korla fragrant pear orchards in Xinjiang, China. During infection and lesion expansion in woody tissues, C. pyri must breach the host cell wall barrier, in which pectin degradation plays a central role by weakening intercellular adhesion and disrupting tissue integrity. Members of glycoside hydrolase family 28 (GH28), represented mainly by polygalacturonases and other pectin-degrading enzymes, are closely involved in fungal invasion and colonization. However, the composition and virulence-related functions of this gene family in C. pyri remain unclear. In this study, GH28 genes were systematically identified and comparatively analyzed in C. pyri and closely related Cytospora species. Infection-stage expression profiling and functional validation were then performed to assess their roles in pathogenicity. A total of 73 GH28 genes were identified across five Cytospora species, including 15 in C. pyri. Most C. pyri GH28 proteins were predicted to be acidic, hydrophilic, extracellularly secreted proteins carrying conserved motifs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. pyri GH28 members were closely related to homologs from C. mali. Genomic distribution analysis revealed that these genes were dispersed across multiple scaffolds, with no obvious tandem duplication events. RT-qPCR analysis showed that all seven candidate GH28 genes were induced during infection of fragrant pear branches, with VP1G_08835 and VP1G_03209 exhibiting strong expression responses at 6 dpi. Functional validation further showed that deletion of VP1G_08835 impaired vegetative growth and reduced lesion length on detached pear branches by 26.62% compared with the wild type, whereas complementation restored these phenotypes. These findings demonstrate that GH28 genes participate in C. pyri infection and identify VP1G_08835 as an important GH28 member required for normal growth and full virulence.

Abstract: Optimizing irrigation management is increasingly important for sustaining cassava production under changing climatic and water availability conditions. This study evaluated the effects of different irrigation regimes on growth traits and yield of cassava variety KM94 under field conditions in Hanoi city, Vietnam, from March 2023 to February 2026. The experiments utilized a randomized complete block design, which consisted of three irrigation treatments: I1 (Model-based), I2 (Farmer), and I3 (Rainfed). The results showed that the I1 treatment significantly promoted shoot biomass development during the early- to mid-growth stage (5-9 months after planting, MAP) and improved tuber morphological traits (tuber length and diameter). Specifically, the cassava yield under I1 ranged from 35.6 to 36.9 tonnes ha^-1, exceeding I2 by 8-12 tonnes ha^-1, and I3 by 10-12 tonnes ha^-1. Correlation analysis indicated that at 5 MAP, fresh tuber weight was positively correlated with fresh leaf weight (r = 0.57; p < 0.01), tuber number and tuber diameter (r = 0.45 and 0.75; p < 0.001), but negatively correlated with plant height (r = -0.45). At 11 MAP, fresh tuber yield showed a positive correlation with fresh stem weight (r = 0.51) and a negative correlation with fresh leaf weight (r = -0.23), reflecting the pattern of efficient dry matter translocation from aboveground biomass to storage tubers during late growth stages. These findings suggest that proactive irrigation management based on water balance and crop models is a key strategy for optimizing the yield potential of cassava cultivar KM94 in the context of climate change and increasing water scarcity.

Abstract: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) represents an alternative for agriculture in warm regions due to its adaptation to high temperatures, drought tolerance, and content of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutraceutical quality of the Carmine Splendor (red fruit) and Jambalaya (green fruit) hybrids under organic and conventional production systems in temperate to cold greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted during the 2024 fall-winter season in Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, using a completely randomized block design. Yield variables (fruits plant⁻¹, kg plant⁻¹, and t ha⁻¹) and the content of β-carotene, phenols, and total flavonoids were evaluated. The results showed that Carmine under organic management achieved the highest yield (10.153 t ha⁻¹), demonstrating the predominant influence of genotype on productivity. Conventional Jambalaya had the highest concentration of β-carotene (0.013 mg g⁻¹ FW), while conventional Carmine had the highest content of total phenols (0.581 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW). Likewise, organic Carmine had the highest concentration of total flavonoids (0.503 mg CAT g⁻¹ DW), suggesting that the interaction between genotype and organic management favors the accumulation of antioxidant compounds.

Abstract: Climate change poses an increasing threat to viticulture sustainability, particularly in tra-ditional wine regions, where varietal regulations restrict the adoption of new cultivars. Leveraging intra-varietal diversity represents a promising, regulation-compatible adapta-tion strategy. We report the first comprehensive monomeric phenolic profiling, by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS, of grape berries from eleven Vitis vinifera L. 'Tempranillo Tinto' clones (two seasons) and seven 'Graciano' clones (three seasons), from old vineyards in La Rioja (Spain). Six phenolic classes were quantified: hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxyben-zoic acids, flavonols, flavanols, stilbenes, and anthocyanins. Multivariate analysis of var-iance, linear mixed-effects models, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to characterize clonal diversity. Significant clone effects were detected for all six phenolic classes in 'Graciano' and four in 'Tempranillo Tinto'. In 'Graciano', clone GR_1250 was distinguished by elevated flavonol and anthocyanin levels, whereas GR_1265 showed the highest flavanol and hydroxybenzoic acid content. In 'Tempranillo Tinto', clone TT_1041 stood out for its higher flavanol and hydroxybenzoic acid concen-trations, whereas TT_767 had elevated anthocyanin levels. Two to four distinct phenotyp-ic clusters were identified within each variety. These results confirm substantial in-tra-varietal phenolic diversity in both cultivars and identify clonal selections with differ-ential profiles of value for improving wine quality under climate change.

Abstract: Following the 2021 Montiferru wildfire, one of the largest wildfire events in modern Italian history, assessing the suitability of olive-growing environments for high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) production is crucial for supporting sustainable agricultural restoration. This study models the spatial distribution and temporal stability of total polyphenol concentration in EVOO (cv. Bosana) across a complex Mediterranean landscape. Olive samples from georeferenced sites were collected during the 2022 and 2023 harvest seasons and processed using a standardized protocol. Spatial modeling was performed via Empirical Bayesian Kriging Regression Prediction (EBKRP), integrating seven bioclimatic and topographic covariates. Cross-validation demonstrated high predictive accuracy with negligible bias for both years. While single-predictor correlations were weak, multi-variable analysis highlighted a strong interaction between topography and water balance driving phenolic accumulation. The mean prediction map identified regional hotspots exceeding 700 mg kg⁻¹ of polyphenols content in the obtained olive oils. Spatial overlay analysis successfully delineated “Stable High-Phenolic Core Areas” (>500 mg kg⁻¹ with interannual variation <100 mg kg⁻¹), filtering out high-altitude marginal zones. This geostatistical approach provides a valuable territorial decision-making tool to support post-fire agricultural reconversion and the valorization of high-quality monovarietal EVOO terroirs.

Abstract: Fruit color is a key quality trait in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and an important factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Various pigments, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophylls, form the biochemical basis of fruit coloration, imparting vivid colors such as red, yellow, orange, and green. Flavonoids and carotenoids are also essential nutritional components in cherry tomato, directly influencing their commercial value, while chlorophylls are crucial for photosynthesis and fruit development. However, conventional tomato varieties typically contain insufficient flavonoid levels to meet human dietary requirements. In this study, we quantified flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll a and b in ten high-flavonoid cherry tomato cultivars and investigated the relationships between fruit color and pigment content. The results revealed that red and orange tomato varieties contained higher flavonoid and carotenoid levels than yellow varieties, while green tomatoes exhibited elevated chlorophyll content. Yellow varieties showed the maximum L* (lightness) value. Flavonoid and carotenoid contents were significantly positively correlated with a* (red-green axis) and a*/b* (yellow-blue axis) values but negatively correlated with hue angle, whereas chlorophyll content showed no significant correlations with color parameters. Our findings provide guidance for evaluating the nutritional value of cherry tomatoes based on pigmentation.

Abstract: Nanotechnology for promoting sustainable agriculture has emerged as an innovative alternative for controlling various pests. Nanopesticides are a tool capable of improving the efficiency of active ingredients, reducing required doses, and reducing environmental impact compared to conventional pesticides. This review analyzes the main types of nanopesticides, their mechanisms of action, benefits in crop protection, and current limitations, as well as their comparison with current commercial pesticides. It also discusses the potential risks associated with their use due to the lack of clear regulatory frameworks that guarantee their safe use. Finally, it highlights the need to promote interdisciplinary research and international regulations that drive the responsible development of nanopesticides, ensuring their role as a key tool in sustainable agriculture in the future.