Abstract: Salinity represents a critical agricultural threat that reduces the productivity of several crops. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), recognized as the world´s second most significant horticultural commodity globally, is salt-sensitive. This research evaluated seed priming treatments (hydro, halo, bacterio, and halo-bacterio) at different phenological stages under two salinity conditions (0 and 16 mM NaCl) as a biotechnological alternative to mitigate salt stress and increase production. Using physiological variables and multivariate statistical analyses, this research demonstrated that priming treatments modified the physiological, nutritional, and productive metabolism of tomato plants. Bacteriopriming, using an endophytic and halophytic bacterial consortium isolated from halophytes, enhanced germination variables and N, P, Ca and Zn absorption in seedlings. In the vegetative and reproductive stage and under stress, halo-bacteriopriming consistently enhanced concentrations of K, Mg, and Zn in leaves and fruits, but decreased Na absorption. This nutritional balance allowed not only a higher concentration of chlorophyll but also a significant increase in yield and beta-carotene concentration in tomato fruits. For the first time, this research demonstrated that the halo-bacteriopriming with this kind of bacteria is a biotechnological strategy to mitigate saline stress, optimizing not only tomato growth, but also its nutraceutical quality. It significantly outperformed the plant response in all stages of development compared to those from control, hydro, and halo-primed treatments.

Abstract: Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) plays a crucial cultural, nutritional, and economic role in Senegal, supporting smallholder livelihoods, domestic food systems, and regional export markets. However, post-harvest losses associated with traditional open-air drying and storage remain high, particularly under coastal conditions characterized by high relative humidity and variable weather. Improving drying assessment and storage practices is therefore essential to enhance chili quality, safety, and marketability. This study evaluated smallholder chili drying and storage practices in Senegal, with a particular focus on processor dryness judgment, drying surfaces, and storage materials, and assessed the potential role of a simple equilibrium relative humidity (ERH)-based decision-support tool. A participatory, on-farm study was conducted with six chili processors in the Niayes agroecological zone of western Senegal. Freshly harvested chilies were dried concurrently using black plastic sheeting and processors’ customary drying materials under farmer-managed conditions. Processor assessments of storage readiness were compared with ERH-based classifications using the DryCard tool. Drying duration and dry matter content were recorded for each treatment. Dried chilies were subsequently stored in either airtight glass jars or traditional gunny bags, and weight changes were monitored at 25, 45, and 70 days after storage. Data were analysed descriptively using within-processor comparisons to identify consistent patterns across sites. After 15 days of drying, all chili samples were classified as not dried for storage, with DryCard readings of approximately 75% ERH across sites. Final processor-determined drying durations ranged from 29 to 42 days. DryCard ERH values at this stage ranged from 30% to 70%, with three instances where processor judgement indicated storage readiness despite ERH values exceeding the 65% threshold. Dry matter content varied widely across treatments and sites, ranging from 7.4% to 18.3%. Chilies dried on black plastic sheeting showed higher and more consistent dry matter content (median ≈ 11.5%) compared with chillies dried on processor-preferred materials (median ≈ 9.1%). During storage, chilies kept in airtight glass jars maintained stable weights close to the initial 200 g over 70 days (199–201 g). In contrast, those stored in gunny bags showed progressive weight increases, reaching median values of approximately 208.5 g after 70 days. The study demonstrates that while experiential knowledge remains central to smallholder chili processing, it can be strengthened with simple, objective tools that support more reliable drying and storage decisions. Incremental improvements in drying surface selection, combined with ERH-based assessment and moisture-limiting storage, offer practical pathways for reducing post-harvest losses and quality risks. These context-appropriate interventions can enhance the safety, stability, and economic value of dried chilies without requiring costly infrastructure, making them well-suited to smallholder systems in humid environments.

Abstract: The PP2C (protein phosphates 2C) are key regulators of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling that play a crucial role in plant stress responses. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis and identified 71 DlPP2C genes in Dimocarpus longan which is an economically important fruit crop. The evolutionary analysis revealed that DlPP2C genes were classified into distinct subgroups based on phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. Structural analysis demonstrated conserved motif composition and gene organization within subgroups, whereas chromosomal distribution and synteny analysis revealed that segmental duplication events contributed to gene family expansion. Promoter analysis findings identified numerous cis-acting elements related to hormone and stress responsiveness especially abscisic acid-responsive elements (ABREs), suggesting their potential involvement in ABA signaling pathways. Under exogenous ABA treatments, expression profiling of the DlPP2C genes exhibited dynamic, dose and time dependent response with several genes showing peak expression at 10 μM ABA after 16 h, especially the DlPP2C1 displayed a strong transcriptional response, indicating its potential role as a key regulator. Overexpression and GUS staining assays revealed enhanced activity under ABA treatment, further supporting its involvement in ABA-responsive regulation. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis revealed a total of 1799 differentially expressed genes, with prevalence of downregulated genes, showing extensive transcriptional reprograming. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these genes were largely associated with plant hormone signaling, stress response and metabolic pathways. Together, these findings propose that DlPP2C genes, especially DlPP2C1, play a key role in ABA-mediated regulatory networks and provide valuable insights intro stress adaption mechanisms during early somatic embryogenesis in longan.

Abstract: Soil salinization severely limits the stable production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and compromises the postharvest storability of seed cloves as industrial planting materials. This study evaluated the morpho-physiological, photosynthetic (JIP-test), and postharvest responses of a shoot-dominant ('C-P') and a root-dominant ('J-L') garlic cultivar to graded salinity (0, 50, 200 mM NaCl) in a hydroponic system, with or without seed-clove priming using a novel commercial biostimulant. Results showed 50 mM NaCl significantly inhibited shoot growth, while 200 mM nearly arrested growth and induced clove decay. Under moderate salinity, LE priming exhibited cultivar-dependent mitigation. In 'C-P', it promoted root branching, enhanced soluble sugar accumulation, and improved postharvest tissue hydration. In 'J-L', biostimulant elevated leaf SPAD values, fully reversed stress-induced clove yellowing, and significantly suppressed postharvest fungal decay during cold storage. In conclusion, garlic's response to salinity is fundamentally dictated by intrinsic resource allocation strategies. Rather than merely promoting growth, biostimulant priming optimizes photosynthetic energy fluxes and reshapes metabolism. This tailored approach effectively preserves the visual marketability of susceptible cultivars while enhancing Osmo protectant accumulation and hydration in vigorous morphotypes, providing a sustainable strategy to safeguard industrial raw materials in salinized controlled cultivation systems.

Abstract:

Background: When branches lack a defined collar, arborists are left without a clear target to guide removal pruning. A common recommendation is to cut at a 45° angle from the branch bark ridge. Cutting perpendicular to the branch axis as an alternative would minimize effective wound size, potentially reducing wood dysfunction in the remaining stem. Methods: A total of 92 Acer rubrum L. ‘Florida Flame’ and 102 Quercus virginiana Mill. ‘Highrise’ branches without visible collars were pruned one of two ways: 1.) removal cut angle 45° from the branch bark ridge (45°) or 2.) removal cut angle perpendicular to the branch axis (perpendicular). Three years later, pruned areas were harvested and assessed for wound closure and internal discoloration and decay, controlling for initial branch diameter, branch-to-parent-stem aspect ratio, sprout growth, and branch height. Results: In live oak, branch size and cut method affected the amount and length of discoloration observed. In red maple, discoloration and decay were largely a function of branch size and aspect ratio (i.e., the relative size difference between the removed branch and parent stem). In both species, cambial dieback was more common with perpendicular removal cuts, often negating any initial benefit associated with the smaller wound. Conclusions: When removing branches without a branch collar, we recommend making 45° cuts. Identifying which branches to remove or retain early in a tree’s life is important to avoid large branch removal cuts later.

Abstract: During phytosanitary monitoring of ornamental conifers conducted across multiple regions of Serbia, two species of spider mite, Eotetranychus libocedri (McGregor, 1936) and Eotetranychus thujae (McGregor, 1950), were recorded for the first time. E. libocedri was found on Platycladus orientalis L. (Franco), Thuja occidentalis L., and Cupressus × leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, while E. thujae was detected on T. occidentalis. These records have extended the distribution area of these two allochthonous species in Europe. Together with previous findings, the number of registered species of the Tetranychidae family in Serbia now totals 47 species across 10 genera.

Abstract:

Myrtus communis L. (common myrtle) is an economically valuable Mediterranean shrub with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and ornamental sectors. However, the biochemical diversity of drought- and salt-resistant genotypes remains insufficiently characterized, particularly regarding the relationship between primary and secondary metabolism and stress adaptation. This study investigated the biochemical and aroma profiles of six drought-resistant myrtle genotypes from natural populations in Antalya, Turkey, to identify chemotypic diversity and elucidate metabolic strategies underlying abiotic stress tolerance. Volatile compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME/GC-MS, while sugars and organic acids were quantified by HPLC. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering) were employed to evaluate metabolic relationships and genotype classification. Three chemotypes were identified: (i) Eucalyptol-type (G34, G36) with 35-40% 1,8-cineole; (ii) α-Pinene-type (G15, G37) with elevated terpenes (15.7-20.5%) and high sugar content (11.9-12.4 g/100 ml); and (iii) Ester-aldehyde type (G9) characterized by dominant esters (30.4%) and negligible eucalyptol. Significant genotypic variation was observed across metabolite classes (p < 0.001, η² > 0.90). Hierarchical clustering revealed three metabolic strategies: volatile-focused antioxidant defense (Cluster 1), osmotic adjustment with chemical defense (Cluster 2), and specialized stress signaling (Cluster 3). These findings highlight substantial metabolic plasticity and provide a basis for targeted breeding and diverse industrial applications.

Abstract: Plant steroid hormones, namely brassinosteroids (BRs), govern growth and resilience to environmental stress, yet little is known about how BR-signaling kinases (BSKs) operate in non-model horticultural species. Here, we carried out a whole-genome interrogation of the BSK family in Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis and examined its potential involvement in high-temperature stress responses. The search yielded 20 BcBSK members, each featuring a conserved kinase domain at the N-terminus and TPR repeats at the C-terminus. Phylogenetic reconstruction assigned them to separate subgroups, while collinearity assessment detected 16 duplicated gene pairs evolving under strong selection constraints. Upstream regulatory sequences harbored numerous cis-motifs linked to hormonal signals and stress perception. Interactome modeling pinpointed BcBSK2, BcBSK5, BcBSK14, and BcBSK18 as hub components. RNA-seq analysis under elevated temperature (38℃) uncovered distinct expression behaviors between cultivars: in the susceptible line “Aijiaohuang”, BcBSK1 and BcBSK2 transcripts increased sharply, whereas the resistant line “SHI” exhibited little fluctuation. Quantitative PCR results aligned with the RNA-seq findings. Exogenous application of 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ BR improved the activities of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, boosted proline levels, lowered malondialdehyde content, and preserved chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations under heat exposure. Taken together, these data imply that BcBSK family members contribute to BR-facilitated heat adaptation by orchestrating changes at both transcript and metabolite levels, thus laying a groundwork for genetic enhancement of thermotolerance in this vegetable species.

Abstract:

This study evaluated the effects of light spectral quality on shoot yield and essential oil of Tagetes erecta L. cultivated in controlled growth chambers. Plants were grown for up to 101 days under three LED lighting treatments with different red, blue, and white wavelength ratios and a constant 16 h photoperiod. The F2 treatment (5 red­­:1 blue) produced yields of fresh shoots, early blooming flowers, and oils of 271 ± 28 g/tray, 97.43 ± 13.14 g/tray, and 52.46 ± 5.41 mg/tray, respectively. These values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the F1 treatment (white:red-phosphor), and represented increases of 1.37-, 1.26-, and 1.38-fold, respectively. Gas chromatography identified three major oil constituents—(E)-β-ocimene (22.9–28.8%), (E)-myroxide (13.9–20.6%), and piperitone (7.3–9.6%)—among a total of 24—25 compounds. Essential oils inhibited from four to five of the seven tested microbial strains, with the notable activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans recorded in F2 and F1, respectively. These findings confirm that light spectral quality is a critical factor regulating flower, essential oil yield, and antimicrobial efficacy in T. erecta, and support the use of optimized LED spectra as a practical approach to improve plant’s yield and phytochemical quality.

Abstract:

Strawberry cultivation generates substantial amounts of agricultural by-products, including spent substrates and plant residues, particularly in hydroponic production systems. However, information on the generation scale, disposal practices, and resource utilization potential of these by-products remains limited. This study investigated the generation scale, disposal practices, and chemical characteristics of by-products from hydroponic strawberry cultivation in two major strawberry-producing regions of Korea, Nonsan in Chungcheongnam-do and Jinju in Gyeongsangnam-do. Based on national statistics and field surveys, annual by-product generation was estimated at 605,400 kL of spent substrates and approximately 25,729 t fresh weight and 6,003 t dry weight of plant residues. Disposal practices varied regionally: in Jinju, over 80% of by-products were recycled as compost or feed, whereas in Nonsan, recycling rates were lower and much was untreated or dumped. Analyses of 463 pesticides and seven heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Cd, Hg) confirmed concentrations below permissible limits, ensuring safety for recycling. Inorganic analyses showed high levels of N, Ca, P, and K, suggesting potential use as alternative fertilizers. Unlike other greenhouse crops that generate residues mainly at harvest, strawberries produce by-products continuously, requiring decentralized and long-term management. These findings highlight the potential of strawberry by-products for resource utilization and their contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture when supported by pretreatment, monitoring, and integrated management. These results provide the first comprehensive assessment of the generation scale, disposal practices, and chemical safety of strawberry by-products in Korea, demonstrating their potential as alternative nutrient resources for circular agriculture.

Abstract: Efficient irrigation management is critical for increasing water production and providing high-quality planting material in fruit tree nurseries. This study looked at how four different irrigation depths (0, 10, 20, and 30 mm each irrigation event) affected graft establishment, nursery survival rate, total water consumption, and irrigation water productivity in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch). Field studies were carried out in a commercial nursery in northeastern Romania over two consecutive growth seasons, with two cultivars ('Redhaven' and 'Cresthaven') and four fertilization levels in a factorial design. Irrigation considerably increased graft take and the number of marketable nursery trees compared to rainfed circumstances. Moderate irrigation (20 mm per irrigation event) resulted in the highest nursery survival rate and water efficiency. Higher irrigation inputs increased total water use, but reduced irrigation water productivity. Regression analysis revealed nonlinear connections between water consumption and nursery performance, implying that productivity advantages drop with increasing irrigation levels. The findings suggest that moderate watering can boost nursery yield while conserving water. These findings offer practical recommendations for irrigation management in commercial peach nursery production systems.

Abstract: To establish standardized DNA fingerprinting and molecular identification systems for citrus, we analyzed 69 mandarin accessions via fluorescent SSR capillary electrophoresis to construct DNA molecular fingerprints and unique molecular identity cards. Eighteen highly polymorphic SSR primer pairs were screened, yielding 239 genotype calls and 147 alleles. The number of amplified alleles per primer pair ranged from 4 to 18, with polymorphic information content (PIC) values varying from 0.411 to 0.650. Ten core primer pairs were further selected, achieving a discrimination rate of 65.2% (45 out of 69 accessions distinguished). Utilizing these fluorescent SSR markers, we established DNA molecular fingerprints and unique molecular identity cards for all 69 accessions. Among them, 45 accessions possessed unique fingerprints, whereas the remaining 24 indistinguishable accessions were clustered into six groups. Each cluster contained both wild (4 accessions total) and cultivated (20 accessions total) resources with high genetic similarity, which merits further investigation. This study lays a theoretical basis for the authentication, conservation, and genetic relationship analysis of mandarin germplasm resources, and provides a practical tool for standardizing mandarin variety identification.

Abstract: Soil salinity severely constrains strawberry production by disrupting ion homeostasis and provoking oxidative injury. Here, we investigated whether soluble silicon (Si) and activated carbon (AC) act synergistically to enhance salt tolerance in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). Under NaCl stress, plants showed pronounced growth inhibition, increased Na⁺ accumulation and a deteriorated K⁺/Na⁺ balance, accompanied by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, combined Si and AC treatment consistently provided the strongest protection, improving seedling vigor and survival, limiting Na⁺ build-up while maintaining a higher K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and attenuating oxidative damage as reflected by reduced ROS and MDA levels together with enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT). Beyond plant responses, AC-containing treatments alleviated salt-induced increases in soil electrical conductivity and improved soil nutrient availability, coinciding with a clear restructuring of the rhizosphere bacterial community and enrichment of putatively beneficial taxa. Transcriptome profiling further supported coordinated reprogramming of ion transport, redox control and stress-responsive signaling pathways under the Si+AC regime. Collectively, our results indicate that Si and AC co-application enhances strawberry salt tolerance through an integrated soil–plant–microbiome mechanism that stabilizes ion homeostasis and reinforces redox homeostasis.

Abstract: Capsicum annuum L. is an economically and culturally important crop, although the performance of native Mexican landraces in different production systems has been poorly documented, which restricts the assessment and exploitation of its productive potential. This study evaluated and compared the phenological and productive be-havior of five genotypes (four native, one commercial) under two contrasting systems: open-field (OF) and greenhouse hydroponic (GH). The experiment was conducted during the spring-fall cycle of 2023 in Puebla, Mexico, monitoring agroclimatic, phe-nological, growth and yield variables. The statistical analysis included a two-way ANOVA and Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA). GH exhibited extreme environ-mental conditions with maximum temperatures of >48 °C and reduced light availabil-ity (53% of that in OF). Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the OF was significantly su-perior in total yield (p< .0001). The commercial cultivar Serrano Tampico obtained the highest yield (1.118 kg per plant in OF), while Mixteco Largo and Cola de Ratón pro-duced the highest number of fruits. The CCA revealed a strong G×E interaction, where the native landraces demonstrated better adaptation to OF. The results highlight the productive potential of the native germplasm, demonstrating that the abiotic stress conditions in the greenhouse limited the yield.

Abstract: Aril paleness (AP) is a new physiological disorder of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) characterized by pale, dry and tasteless arils, while the peel remains healthy-looking. Its molecular basis is unknown. We used an integrated metabolomic and targeted gene expression approach on arils from four Iranian cultivars displaying no to severe AP symptoms. LC-MS profiling detected 617 reliable metabolites, with 266 metabolites consistently reduced in all symptomatic samples. Enrichment analysis revealed that arginine biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism and primary amino acid metabolism were the processes most strongly affected by AP. Protein interaction network analysis indicated that the arginine degradation pathway is the primary down-regulated module that interacts with the anthocyanin biosynthetic machinery, primarily though phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) hubs. Based on this network, seven genes representing both pathways were selected for targeted expression analysis. The qPCR analysis showed strong repression of arginase (PgADS, XM-031537872), aldehyde dehydrogenase (PgAL12A1, XM-031551051) and anthocyanin synthase (PgOXKF, KF841619.1) in the cultivar ‘Taroud’ exhibiting severe AP symptoms compared with the symptom-free cultivar ‘Damavand’. In contrast, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PgPAL1, KY094504.2) was unexpectedly induced 33-fold in in the cultivar ‘Taroud’, while the downstream anthocyanin-related UDP-glucosyltransferase (PgUGT, MK058491.1) remained unchanged. These findings suggest that the collapse of arginine metabolism, combined with the downstream blockage of anthocyanin biosynthesis, underlie AP. These findings provide the first molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying AP, offering a basis for breeding and post-harvest strategies aimed at enhancing pomegranate's AP tolerance.

Abstract: Climatic conditions play an essential role in the vegetative growth and phenology of grapevines, significantly affecting yield and the compositional profile of the resulting wines. This study evaluates the adaptability of the Golia grape variety to variable climatic conditions over the 2020-2024 period and analyzes their impact on wine quality. The data show significant climatic variability, with warming trends causing earlier flowering and ripening by 11–13 days. Grape production varied depending on climatic conditions, with 2021 and 2024 recording the highest number of shoots per trunk and increased fertility in 2024. Low winter temperature values led to reduced bud viability and affected the overall health of the vines and harvest yields. Average annual precipitation, especially from growing season significantly influenced actual productivity, while higher annual temperatures and sunshine duration resulted in lower grape weight. Greater sugar concentrations accumulated in years with higher temperatures, while higher acidity levels registered at lower values. The physicochemical properties of the wines were shaped by the quality of the raw materials, reflecting the direct im-pact of climatic variability on grape composition and wine characteristics. The sensory profile of the wines exhibited major annual variation. Floral and fruity aromas were more pronounced in cooler years, while high temperatures led to the development of specific notes such as rose and exotic fruits. The perception of sweetness and honey aroma was linked to higher alcoholic strength (R²=0.8876) and dry extract (R²=0.7719), whereas the wines’ unctuosity was determined by winter precipitation (R²=0.8751).

Abstract: In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences between white or purple Platycodon grandiflorus, through integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. The results reveal that we identified 3 differential metabolites. A specific delphinidin-based anthocyanin with the molecular formula C₆₃H₇₃O₃₇ accumulates significantly higher in purple flowers, which is markedly increased by 1504.16-fold compared with white flowers. In contrast, white flowers predominantly accumulate a flavone-type compound (C₂₇H₁₇NO₄) and obetyolin (C₂₀H₂₈O₈ ), and the contents of these two compounds are decreased by 2.04-fold and 1.70-fold, respectively. The contents of compounds C₆₃H₇₃O₃₇ and C₂₇H₁₇NO₄ show extremely significant variation (P < 0.01), while lobetyolin C₂₀H₂₈O₈ exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05). A total of 1970 DEGs were identified between white or purple Platycodon grandiflorus. Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals differential expression of genes and transcriptional regulators involved in flower color formation between white and purple Platycodon grandiflorus flowers. The DEGs showing differential expression between white and purple flowers include PgCYP75A6, PgF3GT1, PgAN3, PgCYP98A2, PgBGLU18 and PgCYP73A12. The expression pattern of the transcription factors PgMYB4, PgbHLH2, PgWRKY44, PgARPC1A, and PgHARBI1 also showed differences that aligned with the flower color. In summary, the study provided a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement and breeding of Platycodon grandiflorus varieties. In summary, this study the in-depth exploration of key genes regulating floral color and lays a solid foundation for the subsequent breeding of Platycodon grandiflorus varieties.

Abstract: Fruit trichomes and pericarp architecture are pivotal for biological defense and postharvest resilience in the genus Actinidia. However, the evolutionary diversity of these structures and the molecular mechanisms governing their development—particularly under the influence of polyploidization—remain poorly understood. We performed a systematic evaluation of 21 Actinidia species and 14 cultivars using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological analysis. To determine the effects of genome doubling, an autotetraploid line was induced from diploid A. chinensis cv. 'Donghong', followed by comparative transcriptomic and temporal expression profiling. Morphological characterization identified three distinct evolutionary groups based on fruit surface traits: glabrous, caducous-spotted, and persistent-pubescent. All observed trichomes featured a unique bipartite multicellular architecture. Kiwifruit pericarp thickness (59.8–534.6 μm) was locally reinforced at trichome insertion sites. Among kiwifruit cultivars, polyploidization significantly increased both trichome length and total amount. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in hormonal signaling and flavonoid pathways. Two key candidate genes, Achv4p15g023764.t1 and Achv4p01g000003.t1, were identified as candidate gene for stage-specific regulators governing early morphogenesis and late maturation. These findings provide a structural roadmap of Actinidia epidermal evolution and identify specific genetic targets for the molecular breeding of cultivars with optimized surface protection and postharvest resilience.

Abstract: To scientifically evaluate the effects of three environmentally friendly fumigants, dazomet, metham sodium, and calcium cyanamide, on soil microbial community changes, soil from a greenhouse with 7 years of continuous cropping was studied. Soil samples were collected from unfumigated soil (CK), dazomet-fumigated soil (DZ1), metham sodium-fumigated soil (MS1), calcium cyanamide-fumigated soil (CC1) at seedling recovery stage, dazomet-fumigated soil (DZ2), metham sodium-fumigated soil (MS2), and calcium cyanamide-fumigated soil (CC2) at fruiting stage. The effects of different fumigant treatments and treatment periods on soil microbial community changes, tomato yield, and soil-borne diseases were analyzed. The results showed that the application of soil fumigants significantly reduced the richness and diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities at the seedling recovery stage. Three months after transplanting (at the fruiting stage), the soil microbial diversity gradually recovered. After fumigation, the relative abundance of soil bacteria and fungi at the phylum level changed. Under different fumigation treatments, the trends in the relative abundance changes of species during the seedling recovery and fruiting stages after fumigation exhibited certain differences. Analysis of the dominant soil microbial communities at the genus level revealed that fumigation effectively eliminated pathogenic genera such as Fusarium, but the inhibition rate of pathogens increased during the seedling recovery stage after fumigation. By comprehensively considering microbial community changes during the seedling recovery and fruiting stages after fumigation, as well as indicators such as yield, incidence of soil-borne diseases, and disease index, among the three fumigation treatments, the DZ treatment demonstrated the best overall performance. It increased beneficial genera while reducing the majority of pathogenic genera in the soil. Even after three months, when the plants transitioned from the seedling recovery stage to the fruiting stage, the relative abundance of harmful genera remained suppressed, and the abundance of some beneficial genera increased. However, given the broad-spectrum microbial eradication by fumigants and the time-limited suppression of pathogenic communities, it is essential to supplement beneficial microorganisms promptly after soil fumigation, such as by applying microbial fertilizers in combination.

Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars in Korea, particularly the widely adaptable ‘Hongsan’, are challenging to identify in processed forms or seedlings due to the plasticity of phenotypic traits such as clove tip greening, which risks mislabeling and infringement of UPOV breeders' rights. This study aimed to develop a stable SCAR marker for ‘Hongsan’-specific identification using RAPD-bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Sixty Operon primers (>60% GC) were screened against ‘Hongsan’ gDNA versus a non-’Hongsan’ BSA pool (‘Daeseo’, ‘Uiseong’, ‘Danyang’, and ‘Namdo’); OPE-01 consistently amplified a unique 1.3 kb band, cloned and sequenced to reveal a 1,272 bp sequence with translocation junction (878+394 bp), 18 bp insertion, and EcoRI site on chromosome 2 (NCBI GCA_030737875.1). SCAR primers SaH191R/SaH513F produced a specific 545 bp amplicon in ‘Hongsan’, clearly distinguishing it from other cultivars and parental lines, confirming paternal origin (9209). This RAPD-to-SCAR marker overcomes reproducibility limitations, enabling authentication in processing (powders, black garlic) irrespective of environmental factors. The cost-effective and rapid assay ensures industry transparency, quality control, and IP protection for Korean garlic production.