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.

Abstract:

Background: Formin proteins are crucial regulators of actin filament assembly and elongation in eukaryotic cells, playing important roles in plant development and abiotic stress responses. However, the functional characterization of formins in Brassica rapa remains uncover. Methods: A total of 27 formin family members (BrFHs) were identified through genome-wide alignment with Arabidopsis thaliana. Results: Phylogenetic analysis classified BrFH gene family into two distinct clades, designated Group I and Group II, which exhibit divergent protein architectures. Promoter analysis revealed that BrFHs contain multiple cis-regulatory elements related to growth and development, stress responses, and phytohormone signaling. These findings suggest that BrFHs may have diversified functions. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that BrFHs exhibit distinct expression patterns across various tissues. Notably, BrFH15 and BrFH18 are highly expressed in flowers, displaying expression profiles similar to those of floral development genes such as AP3, AGL10 and so on. Additionally, many BrFHs show dynamic expression patterns in response to cold stresses. In particular, BrFH2, BrFH19 and BrFH27 were up-regulated, and their co-expression within the gene network suggests potential roles in regulating cold stress. Conclusions: These results clarify the functional roles of BrFHs and shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation of tissue development and responses to abiotic stress in Brassica rapa.

Abstract:

Blossom-end rot (BER) in tomatoes is a physiological disorder primarily caused by disrupted calcium absorption and transport. This study aims to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which exogenous brassinolide (BR) reduces the incidence of tomato BER under calcium-deficient conditions. The results showed that under calcium deficiency, foliar spraying of BR significantly reduced the BER incidence (from 26.67% to 6.67%) and effectively increased calcium ion content in the leaves, stems, roots, and other parts of the plant. At the physiological level, BR treatment significantly enhanced the activities of CAT, POD, and SOD in the leaves (by 105.70%, 117.12%, and 82.77%, respectively), while reducing the contents of H₂O₂ (by 36.90%) and MDA (by 16.38%). This indicates that BR alleviates membrane lipid peroxidation damage by enhancing the antioxidant defense system. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that BR treatment identified 4807, 2807, and 2554 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaves, stems, and roots, respectively, with the most significant response observed in the leaves. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes are mainly involved in biological processes such as secondary metabolic processes, response to oxygen-containing compounds, and cell wall organization. KEGG pathway analysis further indicated significant enrichment in pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction. Additionally, several key genes, such as the cytochrome C oxidase gene (Solyc03g013460.1), exhibited a gradient up-regulation pattern of "root > stem > leaf" in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, while photosynthesis-related genes (e.g., PsbA, PsaA, and ND family genes) were also generally up-regulated. In summary, BR likely enhances tomato tolerance to calcium deficiency stress and effectively reduces the occurrence of BER through multiple pathways, including regulating calcium absorption and distribution, activating the antioxidant system, modulating hormone signaling pathways, and enhancing energy metabolism. This provides a theoretical basis for the application of BR in agricultural production.

Abstract:

The rapid development of viticulture in subtropical regions represents a significant achievement in China’s table grape industry over the past two decades. However, insufficient winter chilling in these areas often leads to inadequate dormancy, which compromises nutrient translocation and storage in grapevine. Insufficient chilling accumulation results in asynchronous budbreak and reduced cane quality. In this study, ‘Shine Muscat’ grapevines were used to systematically evaluate how different defoliant agents affect budbreak characteristics from the perspective of nutrient translocation and storage. The results indicated applications of ethephon or urea alone, as well as their combinations with boric acid, yielded unstable effects, often causing primary bud necrosis, decreased flower formation rates, and phytotoxicity. In contrast, the combination of lime sulfur and boric acid exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect, significantly promoting dry matter and starch accumulation in the canes, while enhancing budbreak speed, uniformity, and flower cluster formation rate. Further experiments with varying concentrations of lime sulfur combined with 0.2% boric acid revealed 2% lime sulfur combined with 0.2% boric acid produced the most pronounced effects. This combination achieved the highest dormancy-breaking efficacy under conventional cultivation conditions and was used for the first time to produce a second crop in off-season cultivation. The dual effects of dormancy release and bud promotion offered by this approach provide a reliable solution for high-quality and efficient grape production in subtropical regions.

Abstract: Penicillium expansum inflicts significant economic damage in the fruit and vegetable industry due to its wide distribution and ability to infect a diverse range of hosts. Therefore, developing safe and environmentally sustainable strategies to suppress the growth of this pathogen is of critical importance. Bacillus subtilis, recognized for its broad antimicrobial activity and widespread occurrence, has been widely utilized in the biological management of plant diseases. This research seeks to assess the inhibitory potential of B. subtilis against P. expansum. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) derived from B. subtilis significantly suppresses the germination spores, germ tube extension, and hyphal development of P. expansum. It also reduces disease incidence in grapes and citrus and suppresses the expansion of lesions. Further investigate had shown that it can induced mycelium reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, destroyed the cell membrane integrity, led to leakage of cytoplasmic contents and induced membrane lipid peroxidation. Moreover, exposure to high concentrations of CFS results in mycelial contraction and morphological abnormalities, triggering the disintegration of intracellular organelles and markedly upregulating the expression of apoptosis-associated genes. The self-protective response elicited by 5% CFS is insufficient to counteract the extent of cellular damage, ultimately driving cells toward a dynamic, multistage, and disintegrative form of cell death. The findings of this study offer a theoretical foundation for managing P. expansum after harvest.

Abstract: For fruit trees produced in nurseries, effective irrigation management is essential, especially in climates that are becoming more unpredictable and exacerbate seasonal soil moisture deficiencies. This study assessed the effects of varying irrigation depth on the vegetative growth and soil water availability of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) nursery plants grown in an open-field system in northwest Romania over the 2024 growing season. Four irrigation depths (0, 10, 20, and 30 mm each irrigation event) were applied to two commercially significant cultivars (Excelsior and Favorit) that were grafted onto Prunus cerasifera rootstock. Tensiometers were used as indicators of relative soil water availability to track soil moisture dynamics in the 0–30 cm root zone, and total branch length was used as an integrative growth parameter to evaluate vegetative performance. While controlled irrigation reduced soil drying in a depth-dependent way, seasonal soil moisture indicators demonstrated significant depletion under rainfed settings during times of high atmospheric demand. In all cultivars, increasing irrigation depth was linked to increased cumulative vegetative growth; however, responses varied by genotype in terms of both magnitude and stability. Higher irrigation depths encouraged more vegetative growth with falling marginal returns, whereas moderate irrigation depths supported steady shoot development. These results highlight cultivar-specific sensitivity to soil moisture conditions and show that irrigation depth significantly affects soil water availability and nursery-stage vegetative growth of apricot plants. The results shed light on how irrigation depth influences early plant-water interactions and vegetative development in nursery-grown apricot plants under varying environmental circumstances.

Abstract: Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a major horticultural crop cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions, with increasing importance due to its nutritional value and consumer demand. Currently, melon is grown both in open field and greenhouse, which differ significantly in agronomic practices, production cost, environmental impact, and fruit yield. Recently, vertical cultivation in greenhouse has been tested as an alternative to traditional trailing systems. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of four melon hybrids, named 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2008, in two soil-based cultivation systems, the traditional trailing growth habit in open field and a vertical cultivation in greenhouse. Results revealed significant differences between cultivation systems in fruit yield and quality. Vertical cultivation resulted in higher yield compared to open field (7.8 vs. 6.6 kg m-²). Fruits harvested from vertically grown plants showed higher levels of total phenolic compounds, enhancing their nutraceutical value. Among the tested hybrids, 2008 reached the highest yield (8.7 kg m-²) along with notable nutritional and nutraceutical properties, while 2001 and 2003 showed a superior quality profile, with higher concentration of K, P, and phenolic compounds. Overall, hybrid 2008 exhibited the best agronomic response across both cultivation systems, combining higher productivity and fruit quality, and can therefore be considered the most suitable genotype for both open-field and vertical farming conditions. The observed genetic variability among the hybrids underscores the importance of selecting the plant genotype best adapted to the chosen cultivation system.

Abstract: Systems favoring cross-pollination such as male sterility and female flowering type are of great importance in the development of new hybrid cultivars and their seed production. The advantages of male sterility are expressed in production of cheaper and competitive seeds. The presence of this characteristic in watermelon is not common, and in some cases, it is accompanied by negative manifestations. A collection of 150 watermelon genotypes was tested at the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Bulgaria, over the past nine years to search for a genetic source of male sterility. The results revealed that two mutations were found. The first mutation was in a plant of the Asar variety, which formed completely degenerated structures in the place of male and female flowers that were completely sterile. The other mutation affected male flowers, female flowers and leaf shape. Male flowers produced a small amount of pollen. Female flowers were formed but they were sterile and aborted at an early stage. The genotype can be propagated by pollination of the normal plants, which in the next generation segregate into mutant - 25%, and normal - 75%. The gene source is phenotyped according to the main characteristics of the fruits and the vegetation period. The mutation found cannot be directly used in a breeding program, but it is of interest for studying this important trait. The success of detecting flowers that are sterile depends on the number of watermelon plants, which for the conditions of the experiment amounted to a minimum of 4492 plants at a probability level of P3 – 0.95.

Abstract: Heat stress is considered as the most important limiting factor for the productivity of beans and the emerging increase in global temperature is estimated to have a strong negative impact on its yield. In this context, the green bean industry is looking for means to mitigate these adverse effects. Foliar application of amino acids-based bi-ostimulants, supplemented with silicon or sulfur, has been reported to have beneficial effects on bean crops to mitigate the effects of various stresses but not of heat stress, yet. Amino16 is a commercial biostimulant with 16 L-amino acids and was used as a basis so that two novel products; Amino16+Si and Amino16+S were further produced. Their efficacy was tested upon foliar application in two consecutive growing seasons (early and late) of green beans. The mitigation of the effects of heat stress in green bean crops was not achieved upon the combined application of amino acids supplemented with sulfur or silicon at several rates. Obviously, higher concentrations of sulfur and silicon are required to induce beneficial effects, and probably through drench application, especially in crops with high sulfur demand, such as beans, while silicon requires another form, other than silicon dioxide, which is not easily absorbed by the plant’s roots.

Abstract:

Brassica crops (genus Brassica) represent globally important vegetables and oilseeds yet are continuously threatened by insect pests that reduce yield and quality. While classical physiological and chemical defence mechanisms such as the glucosinolate–myrosinase system have been well documented, recent advances in genomics and molecular biology are beginning to unravel the genetic basis of insect resistance in Brassica species. Notably, emerging evidence highlights the central role of jasmonic acid (JA) signalling and the transcription factor MYC2 as a master regulator of inducible defence responses, where stress-induced degradation of JAZ repressors releases MYC2 to activate downstream defence genes and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. This review synthesizes the current understanding of defence mechanisms in Brassica against herbivores, highlights identified resistance genes and their functional roles, and examines the knowledge gaps that hinder progress in molecular breeding. We then explore future molecular approaches including high-throughput omics, gene editing, and resistance gene mining that hold promise for designing durable insect-resistant Brassica cultivars. Recognising the scarcity of major insect-resistance loci relative to pathogen resistance, we argue for integrated strategies combining classical breeding, biotechnology, and ecological management to accelerate the development of resilient Brassica germplasm.

Abstract:

The production of pear (Pyrus communis L.) nurseries is essential to providing high-quality planting material for the establishment of a successful orchard. Thus, encouraging early vegetative growth and seedling vigor during the nursery period requires optimal fertilization. Under temperate continental circumstances in northwest Romania, this study assessed the impact of various NPK fertilizer rates on the shoot fresh weight of pear nursery trees. The study was carried out in 2025 using a factorial design with two Romanian cultivars (‘Napoca’ and ‘Monica’) and four fertilization treatments (N₀P₀K₀, N₈P₈K₈, N₁₆P₁₆K₁₆, and N₂₄P₂₄K₂₄), set up in a randomized block system with five replications. At progressively higher rates of 50, 100, and 150 kg ha⁻¹, a totally water-soluble 16–16–16 fertilizer was applied. At the conclusion of the growing season, the fresh weight of the shoots was measured. The accumulation of shoot biomass was significantly and gradually impacted by fertilization. The fresh weight of the shoots rose by 29%, 45%, and 59% as compared to the unfertilized control (0.42 kg tree⁻¹) under the treatments of N₈P₈K₈, N₁₆P₁₆K₁₆, and N₂₄P₂₄K₂₄. There were no discernible cultivar-dependent variations at any fertilization level, and both cultivars showed almost equal growth responses. These findings show how strongly the growth of pear nursery shoots depends on the availability of NPK and offer helpful advice for maximizing fertilization techniques to enhance the quality of planting materials.