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Conventional NPK Fertilizer Rate Strategies for Improving Shoot Biomass in Pear Nursery Production
Adelina Venig
,Florin Stanica
,Adrian Peticilă
,Cristina Maria Maerescu
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.
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.
Posted: 05 December 2025
Identification of Fungal Pathogens of Chinese Chestnut Fruit Rot and Analysis of Resistance Differences among Major Cultivars
Haijiao Xu
,Wenshi Zhao
,Yan Guo
,Jianchao Cui
,Gang Niu
,Shuhang Zhang
,Ying Li
,Litao Li
,Rui Jiao
,Xumin Wang
+2 authors
This study aimed to identify fungal species causing fruit rot of chestnut (Castanea mollissima) in Hebei Province, China and analyze the resistance differences among major cultivars. A total of 220 fungal isolates were obtained from healthy and diseased kernels, which were classified into six distinct genera. Based on both morphological and molecular analyses, these isolates were identified as Diaporthe eres (48.6% isolation frequency), Talaromyces rugulosus (22.3%), Alternaria alternata (10.5%), Mucor circinelloides (9.5%), Fusarium proliferatum (5.5%), and Rhizopus stolonifer var. stolonifer (3.6%). Among these, D. eres was firstly reported to cause fruit rot on C. mollissima in China. Moreover, disease resistance evaluation of major cultivars showed significant differences: YG, YSSF, and DBH exhibited strong resistance under both natural conditions (with 1.7% to 5.3% DI after 180 days storage) and artificial inoculation (with 33.0±0.6 to 52.6±4.0 DI); while YJ was highly susceptible (with 47.7% decay incidence and 70.5±7.2 DI). Correlation analysis revealed that the disease index was negatively correlated with sucrose and sorbitol contents, but positively correlated with stachyose and fructose contents. This study advances the understanding of postharvest chestnut fruit rot, and provide a theoretical basis for breeding resistant cultivars and developing control strategies to mitigate losses and ensure food safety.
This study aimed to identify fungal species causing fruit rot of chestnut (Castanea mollissima) in Hebei Province, China and analyze the resistance differences among major cultivars. A total of 220 fungal isolates were obtained from healthy and diseased kernels, which were classified into six distinct genera. Based on both morphological and molecular analyses, these isolates were identified as Diaporthe eres (48.6% isolation frequency), Talaromyces rugulosus (22.3%), Alternaria alternata (10.5%), Mucor circinelloides (9.5%), Fusarium proliferatum (5.5%), and Rhizopus stolonifer var. stolonifer (3.6%). Among these, D. eres was firstly reported to cause fruit rot on C. mollissima in China. Moreover, disease resistance evaluation of major cultivars showed significant differences: YG, YSSF, and DBH exhibited strong resistance under both natural conditions (with 1.7% to 5.3% DI after 180 days storage) and artificial inoculation (with 33.0±0.6 to 52.6±4.0 DI); while YJ was highly susceptible (with 47.7% decay incidence and 70.5±7.2 DI). Correlation analysis revealed that the disease index was negatively correlated with sucrose and sorbitol contents, but positively correlated with stachyose and fructose contents. This study advances the understanding of postharvest chestnut fruit rot, and provide a theoretical basis for breeding resistant cultivars and developing control strategies to mitigate losses and ensure food safety.
Posted: 02 December 2025
Effects of Long-Term Fertilization on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of “Dangshansuli” Pear Orchard
Luoluo Xie
,Qingchen Zhao
,Huihui Zhang
,Wei Song
,Guoling Guo
,Youyu Wang
,Jiayi Zeng
,Kelin Li
,Yuxuan Jin
,Wenxuan Pan
+2 authors
Currently, inefficient fertilization practices are frequently observed in orchards in Dangshan County, which leads to substantial changes in the soil physicochemical properties and growth disorders in pear trees. This study investigated the effects of long-term fertilization on the different soil layers and aimed to establish scientific fertilization guidelines for “Dangshansuli” pear orchards. In May 2020, a total of 30 soil samples were collected from a “Dangshansuli” pear orchard that was subjected to long-term fertilization and from an unfertilized control area that had been maintained for 30 years. These samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, mineral elements, heavy metal content, chemical compound diversity, and allelopathic effects. Long-term fertilization considerably reduced the soil pH and increased the soil organic matter content. The contents of available potassium, exchangeable calcium, and magnesium in the fertilized soil were optimal for pear tree growth, whereas the available iron was insufficient. Although long-term fertilization led to the accumulation of heavy metals, including Cu, Hg, Ni, Cr, As, and Mn, their concentrations remained within safe limits. The number of chemical compounds detected in the fertilized soil was significantly higher than in the control. In addition, allelopathy tests indicated that 0.18 mmol·L⁻¹ octadecane exerted a strong allelopathic effect on the tissue-cultured seedlings of “Shanli” (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim). Conclusion: These findings provide a basis for the development of optimal fertilization strategies in “Dangshansuli” pear orchards.
Currently, inefficient fertilization practices are frequently observed in orchards in Dangshan County, which leads to substantial changes in the soil physicochemical properties and growth disorders in pear trees. This study investigated the effects of long-term fertilization on the different soil layers and aimed to establish scientific fertilization guidelines for “Dangshansuli” pear orchards. In May 2020, a total of 30 soil samples were collected from a “Dangshansuli” pear orchard that was subjected to long-term fertilization and from an unfertilized control area that had been maintained for 30 years. These samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, mineral elements, heavy metal content, chemical compound diversity, and allelopathic effects. Long-term fertilization considerably reduced the soil pH and increased the soil organic matter content. The contents of available potassium, exchangeable calcium, and magnesium in the fertilized soil were optimal for pear tree growth, whereas the available iron was insufficient. Although long-term fertilization led to the accumulation of heavy metals, including Cu, Hg, Ni, Cr, As, and Mn, their concentrations remained within safe limits. The number of chemical compounds detected in the fertilized soil was significantly higher than in the control. In addition, allelopathy tests indicated that 0.18 mmol·L⁻¹ octadecane exerted a strong allelopathic effect on the tissue-cultured seedlings of “Shanli” (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim). Conclusion: These findings provide a basis for the development of optimal fertilization strategies in “Dangshansuli” pear orchards.
Posted: 25 November 2025
Soil- Plant- Water Interactions Under Variable Irrigation Depths in Nursery-Grown Apricot Cultivars
Adelina Venig
,Alin Cristian Teușdea
The effective management of soil water resources is a major challenge in nursery cultivation, especially for drought-sensitive species like apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). This research examined how varying irrigation depths (0, 10, 20, and 30 mm per cycle) affect soil water consumption and plant growth in two apricot cultivars, ‘Excelsior’ and ‘Favorit’, which were grafted onto Prunus cerasifera rootstock. The study was carried out in a field nursery during the 2024 growing season. At the end of the season, total branch length was recorded, and the overall vegetative performance was assessed using the Lp-norm index. Increasing the irrigation depth consistently improved shoot development; however, the responses varied by cultivar. ‘Excelsior’ achieved its best performance at 20 mm per cycle, while ‘Favorit’ showed continued benefits from irrigation up to 30 mm, indicating its higher tolerance to limited soil moisture. Moderate levels of irrigation facilitated balanced shoot growth without leading to excessive vigor, highlighting the importance of controlled water application for enhancing water-use efficiency in nursery operations. These results offer a practical, genotype-specific approach for optimizing soil water usage and creating precise irrigation plans for apricot liner production.
The effective management of soil water resources is a major challenge in nursery cultivation, especially for drought-sensitive species like apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). This research examined how varying irrigation depths (0, 10, 20, and 30 mm per cycle) affect soil water consumption and plant growth in two apricot cultivars, ‘Excelsior’ and ‘Favorit’, which were grafted onto Prunus cerasifera rootstock. The study was carried out in a field nursery during the 2024 growing season. At the end of the season, total branch length was recorded, and the overall vegetative performance was assessed using the Lp-norm index. Increasing the irrigation depth consistently improved shoot development; however, the responses varied by cultivar. ‘Excelsior’ achieved its best performance at 20 mm per cycle, while ‘Favorit’ showed continued benefits from irrigation up to 30 mm, indicating its higher tolerance to limited soil moisture. Moderate levels of irrigation facilitated balanced shoot growth without leading to excessive vigor, highlighting the importance of controlled water application for enhancing water-use efficiency in nursery operations. These results offer a practical, genotype-specific approach for optimizing soil water usage and creating precise irrigation plans for apricot liner production.
Posted: 25 November 2025
Four Petal-Specific TPS Drive Nocturnal Terpene Scent in Jasminum sambac
Yuan Yuan
,Li Hu
,Xian He
,Jinan Li
,Chao Wan
,Yue Zhang
,Yuting Wang
,Wei Wang
,Binghua Wu
Posted: 24 November 2025
Biochemical, Physiological and Productivity Responses of Sweet Corn Genotypes Under Organic and Chemical Fertilization
Petru-Liviu Nicorici
,Saad Masood Abdelnaby Elhawary
,Jose Luis Ordóñez-Díaz
,Mónica Sanchez-Parra
,Georgiana Radeanu
,Gianluca Caruso
,Jose Manuel Moreno-Rojas
,Oana-Raluca Rusu
,Mihaela Roșca
,Vasile Stoleru
Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is a widely spread crop that is highly valued for its sweet taste and high nutrient content. Over the past decade, there has been an exponential increase in the area devoted to sweet corn for grain production, attributed to both its nutritional qualities and economic value. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the impact of three genotypes (Deliciosul de Bacau, Royalty F1, and Hardy F1) and two fertilization types (chemical and organic) plus an unfertilized control, on yield, biometrical, biochemical, and quality indicators at an experimental station during 2022–2023. The results revealed significant influences of cultivar, fertilization method, and the interaction between these two experimental factors on most of the analysed indicators. Regardless of the fertilization type, the genotype Hardy F1 showed higher levels of photosynthetic activity, polyphenols and sucrose, leading to greater yield than that of Deliciosul de Bacau. The latter genotype and Royalty F1 displayed the highest chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and lycopene contents in the grain. The results of the present research emphasize the importance of adopting and monitoring sustainable agricultural practices to enhance both the production and quality of sweet corn, particularly referring to the nutritional value, and address the growing demand for organically cultivated products within the current context of climate change.
Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is a widely spread crop that is highly valued for its sweet taste and high nutrient content. Over the past decade, there has been an exponential increase in the area devoted to sweet corn for grain production, attributed to both its nutritional qualities and economic value. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the impact of three genotypes (Deliciosul de Bacau, Royalty F1, and Hardy F1) and two fertilization types (chemical and organic) plus an unfertilized control, on yield, biometrical, biochemical, and quality indicators at an experimental station during 2022–2023. The results revealed significant influences of cultivar, fertilization method, and the interaction between these two experimental factors on most of the analysed indicators. Regardless of the fertilization type, the genotype Hardy F1 showed higher levels of photosynthetic activity, polyphenols and sucrose, leading to greater yield than that of Deliciosul de Bacau. The latter genotype and Royalty F1 displayed the highest chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and lycopene contents in the grain. The results of the present research emphasize the importance of adopting and monitoring sustainable agricultural practices to enhance both the production and quality of sweet corn, particularly referring to the nutritional value, and address the growing demand for organically cultivated products within the current context of climate change.
Posted: 19 November 2025
Genome-Wide Analysis of Ammonium Transporter Genes in Flowering Chinese Cabbage and Functional Insights into BcAMT1.1 Under Low Nitrogen Conditions
Yunna Zhu
,Lihua Zhong
,Qiiuxiang Zhong
,Xinmin Huang
,Ali Anwar
,Wei Su
,Riyuan Chen
,Shiwei Song
Posted: 14 November 2025
Tree Fruit and Nut Crops at the Dawn of the Pangenomic Era
June Labbancz
,Amit Dhingra
Posted: 10 November 2025
Unlocking the Value of Nine Olive Leaf Varieties: A Dual Assessment of Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties
Rachid Boulfia
,Mohammed Elmeknassia
,Mohamed El Yamani
,Yahia Rharrabti
Posted: 06 November 2025
Optimizing Nursery Production of Apple Trees: Assessing the Dose-Response to Water and Fertilizer in Two Cultivars
Adelina Venig
,Alin Cristian Teușdea
,Adrian Peticilă
Posted: 05 November 2025
Heavy Fruit Load Inhibits the Development of Citrus Summer Shoots Primarily Through Competing for Carbohydrates
Yin Luo
,Yu-Jia Li
,Yong-Zhong Liu
,Yan-Mei Xiao
,Hui-Fen Li
,Shariq Mahmood Alam
Excessively and randomly producing summer shoots will lead to difficulty in citrus orchard management, specially in pest and disease control. Heavy fruit load can reduce the summer shoot number. However, the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, field investigation and de-fruiting treatment confirmed that heavy fruit load reduces the number of citrus summer shoots, which is zero when the yield surpasses 3.3 kg per 125 dm3 of tree canopy. Metabolite analysis indicated that fruits at the cell expansion stage attract more soluble sugars and de-fruiting significantly increase the content of sugars and the transcript levels of sink strength-related genes, CsSUS4/5/6 to over 3.0 fold in the axillary buds. Moreover, exogenous application of some sugar-related DAMs (differently accumulated metabolites) such as sucrose obviously promoted axillary bud outgrowth. Taken together, these results confirmed that heavy fruit load plays a role in inhibiting axillary bud outgrowth or shoot branching primarily through competing for soluble sugars, which provides the basis for the inhibition of summer shoots by increasing the fruit load in citrus orchard and for the improvement of pest and disease management effectiveness.
Excessively and randomly producing summer shoots will lead to difficulty in citrus orchard management, specially in pest and disease control. Heavy fruit load can reduce the summer shoot number. However, the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, field investigation and de-fruiting treatment confirmed that heavy fruit load reduces the number of citrus summer shoots, which is zero when the yield surpasses 3.3 kg per 125 dm3 of tree canopy. Metabolite analysis indicated that fruits at the cell expansion stage attract more soluble sugars and de-fruiting significantly increase the content of sugars and the transcript levels of sink strength-related genes, CsSUS4/5/6 to over 3.0 fold in the axillary buds. Moreover, exogenous application of some sugar-related DAMs (differently accumulated metabolites) such as sucrose obviously promoted axillary bud outgrowth. Taken together, these results confirmed that heavy fruit load plays a role in inhibiting axillary bud outgrowth or shoot branching primarily through competing for soluble sugars, which provides the basis for the inhibition of summer shoots by increasing the fruit load in citrus orchard and for the improvement of pest and disease management effectiveness.
Posted: 03 November 2025
Shortened Light/Dark Cycles Reduce Costs for Microgreen and Baby Leaf Production Under Artificial Lighting by Maximizing the Use of Off-Peak Hours
Tatjana G. Shibaeva
,Alexandra A. Rubaeva
,Elena G. Sherudilo
,Ilja A. Levkin
,Irina A. Nilova
,Alexander F. Titov
Posted: 29 October 2025
Study on the Susceptibility of Some Almond (Prunus dulcis) Cultivars to the Pathogen Diaporthe amygdali
Pompea Gabriella Lucchese
,Naïma Dlalah
,Amélie Buisine
,Franco Nigro
,Stefania Pollastro
,Henri Duval
Posted: 24 October 2025
Proximal Composition and Nutritional Potential of Stored Microgreens: Brassica oleracea, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Beta vulgaris, Amaranthus
Karol Yannela Revilla Escobar
,Jhonnatan Placido Aldas Morejon
,Sungey Naynee Sanchez Llaguno
,Juan Alejandro Neira Mosquera
,Damaris Dalia Sánchez Aguilera
,Andrea Cristina Cortez Espinoza
,Sesan Abiodun Aransiola
,Naga Raju Maddela
Posted: 22 October 2025
Tree Stands, Hemeroby, and Naturalness Jointly Shape the Functional Diversity of the Herb Layer in Urban Parks
Olha Kunakh
,Iryna Ivanko
,Kyrylo Holoborodko
,Olena Lisovets
,Hanna Tutova
,Olexander Zhukov
Posted: 20 October 2025
The Influence of Seed Quality, Dormancy Breaking, and Water Stress on Germination of Pollinator Species for Biodiversity Enhancement
Sitki Ermis
,Masoume Amirkhani
,Michael T. Loos
,Alan G. Taylor
The lack of protocols for breaking seed dormancy, inconsistent seed quality, and abiotic stress factors such as drought impede large-scale restoration efforts of pollinator seed species. This research explores the germination response, dormancy-breaking techniques, and water stress tolerance in selected pollinator-friendly plant species with characteristics facilitating mechanized rehabilitation protocols and biodiversity enhancement. Furthermore, this study supports utilization of Multiple Seed Pellets (MSP), to facilitate mechanical sowing of pollinator seeds. Forty-two commercial seed lots representing seven plant families with 28 species were evaluated under two alternating temperature regimes (15/25°C and 20/30°C) with and without gibberellic acid (GA₃) pre-treatment. GA₃ significantly enhanced germination percentage, and reduced T₅₀ (time to 50% germination) across most seed lots. Overall, germination was higher and faster at 20/30°C than 15/25°C. Six species were further examined for dormancy-breaking responses to GA₃ and kinetin applied in a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), soak. GA₃ + H₂O₂ had the greatest germination compared to other treatments. The effect of water stress on seed germination was assessed in controlled chambers at soil water potentials of −1.08, −0.75, −0.13, and 0 MPa. Milkweed species (A. incarnata, A. syriaca, and A. tuberosa) exhibited consistently high germination across a broad moisture range of -0.75 to 0 MPa. In contrast, Echinacea purpurea required high moisture levels (-0.13 to 0 MPa) for optimal germination. Monarda fistulosa and Rudbeckia hirta showed their best performance under moderate moisture conditions (-0.13 MPa). The use of GA₃ to break physiological seed dormancy offers a promising approach to enhance germination. With the utilization of MSP technology, these strategies provide scalable, practical tools to improve native seed performance and advance pollinator habitat restoration in agroecosystems.
The lack of protocols for breaking seed dormancy, inconsistent seed quality, and abiotic stress factors such as drought impede large-scale restoration efforts of pollinator seed species. This research explores the germination response, dormancy-breaking techniques, and water stress tolerance in selected pollinator-friendly plant species with characteristics facilitating mechanized rehabilitation protocols and biodiversity enhancement. Furthermore, this study supports utilization of Multiple Seed Pellets (MSP), to facilitate mechanical sowing of pollinator seeds. Forty-two commercial seed lots representing seven plant families with 28 species were evaluated under two alternating temperature regimes (15/25°C and 20/30°C) with and without gibberellic acid (GA₃) pre-treatment. GA₃ significantly enhanced germination percentage, and reduced T₅₀ (time to 50% germination) across most seed lots. Overall, germination was higher and faster at 20/30°C than 15/25°C. Six species were further examined for dormancy-breaking responses to GA₃ and kinetin applied in a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), soak. GA₃ + H₂O₂ had the greatest germination compared to other treatments. The effect of water stress on seed germination was assessed in controlled chambers at soil water potentials of −1.08, −0.75, −0.13, and 0 MPa. Milkweed species (A. incarnata, A. syriaca, and A. tuberosa) exhibited consistently high germination across a broad moisture range of -0.75 to 0 MPa. In contrast, Echinacea purpurea required high moisture levels (-0.13 to 0 MPa) for optimal germination. Monarda fistulosa and Rudbeckia hirta showed their best performance under moderate moisture conditions (-0.13 MPa). The use of GA₃ to break physiological seed dormancy offers a promising approach to enhance germination. With the utilization of MSP technology, these strategies provide scalable, practical tools to improve native seed performance and advance pollinator habitat restoration in agroecosystems.
Posted: 20 October 2025
The Influence of Storage Technologies on the Quality and Storability of Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Tihope cv.
Anna Skorupińska
,Krzysztof P. Rutkowski
,Zbigniew B. Jóźwiak
,Monika Mieszczakowska-Frąc
,Ewa Ropelewska
,Anna Wrzodak
,Justyna Szwejda-Grzybowska
,Agnieszka Masny
Posted: 15 October 2025
Tylenchulus semipenetrans-Induced Slow Decline of Citrus: Biochemical Mechanisms and Management Implications
Phatu W. Mashela
,Kgabo M. Pofu
The slow decline of citrus is a complex syndrome primarily driven by the citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans); with unexplained modulating influences from abiotic stressors such as soil salinity and nutrient imbalances. This review synthesises existing knowledge on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying this progressive economic decline; focusing on the interplay between nematode infection; abrupt reduction in root-to-shoot ratio; and consequent osmolyte dynamics; along with management implications. The pruning effects of nematode females at death; result in abrupt diversion of the root-to-shoot ratio from the normal seasonal cycle; which triggers a series of dehydration- and ion-toxicity-avoidance mechanisms; where citrus trees redistribute hyperosmotic osmolytes; which involve chemical and physiological adjustments to restore the stable seasonal root-to-shoot ratio. This review underscores the importance of maintaining a stable seasonal root-to-shoot ratio through integrated management strategies. Avoiding mechanical weeding; while maintaining light shoot pruning; strategic fertilisation with potassium supplementation; improved irrigation management and selection of dual salt-tolerant and nematode-resistant-rootstocks are crucial for sustaining orchard longevity and productivity. By integrating the proposed strategies; citrus growers can improve tree longevity; maintain fruit production; and ensure long-term orchard sustainability. In conclusion; the review highlights the necessity of a holistic; multipronged management approach to mitigate the slow decline of citrus; with future research focusing on molecular pathways that govern the root-to-shoot homeostasis by exploring breeding strategies for citrus rootstocks with enhanced resilience against both biotic and abiotic stressors.
The slow decline of citrus is a complex syndrome primarily driven by the citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans); with unexplained modulating influences from abiotic stressors such as soil salinity and nutrient imbalances. This review synthesises existing knowledge on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying this progressive economic decline; focusing on the interplay between nematode infection; abrupt reduction in root-to-shoot ratio; and consequent osmolyte dynamics; along with management implications. The pruning effects of nematode females at death; result in abrupt diversion of the root-to-shoot ratio from the normal seasonal cycle; which triggers a series of dehydration- and ion-toxicity-avoidance mechanisms; where citrus trees redistribute hyperosmotic osmolytes; which involve chemical and physiological adjustments to restore the stable seasonal root-to-shoot ratio. This review underscores the importance of maintaining a stable seasonal root-to-shoot ratio through integrated management strategies. Avoiding mechanical weeding; while maintaining light shoot pruning; strategic fertilisation with potassium supplementation; improved irrigation management and selection of dual salt-tolerant and nematode-resistant-rootstocks are crucial for sustaining orchard longevity and productivity. By integrating the proposed strategies; citrus growers can improve tree longevity; maintain fruit production; and ensure long-term orchard sustainability. In conclusion; the review highlights the necessity of a holistic; multipronged management approach to mitigate the slow decline of citrus; with future research focusing on molecular pathways that govern the root-to-shoot homeostasis by exploring breeding strategies for citrus rootstocks with enhanced resilience against both biotic and abiotic stressors.
Posted: 13 October 2025
Effects of High Root-Zone Temperature on the Physiology and Growth of Pear (Pyrus communis L., cv. Bartlett) and Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill., cv. BA29) Plants
Kaies Mezrioui
,Enrico Maria Lodolini
,Veronica Giorgi
,Davide Neri
Posted: 30 September 2025
Interplay of Stress Responses in Pear Tree Revealed by Chlorophyll Fluorescence Under Combined Erwinia amylovora Infection and Temperature Stress
Ye Bin Hwang
,Kyung Seok Park
,Sung Yung Yoo
,Tae-Wan Kim
Posted: 24 September 2025
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