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Search Results (3,437)

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29 pages, 3144 KiB  
Article
Integrating Microalgal Chlorella Biomass and Biorefinery Residues into Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production: Insights from Lettuce Cultivation
by Antira Wichaphian, Apiwit Kamngoen, Wasu Pathom-aree, Wageeporn Maneechote, Tawanchai Khuendee, Yupa Chromkaew, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Douglas J. H. Shyu and Sirasit Srinuanpan
Foods 2025, 14(5), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050808 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1
Abstract
Microalgal biomass offers a promising biofertilizer option due to its nutrient-rich composition, adaptability, and environmental benefits. This study evaluated the potential of microalgal-based biofertilizers—microalgal Chlorella biomass, de-oiled microalgal biomass (DMB), and de-oiled and de-aqueous extract microalgal biomass (DAEMB)—in enhancing lettuce growth, soil nutrient [...] Read more.
Microalgal biomass offers a promising biofertilizer option due to its nutrient-rich composition, adaptability, and environmental benefits. This study evaluated the potential of microalgal-based biofertilizers—microalgal Chlorella biomass, de-oiled microalgal biomass (DMB), and de-oiled and de-aqueous extract microalgal biomass (DAEMB)—in enhancing lettuce growth, soil nutrient dynamics, and microbial community composition. Lettuce seedlings were cultivated with these biofertilizers, and plant growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and nitrogen uptake were assessed. Soil incubation experiments further examined nutrient mineralization rates, while DNA sequencing analyzed shifts in rhizosphere microbial communities. Lettuce grown with these biofertilizers exhibited improved growth parameters compared to controls, with Chlorella biomass achieving a 31.89% increase in shoot length, 27.98% in root length, and a 47.33% increase in fresh weight. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll levels increased significantly in all treatments, with the highest concentrations observed in the Chlorella biomass treatment. Soil mineralization studies revealed that DMB and DAEMB provided a gradual nitrogen release, while Chlorella biomass exhibited a rapid nutrient supply. Microbial community analyses revealed shifts in bacterial and fungal diversity, with increased abundance of nitrogen-fixing and nutrient-cycling taxa. Notably, fungal diversity was enriched in biomass and DAEMB treatments, enhancing soil health and reducing pathogenic fungi. These findings highlight microalgal biofertilizers’ potential to enhance soil fertility, plant health, and sustainable resource use in agriculture. Full article
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19 pages, 6738 KiB  
Article
Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Using Bisepoxide-Polyoxypropylenetriamine Polymeric Gel with Different Embedded Zinc Sources
by Felipe B. Alves, Adela S. M. Goñi, Bruno A. Fico, Vanessa S. A. Silva, Renato P. Orenha, Renato L. T. Parreira, Heber E. Andrada, Gabriel Sgarbiero Montanha, Higor J. F. A. da Silva, Eduardo de Almeida, Hudson W. P. de Carvalho, Natália Chittolina, Clíssia B. Mastrangelo and Eduardo F. Molina
Gels 2025, 11(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030167 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 45
Abstract
In the 21st century, sustainable agriculture is expected to become a major contributor to food security and improved nutrition. Amine–epoxide-based materials have great potential for use in agriculture due to their tunable physicochemical features, which are dependent on the concentration and composition of [...] Read more.
In the 21st century, sustainable agriculture is expected to become a major contributor to food security and improved nutrition. Amine–epoxide-based materials have great potential for use in agriculture due to their tunable physicochemical features, which are dependent on the concentration and composition of the monomers. In this work, catalyst-free green synthesis, using only water as a solvent, was performed to obtain a nanocarrier (TGel) capable of transporting nutrients after seed priming. The synthesis was based on the opening of the epoxy ring by nucleophile attack, using an amine-terminated polyether. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques showed the spherical morphology of the particles, which ranged in size from 80 nm (unloaded TGel) to 360 nm (zinc-loaded TGel), respectively. Theoretical bonding analysis revealed that Zn cation species from the ZnSO4 source interact with the polymer via σ-bonds, whereas EDTA forms hydrogen bonds with the polymer, thereby enhancing noncovalent interactions. Micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) provided details of the distributions of Zn in the seed compartments and shoots of cucumber plants after seed priming and plant growth, respectively. The use of the Zn-loaded TGels did not affect the physiology of the cucumber plants, as indicated by the photosynthetic efficacy, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin indices. Full article
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20 pages, 2461 KiB  
Article
Compost Mitigates Metal Toxicity and Human Health Risks and Improves the Growth and Physiology of Lettuce Grown in Acidic and Neutral Loam-Textured Soils Polluted with Copper and Zinc
by Sana Ullah, Marius Praspaliauskas, Irena Vaskeviciene, Ahmed Hosney and Karolina Barcauskaite
Land 2025, 14(3), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030478 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 148
Abstract
A pot study was conducted to assess the potential of green waste compost on soil properties, growth, physiology, and metal uptake of lettuce plants grown in acidic and neutral loam-textured soils irrigated with copper- and zinc-polluted wastewater (WW). The experiment consists of sixteen [...] Read more.
A pot study was conducted to assess the potential of green waste compost on soil properties, growth, physiology, and metal uptake of lettuce plants grown in acidic and neutral loam-textured soils irrigated with copper- and zinc-polluted wastewater (WW). The experiment consists of sixteen treatments involving two different soils with and without compost addition (compost and NoCompost) and irrigated with unpolluted WW, Cu-polluted WW, Zn-polluted WW, and Cu- plus Zn-polluted WW, arranged following factorial layout with three replications. The results illustrated that Cu- and Zn-polluted WW significantly reduced the growth, chlorophylls, and carotenoid pigments of lettuce plants in both soils under NoCompost conditions. However, the decline in these attributes was more pronounced in acidic soil (45–59%) than in neutral soil (30–38%). In the case of neutral soil, Zn-polluted WW did not negatively affect these attributes compared to control. All the metal-polluted treatments increased total polyphenols, polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, and antiradical activity in lettuce shoots. Alternatively, the compost application consistently increased (8–50%) the growth and physiological attributes of lettuce in both soils. Compost treatment decreased root and shoot metal (Cu, Zn) concentrations and uptake by 25–60% and 16–25%, respectively, in both soils. Likewise, compost decreased the metal health risk index (37%—2.7 folds) in both soils. Copper-polluted WW decreased the dehydrogenase activity of soils more than Zn-polluted WW, but compost significantly increased it in both soils, enhancing the organic matter contents of both soils. Conclusively, the addition of compost at the rate of 2% substantially alleviated the metal toxicity thereafter human health risks in both soils. Full article
16 pages, 2073 KiB  
Article
Differential Sensitivity of Maize Hybrids to Nicosulfuron
by Natalia da Cunha Bevilaqua, Renato Nunes Costa, Bruno Flaibam Giovanelli, Vinicius Gabriel Caneppele Pereira, Fábio Henrique Krenchinski, Caio Antonio Carbonari and Edivaldo Domingues Velini
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030557 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 96
Abstract
Maize hybrids exhibit varying levels of tolerance to the herbicide nicosulfuron, influenced by the environment, plant developmental stage, and herbicide rate. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of maize hybrids to nicosulfuron through biochemical markers. Eight hybrids were treated [...] Read more.
Maize hybrids exhibit varying levels of tolerance to the herbicide nicosulfuron, influenced by the environment, plant developmental stage, and herbicide rate. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of maize hybrids to nicosulfuron through biochemical markers. Eight hybrids were treated with 120 g ha−1 of nicosulfuron at the V2 and V6 growth stages in a greenhouse experiment. The plants were collected at one day after the application of the herbicide to determine the contents of nicosulfuron, aminobutyric and quinic acids and valine, leucine, and isoleucine amino acids. Plant height and phytotoxicity were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 DAA. The plants were collected at 28 DAA to determine the shoot dry weight. The results indicated that sensitivity to nicosulfuron varied among the eight hybrids studied, with the V2 stage exhibiting higher herbicide accumulation, greater height reduction, and increased phytotoxicity. Aminobutyric acid levels increased in all hybrids after herbicide application, with a stronger correlation between its accumulation and growth inhibition at the V2 stage. These findings suggest that V2 is the most suitable stage for distinguishing hybrid sensitivity to nicosulfuron. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)
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13 pages, 3279 KiB  
Article
Exploration of Suitable Conditions for Shoot Proliferation and Rooting of Quercus robur L. in Plant Tissue Culture Technology
by Ting Wang, Hao Li, Jiujiu Zhao, Jinliang Huang, Yu Zhong, Zhenfeng Xu and Fang He
Life 2025, 15(3), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030348 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Quercus robur L., also referred to as “summer oak” or “English oak”, is an esthetically pleasing species, making it an excellent choice for street trees and gardens. Raising Quercus presents several challenges, including its long growth period, delayed germination, and inconsistent emergence. The [...] Read more.
Quercus robur L., also referred to as “summer oak” or “English oak”, is an esthetically pleasing species, making it an excellent choice for street trees and gardens. Raising Quercus presents several challenges, including its long growth period, delayed germination, and inconsistent emergence. The shoot proliferation and adventitious root formation of Q. robur are crucial for establishing a tissue culture regeneration system and are vital for the successful transplantation of seedlings. To address this, experiments were conducted to assess shoot proliferation and adventitious root formation in Q. robur using various media. The shoot proliferation time, shoot proliferation coefficient, number of rooting strips, and length indicators of roots were recorded. The results indicated that a combination of 0.3 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 100 mg/L cefotaxime (Cef) was optimal for shoot propagation, while a solution of 0.1 mg/L 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1/2 Murashige and Skoog Medium (1/2MS) medium was most effective for root induction. This study has identified the optimal conditions for adventitious root formation and shoot proliferation in Q. robur, providing a basis for further research into propagation, germplasm conservation and genetic transformation techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
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26 pages, 17005 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Mechanism of the Endophytic Bacterial Strain Pseudomonas oryzihabitans GDW1 in Enhancing Tomato Plant Growth Through Modulation of the Host Transcriptome and Bacteriome
by Waqar Ahmed, Yan Wang, Wenxia Ji, Songsong Liu, Shun Zhou, Jidong Pan, Zhiguang Li, Fusheng Wang and Xinrong Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051922 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Endophytic Pseudomonas species from agricultural crops have been extensively studied for their plant-growth-promoting (PGP) potential, but little is known about their PGP potential when isolated from perennial trees. This study investigated the plant-growth-promoting (PGP) potential of an endophyte, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans GDW1, isolated from [...] Read more.
Endophytic Pseudomonas species from agricultural crops have been extensively studied for their plant-growth-promoting (PGP) potential, but little is known about their PGP potential when isolated from perennial trees. This study investigated the plant-growth-promoting (PGP) potential of an endophyte, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans GDW1, isolated from a healthy pine tree by taking tomato as a host plant. We employed multiomics approaches (transcriptome and bacteriome analyses) to elucidate the underlying PGP mechanisms of GDW1. The results of greenhouse experiments revealed that the application of GDW1 significantly improved tomato plant growth, increasing shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and biomass accumulation by up to 44%, 38%, 54%, and 59%, respectively, compared with control. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1158 differentially expressed genes significantly enriched in the plant hormone signaling (auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin) and stress response (plant–pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis) pathways. Protein–protein interaction network analysis revealed nine hub genes (MAPK10, ARF19-1, SlCKX1, GA2ox2, PAL5, SlWRKY37, GH3.6, XTH3, and NML1) related to stress tolerance, hormone control, and plant defense. Analysis of the tomato root bacteriome through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that GDW1 inoculation dramatically altered the root bacterial community structure, enhancing the diversity and abundance of beneficial taxa (Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota). Co-occurrence network analysis showed a complex bacterial network in treated plants, suggesting increasingly intricate microbial relationships and improved nutrient absorption. Additionally, FAPROTAX and PICRUSt2 functional prediction analyses suggested the role of GDW1 in nitrogen cycling, organic matter degradation, plant growth promotion, and stress resistance. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the symbiotic relationship between P. oryzihabitans GDW1 and tomato plants, highlighting its potential as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture and a means of reducing the reliance on agrochemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Molecular Basis of Plant–Microbe Interactions)
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19 pages, 3556 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Nano and Conventional Zinc and Silicon Fertilizers for Nutrient Use Efficiency and Yield Benefits in Maize Under Saline Field Conditions
by Abbas Shoukat, Uswah Maryam, Britta Pitann, Muhammad Mubashar Zafar, Allah Nawaz, Waseem Hassan, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Zulfiqar Ahmad Saqib and Karl H. Mühling
Plants 2025, 14(5), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050673 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
The increasing severity of salinity stress, exacerbated by climate change, poses significant challenges to sustainable agriculture, particularly in salt-affected regions. Soil salinity, impacting approximately 20% of irrigated lands, severely reduces crop productivity by disrupting plants’ physiological and biochemical processes. This study evaluates the [...] Read more.
The increasing severity of salinity stress, exacerbated by climate change, poses significant challenges to sustainable agriculture, particularly in salt-affected regions. Soil salinity, impacting approximately 20% of irrigated lands, severely reduces crop productivity by disrupting plants’ physiological and biochemical processes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) nanofertilizers in improving maize (Zea mays L.) growth, nutrient uptake, and yield under both saline and non-saline field conditions. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via the co-precipitation method due to its ability to produce highly pure and uniform particles, while the sol–gel method was chosen for SiO2 NPs to ensure precise control over the particle size and enhanced surface activity. The NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and TEM-EDX, confirming their crystalline nature, morphology, and nanoscale size (ZnO~12 nm, SiO2~15 nm). A split-plot field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the nano and conventional Zn and Si fertilizers. Zn was applied at 10 ppm (22.5 kg/ha) and Si at 90 ppm (201 kg/ha). Various agronomic, chemical, and physiological parameters were then evaluated. The results demonstrated that nano Zn/Si significantly enhanced the cob length and grain yield. Nano Si led to the highest biomass increase (110%) and improved the nutrient use efficiency by 105% under saline and 110% under non-saline conditions compared to the control. Under saline stress, nano Zn/Si improved the nutrient uptake efficiency, reduced sodium accumulation, and increased the grain yield by 66% and 106%, respectively, compared to the control. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted a strong correlation between nano Zn/Si applications with the harvest index and Si contents in shoots, along with other physiological and yield attributes. These findings highlight that nanotechnology-based fertilizers can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop productivity, providing a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture in salt-affected soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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14 pages, 2019 KiB  
Article
Adequate Boron Supply Modulates Carbohydrate Synthesis and Allocation in Sugarcane
by Jorge Martinelli Martello, Murilo de Campos, Carlos Antônio Costa do Nascimento, Ariani Garcia, Miriam Büchler Tarumoto, Gabriela Ferraz de Siqueira, Patrick H. Brown and Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol
Plants 2025, 14(5), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050657 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
Boron (B) is an essential and widely studied element in plants. Due to B dynamics in highly weathered soils, its concentration is generally low. Among other benefits, B interacts with calcium pectate, promotes stability on cellular membrane, and influences directly on plant nutrients [...] Read more.
Boron (B) is an essential and widely studied element in plants. Due to B dynamics in highly weathered soils, its concentration is generally low. Among other benefits, B interacts with calcium pectate, promotes stability on cellular membrane, and influences directly on plant nutrients uptake and non-structural metabolites synthesis. In sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crop, adequate B supply has been associated with juice quality and yield of stalks and sugar and its response on adequate B concentration on commercial fields can differ greatly even into a group of varieties recommended for the same production environment. In this context, the authors aimed to assess the effects of B availability on sugarcane root and shoot development, nutrient status, and carbohydrate synthesis and allocation in two sugarcane varieties recommended for the same production environment using hydroponic solution. The experimental design was completely randomized and consisted of four treatments and four replicates. The treatments comprised two sugarcane varieties (RB867515 and RB92579) and two B concentrations (0.05 and 0.5 mg L−1) considered deficient and adequate, respectively, for plant development. Carbohydrate partitioning, nutrient concentrations in various plant parts, and growth and morphological parameters were evaluated. Under adequate B supply, the total concentrations of reducing sugars and sucrose increased 67 and 20% in RB867515 and 30 and 20% in RB92579, respectively, whereas starch decreased by 27% for both varieties. Adequate B supply increased the concentrations of all elements in all plant organs, except for N and K in leaves, and improved most yield and morphological parameters. Principal component analysis correlated the higher carbohydrates concentration and yield parameters with the variety RB92579, whereas the highest concentration of most nutrients was mainly associated with the variety RB867515, especially under adequate B supply. The main influence of adequate B supply was on carbohydrate synthesis. Although the sugarcane varieties responded differently to B availability, their biometric parameters were enhanced by adequate B supply. These results emphasize the need for B fertilization, regardless of the sugarcane variety’s susceptibility to B deficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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15 pages, 929 KiB  
Communication
Enhancing Peach Tree Fertilization: Investigating Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23 as Game-Changing Agent
by Dimitrios Tsoumanis, Nikolaos Katsenios and Nikolaos Monokrousos
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030521 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the potential of a nitrogen-fixing endophyte, Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23, as a sustainable biofertilizer in peach (Prunus persica) cultivation. We compared three treatments: a control with soil application of ammonium sulfate (250 kg ha−1) and [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the potential of a nitrogen-fixing endophyte, Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23, as a sustainable biofertilizer in peach (Prunus persica) cultivation. We compared three treatments: a control with soil application of ammonium sulfate (250 kg ha−1) and two endophyte foliar applications at different doses: a single high-dose application (M.SYM500 at 500 kg ha−1) and a split half-dose application (M.SYM250 at 250 kg ha−1 applied twice). The first application was made at the fruit stage’s appearance, and the second when the fruits were fully developed. Key assessments included chlorophyll content and shoot growth, which were evaluated at 52 and 100 days after application (DAA), with continued growth benefits observed through 193 DAA. Evaluations were conducted of fruit characteristics, amino acid profiles, and plant tissues of leaves for nitrogen and phosphorus at 107 DAA (harvest). The M.SYM500 treatment notably enhanced fruit weight and increased specific amino acids, such as glutamic acid, methionine, and phenylalanine, contributing to improved fruit quality and resistance properties. No significant differences in °Brix (total soluble solid) levels were observed among treatments, indicating that photosynthetic gains were likely directed towards biomass and structural growth rather than sugar accumulation. This study demonstrates that nitrogen-fixing endophytes can be effective in reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers while sustaining or improving peach growth and fruit quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foliar Fertilization: Novel Approaches and Field Practices)
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20 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Influence of Marine Port Remediated Sediments on Highbush Blueberry Growth and Trace Elements Accumulation
by Stefania Nin, Daniele Bonetti, Maurizio Antonetti, Cristina Macci, Edgardo Giordani and Lorenzo Bini
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020503 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 126
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how biomass production and element distribution (nutrients and heavy metals) among plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were influenced by substrate physical and chemical properties, using acidophilic plants of Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars Bluecrop and Duke. [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate how biomass production and element distribution (nutrients and heavy metals) among plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were influenced by substrate physical and chemical properties, using acidophilic plants of Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars Bluecrop and Duke. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with highbush blueberry plants grown in an uncontaminated acidic peat-based control substrate (TS0) and two alkaline substrates enriched with remediated sediment (TS50 and TS100), characterized by high pH, Ca, and heavy metal concentrations. Both plant cultivars that were cultivated in sediment–based substrates exhibited a substantial reduction in plant growth, biomass production, and leaf chlorophyll levels. Limited translocation of microelements from belowground organs to leaves was observed across all plant samples. Cu, Fe, and Pb were predominantly accumulated in the roots of plants grown in TS-based substrates, with both cultivars acting as excluders for these metals by restricting their transport from roots to shoots. Mn and Zn were primarily retained in the stems and roots of highbush blueberry plants, with lower leaf accumulation. Notably, only Mn exhibited high translocation and bioaccumulation factor values (on average, 3.43 and 6.68, respectively), highlighting the species’ strong capacity for Mn accumulation. Specifically, control plants showed significantly higher Mn concentrations than those grown in TS-enriched substrates, likely due to the acidic conditions that enhance the bioavailability of this metal and the low Ca concentration in TS0, which is known to disrupt Mn accumulation in shoots. However, this accumulation did not reach toxic levels for the plants and did not negatively impact the physiological processes of control plants, which remained particularly efficient in the Duke cv, known for its Mn resistance. This study highlights the ability of highbush blueberry plants to selectively accumulate heavy metals when grown in polluted substrates under suitable conditions, making them a valuable model for understanding metal accumulation mechanisms in the Ericaceae family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
23 pages, 6070 KiB  
Article
Harnessing Backpack Lidar Technology: A Novel Approach to Monitoring Moso Bamboo Shoot Growth
by Chen Li, Chong Li, Chunyu Pan, Yancun Yan, Yufeng Zhou, Jingyi Sun and Guomo Zhou
Forests 2025, 16(2), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020371 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Bamboo, characterized by its high growth speed and short maturation period, occupies 0.875% of the global forest area and significantly contributes to terrestrial carbon cycling. The state of shoot growth can essentially indicate a bamboo forests’ health and productivity. This study explored the [...] Read more.
Bamboo, characterized by its high growth speed and short maturation period, occupies 0.875% of the global forest area and significantly contributes to terrestrial carbon cycling. The state of shoot growth can essentially indicate a bamboo forests’ health and productivity. This study explored the potential of backpack laser scanning (BLS) for monitoring the growth of Moso bamboo shoots (Phyllostachys edulis), a key economic species in subtropical China. Initially, the accuracy of BLS in extracting attributes of bamboo and shoots (including diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and real-world coordinates) was validated. An optimized method was developed to address the lower precision of BLS in extracting the DBH for thinner species. Subsequently, this research analyzed the impact of spatial structure and other indicators on shoot emergence stage and growth rate using a random forest model. The results indicate that BLS can accurately extract Moso bamboo and shoot height (RMSE = 0.748 m) even in dense bamboo forests. After optimization, the error in DBH extraction significantly decreased (RMSE = 0.835 cm), with the average planar and elevation errors for Moso bamboo being 0.227 m and 0.132 m, respectively. The main indicators affecting the coordinate error of Moso bamboo were the distance to the start (DS) and the distance to the trajectory (DT). The emergence time of shoots was mainly influenced by the surrounding Moso bamboo quantity, with the leaf area index (LAI) and competition index (CI) positively related to the growth rate of shoots. The importance ranking of spatial structure for the carbon storage of shoots was similar to that of the growth rate of shoots, with both identifying LAI as the most significant indicator. This study has validated the value of BLS in monitoring the growth of shoots, providing a theoretical support for the sustainable management and conservation of bamboo forests. Full article
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12 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Pruning and Flower Thinning Influence the Storability of CH201/FRED® Pears
by Séverine Gabioud Rebeaud, Pierre-Yves Cotter, Marlyse Raemy, Sébastien Dubois, Felix Büchele, Daniel Neuwald and Philippe Monney
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020493 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
CH201/FRED® is a novel red-blush pear cultivar with long-term storage potential and a prolonged shelf life. However, it is prone to controlled atmosphere (CA)-related disorders, particularly cavities. This study explored the impact of the balance between vegetative growth and crop load on [...] Read more.
CH201/FRED® is a novel red-blush pear cultivar with long-term storage potential and a prolonged shelf life. However, it is prone to controlled atmosphere (CA)-related disorders, particularly cavities. This study explored the impact of the balance between vegetative growth and crop load on the development of CA-related disorders during storage. Treatments involving the removal of two-thirds of floral bouquets (Fl_Th) and the shortening of branches by two-thirds (Pr) at the bud stage (late balloon stage) promoted the growth of 1-year-old shoots, which correlated with an increased incidence of cavities and reduced calcium levels in the pears. The Fl_Th treatment resulted in larger fruits with a higher total soluble solid content, a greater force required to puncture the skin and flesh, and a higher incidence of cavities than the Pr treatment. These findings demonstrate that both crop load and the leaf area-to-crop load ratio significantly influence the susceptibility of CH201/FRED® pears to CA-related disorders during storage. Full article
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11 pages, 3981 KiB  
Article
Injury Caused by Western Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Broccoli and Cauliflower in Laboratory Assays
by Shimat V. Joseph
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020210 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
The polyphagous Lygus hesperus Knight is a serious pest on many crops in the western USA, including California’s central coast. Although L. hesperus adults can cause damage to broccoli and cauliflower, symptoms from their interactions with these plants are not fully characterized. Characterizing [...] Read more.
The polyphagous Lygus hesperus Knight is a serious pest on many crops in the western USA, including California’s central coast. Although L. hesperus adults can cause damage to broccoli and cauliflower, symptoms from their interactions with these plants are not fully characterized. Characterizing the feeding and ovipositional damage will help in the early diagnosis of the problem in the field and in greenhouses. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the feeding and ovipositional injury symptoms in broccoli and cauliflower after exposing 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 adult L. hesperus to seedlings of broccoli and cauliflower for 24 h, 48 h, and 7 d. Although distorted and “blind” shoots were observed, feeding injury did not rapidly manifest into damage after 7 d post-exposure with high counts of adults on broccoli and cauliflower seedlings. The ovipositional injury was expressed as lesions that developed rapidly with a high density of adults in 24 h. The same levels of damage were observed with three or five adults to these hosts in 48 h. Significant positive correlations between the total eggs and lesions developed were observed on broccoli and cauliflower seedlings. After adult L. hesperus exposure, the growth of broccoli seedlings was reduced, but there was no effect on the growth of cauliflower seedlings. For diagnosis, data show that lesions are associated with adult L. hesperus ovipositional activity on these crops, which recommends thorough scouting and immediate application of plant protectants to reduce potential crop loss in greenhouses and in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pest Diagnosis and Control Strategies for Fruit and Vegetable Plants)
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16 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Mediator Complex Subunit Gene Family in Cassava
by Lingling Zhou, Shuhui Sun, Linlong Zhu, Xian Chen, Ran Xu, Lian Wu and Shuang Gu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041666 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
The Mediator complex (MED) functions as a co-activator in plants, transmitting transcriptional signals to regulate gene expression, including responses to environmental stresses. While the MED gene family has been identified in several species, it has not yet been reported in cassava. In this [...] Read more.
The Mediator complex (MED) functions as a co-activator in plants, transmitting transcriptional signals to regulate gene expression, including responses to environmental stresses. While the MED gene family has been identified in several species, it has not yet been reported in cassava. In this study, we identified 32 members of the MeMED gene family in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) distributed across 13 chromosomes. These genes were categorized into distinct Mediator subunits based on their similarity to Arabidopsis modules. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of various cis-regulatory elements, which likely play key roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses. RNA-seq data showed tissue-specific expression patterns for the MeMED genes, with significant expression observed in leaves, roots, petioles, stems, friable embryogenic callus, and shoot apical meristems. Further RT-qPCR analysis under various abiotic stress conditions—including drought, exogenous hydrogen peroxide, cold, heat, and salt—demonstrated that 10 selected MeMED genes exhibited significant differential expression, indicating their potential functional involvement in stress adaptation. These findings offer insights into the biological roles of the MeMED gene family in cassava, with implications for improving stress tolerance in future breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Plant Genomics and Breeding: 2nd Edition)
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Article
Efficient Micropropagation by Ex Vitro Rooting of Myrtus communis L.
by Raimondo Pardi, Giuseppe Natale Basile, Giuseppe De Mastro, Maria Letizia Gargano, Anna Tagarelli and Claudia Ruta
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020207 - 15 Feb 2025
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Abstract
This survey aims to develop a successful protocol through in vitro multiplication and ex vitro rooting of a native shrub, i.e., Myrtus communis L., in order to obtain the rapid production of large number of healthy plants. The in vitro proliferation showed how [...] Read more.
This survey aims to develop a successful protocol through in vitro multiplication and ex vitro rooting of a native shrub, i.e., Myrtus communis L., in order to obtain the rapid production of large number of healthy plants. The in vitro proliferation showed how the two different genotypes (MR and MB) produced higher values in terms of shoot lengths, mean multiplication index (MMI) and number of nodes when treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) compared to the thidiazuron (TDZ) + 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) combination. Concerning in vitro rooting, the experiment resulted in a high rooting rate (75%) and an average number of roots (5.13) by quickly dipping the basal portions in an indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration of 3300 mg L−1, followed by transfer to a hormone-free growth medium (BM). In comparison, the other two concentrations tested (0.3 and 0.6 mg L−1) resulted in higher root length values. During the acclimatization phase, the study showed how the different treatments affected the development of the test shoots differently. In particular, shoots of both genotypes pre-treated by quickly dipping them in Clonex® to induce ex vitro rooting showed abundant root production only 10 days after the treatment compared to the in vitro rooting, in which roots were formed after 30 days. This suggests that ex vitro pre-treatment with Clonex® not only accelerates the rooting process compared to in vitro treatment, resulting in lower costs and easier processing, but also significantly increases root density, contributing to improved transplant success and plantlets quality. These results support the thesis that ex vitro rooting optimises plant propagation protocols, offering economic and practical advantages for nurseries and other propagation systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Application of Tissue Culture to Horticulture)
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