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Review

Unlocking Rapid and User-Friendly Strategies to Improve Horticultural Crop Qualities

by
Diksha Sharma
1,
Bhumi Ruhil
1,
Anubhav Dubey
2,
Divya Jain
3,
Deepika Bhatia
1,* and
Georgios Koubouris
4,*
1
University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
2
Department of Pharmacology, Maharana Pratap College of Pharmacy, Kanpur 209217, Uttar Pradesh, India
3
Department of Microbiology, School of Applied & Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
4
Hellenic Agricultural Organization ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture, Leoforos Karamanli 167, 73134 Chania, Greece
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080779
Submission received: 30 May 2024 / Revised: 15 July 2024 / Accepted: 20 July 2024 / Published: 23 July 2024
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Climatic changes and global warming affect the growth, development, and productivity of crops. In this review, we highlight the possible benefits of using innovative breeding techniques like clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), exogenous phytohormone-like strigolactones (SLs), nanomaterials (NMs), and beneficial microbial endophytes to address the challenges in sustainable cultivation of horticultural crops. These applications are evaluated by examining how they affect different metabolic, morphological, and biochemical parameters in diverse crops. Endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms and can be used as nematicides for improving crop yield. With an emphasis on quality control, we examined the impacts of applying NMs, a novel family of phytohormones called SLs, and microbial endophytes on horticultural commodities. Furthermore, we reviewed the benefits of CRISPR for the editing of plant genomes, as well as how it affects gene expression and transcription factors to increase crop tolerance and yield. These innovations hold the potential to improve crop yield, quality, and resilience by acting as safe, natural components in biofertilizers and plant protection solutions. Gradually adopting these methods could decrease reliance on agrochemicals, thereby reducing their negative effects on biodiversity, soil fertility, and human health.

1. Introduction

Horticultural crop cultivation encounters numerous challenges. There are a lot of factors that are responsible for these challenges. Global warming is the major issue, as it leads to infertile soil, several environmental stressors that harm crop yields (salinity, droughts, the presence of pollutants in the soil), and excessive use of pesticides, which also degrades soil quality and affects crop yield and seed germination [1,2,3,4]. To ensure the availability of food for the growing global population, overall production of crops will need to be substantially increased using less agricultural land under extremely harsh environmental conditions. Several approaches have been utilized for increasing crop yield and quality, such as genetic engineering, tissue culture, and breeding [5,6].
Strategies for the improvement of crop production against abiotic stresses include tissue culture, breeding, genetic engineering, grafting, and plant-growth-promoting bacteria, among other strategies. To create a new genotype of a plant species with improved traits, such as the physiological foundation for salinity tolerance, tissue culture techniques have been utilized. Plant tissue culture has been recognized as one of the most effective methods to enhance horticulture plants under various challenging conditions. Genetic engineering is one of the key elements to preventing harm due to water scarcity and irrigation with salinized water [7,8,9,10,11].
The incorporation of endophytic microbes is thought to be an inexpensive, quick, climate-smart, and environmentally friendly alternative strategy for enhancing crop productivity and quality under climate change [12]. Endophytic microbes have the potential to be used as an option for plant health management in horticultural crops [13]. Several product quality characteristics like color, size, shelf life, and firmness may also be positively influenced by endophyte application [14].
Endophytes boost growth and development in plants without any adverse effects. They amplified siderophores synthesis and provided vitamins in nutrient-deficient circumstances [15]. They are microscopic microorganisms that live inside plant tissues, and they do not infect their hosts [16]. Bacterial endophytes colonize a wide range of plants, including numerous horticultural crops, especially fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants. Endophytes can decrease infections by improving host defense, lysis, antibiosis, and siderophore synthesis. Numerous microorganisms synthesize metabolites that have antibacterial activity and become beneficial to prevent plant diseases [17,18]. Endophytic microorganisms are now well acknowledged to be ubiquitous, and there is significant interest in the potential applications of such organisms in crop production due to their ability to promote plant growth and help plants tolerate stressful conditions [14].
The physiological impact of valuable microbial endophytes on the host plant has been connected to several factors such as the formation of phytohormones, several antioxidant and biologically active compounds, and osmo-protective compounds [19,20]. For example, the Bacillus sp. species synthesizes lipopeptides like bacillomycin, iturin, and fengycin, which demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal activities [21]. Messenger molecules also trigger comprehensive defense against biotic and abiotic stresses, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, water status, and the synthesis of phytohormones and their accumulation in plants [22,23,24]. In the case of abiotic stresses, Burkholderia sp., Arthrobacter sp., and Bacillus sp. elevate proline production and possess heat shock proteins (HSPs) that are synthesized by thermotolerant rhizobacteria and thermophilic bacterial endophytes. In these species, cold-tolerant bacteria in the rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endo-rhizosphere also synthesize cryoprotective proteins in response to low temperatures and produce of antimicrobial compounds like siderophores, antibiotics, hydrolytic enzymes, and other secondary metabolites against biotic stresses [25,26,27,28].
Endophytic bacteria stimulate plant growth through various mechanisms, including nitrogen fixation, plant growth stimulation via synthesis and modulation of plant hormones, and synthesis of bioactive compounds against phytopathogens [29]. Furthermore, endophytes offer a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices, minimizing the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and, in turn, lowering the risks related to chemical treatments [30].
Strigolactones (SLs) are molecules derived from carotenoids that play an important role in regulating plant development and adaptation. They affect various growth processes, including root development, shoot branching, and leaf senescence. In response to several environmental stresses such as salinity, drought, heat, cold, heavy metals, and nutrient deprivation, SLs build up in plant tissues and improve root architecture. They have the potential to be utilized to develop genetically engineered crops that exhibit increased tolerance to various stresses, potentially aiding in resolving the worldwide scarcity of food grains [31,32].

2. Potential Uses of Microbial Endophytes in Horticulture

2.1. Microbial Endophytes and Their Function

Plant-associated bacteria known as endophytes reside inside the stems, leaves, roots, and different inner cells of plants without producing any disease or harm [33]. A large percentage of soils are rich in microorganisms, some of which are plant-growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs). These microbes are essential partners, supporting several critical tasks that determine the physiological state of hosts, their ability to withstand stress, and the quantity and quality of their crops. These days, PGPMs are receiving a great deal of attention because of their use as bioinoculants [34,35,36].
PGPMs are capable of facilitating growth in plants and stimulating defense mechanisms in the plant against biotic or abiotic stress without causing any harm. Endophytes enhance crop yield, biometric qualities, pathogenic revulsion, plant growth, synthesis of bioactive compounds (mostly from medicinal herbal drugs), and the development of systemic resistance. Endophytes increase the accessibility of intricate environmental micro- and macronutrients [37,38].
Endophytes contain fungi, bacteria, and archaea (the most prevalent and well-researched taxa). Although endophytes live and feed on plants, they cause immunological responses in plants, which help plants to survive a variety of biotic and abiotic challenges. Plants detect the presence of endophytes which are benign, although some are closely linked to plant diseases. In response, the plants produce numerous proteins, chemical compounds, and hormones that provide them with tolerance to pathogenic organisms, herbivores, and environmental stressors [39].
Several classes, such as Acidobacteria, Deinococcus-thermus, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, etc., are home to endophytic microbes. Bacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, and Klebsiella are the most common genera and are effective against plant pathogens and abiotic stresses [40,41,42,43]. Endophytes can be further categorized, as shown in Figure 1 [44].

2.2. Mechanism of Action of Endophytes

The mode of action of endophytes—promoting plant growth and development—is well known and understood. Endophytes improve a plant’s condition by obstructing the growth and development of different plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) stages via many methods. Endophytic microorganisms improve plant fitness through a variety of mechanisms. The mode of action of endophytes includes direct and indirect mechanisms [45,46].

2.2.1. Direct Mechanism

Endophytes activate a defense mechanism against PPNs. Plants produce various secondary metabolites and suppress the growth and development of PPNs. For example, F. oxysporum is isolated from bananas, paralyzes, and kills P. goodeyi [47,48]. Endophytes can directly benefit plants by synthesizing iron chelators, phosphate-solubilizing chemicals, antimicrobial metabolites, and nitrogen-fixing abilities [49]. Additionally, a number of sulfur-oxidizing endophytes have been identified that convert elemental sulfur into sulfate so that plants can use it. They also stimulate the secretion of lytic enzymes, phosphate solubilization, antibiosis, and siderophore and phytohormone production. Some endophytes cause thickening of the endodermal cell wall, which decreases the likelihood of pests penetrating the stele. Endophytes also play a crucial role in synthesis of phytohormones, including auxins and gibberellins, which promotes cell proliferation and elongation [49,50,51,52].

2.2.2. Indirect Mechanism

Systemic resistance is induced by endophytes through the upregulation of genes that produce a variety of phytohormones, phytoalexins, and volatile organic compounds and initiate pathways for acids, such as salicylic acid and ethylene, which safeguard plants against stressful circumstances. For example, the application of Rhizobium etli G12 and Bacillus sphaericus B43 encouraged systemic resistance to Globodera pallida in potato; M. incognita had the same effect in tomato [53,54].
Endophytes stimulate plant growth under stress conditions by producing secondary metabolites that possess antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties [55,56,57,58]. It was noted that the induction of endophytic bacteria B. thuringiensis B-5351 results in a reduction of late blight in potatoes. The use of endophytic B. subtilis-based formulations increased the formation of proteinase inhibitors and minimized illnesses in sugar cane plants, increasing both the quality and quantity of vegetable roots [59,60]. The majority of PGPMs possess the capacity to synthesize substances like polymyxin, circulin, and colistin. These substances restrict the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria, which synthesize substances called bacteriocins and hinder cell functions [61,62].
As a crucial defense against a variety of stressors, endophytes have the ability to both synthesize and regulate phytohormone levels in plants [63]. Root system design could be altered as a consequence of endophyte-induced alterations in endogenous ABA and IAA [64]. Certain microbial endophytes can modify the amount of ethylene present in the soil, which improves the host plant’s resistance to abiotic stressors and diseases. This is known as a stress hormone and can set off a variety of defensive responses [65,66].

2.3. Endophytes as Bionematicides

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) include cyst nematodes (Globodera spp. and Heterodera spp.), root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.), and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are major pests that affect many crops globally and result in major losses in yields [67]. They mostly target the roots by creating feeding sites, including coenocytes, syncytia, solitary giant cells, and non-hypertrophied nurse cells, that offer a protected feeding environment [68].
PPN treatment results in low production, yellowing of leaves, plant stunting, and deformation of roots. There are numerous cases of nematode-suppressing soils where the presence of fungi and bacteria suppresses PPN numbers [69]. These beneficial organisms produce poisons or use specific trapping structures to prevent PPNs from proliferating. Most endophytes synthesize secondary metabolites with pesticidal effects and have the potential to be good candidates for bionematicides [70,71]. Table 1 lists the endophytes as microbial agents for various horticulture crops.

2.4. Use of Metabolites from Endophytes

These bacteria include various species of Bacillus and Pseudomonas. Notably, lipopeptides produced by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases are essential for rhizosphere bacteria in antibiosis and for inducing plant defense mechanisms [95,96]. Endophytes produce several secondary metabolites that possess biopesticidal activity against several plant parasite nematodes and plant pathogens that cause resistance in plants against numerous abiotic and biotic stressors [97]. Endophytes of Chinese medicinal plants have been found to produce various metabolites, including HKI0595 from the mangrove tree Kandelia candel, antitrypanosomal alkaloids spoxazomicins A-C from the endophytic actinomycete Streptosporangium oxazolinicum in orchids, and several NRPS (non-ribosomal peptide synthetase) and PKS (polyketide synthetase) gene clusters with uncharacterized metabolites. These spoxazomicins share structural similarities with siderophores from Pseudomonas aeruginosa [98,99,100]. Some metabolites possess nematicidal properties, as mentioned in Table 2.

3. Nanotechnology in Crop Production

There is growing interest in the usage of nanomaterials (NMs), which can lower costs, increase the quantity and quality of horticultural crops, and minimize the harmful effects of conventional pesticides [110,111,112]. In the late 2000s, crop production and nanotechnologies were initially addressed by the new technological revolution that the human race experienced [113]. Sustainable horticultural crops can be achieved by using nanotechnologies as an alternative to traditional technologies. Both biological and chemical processes are used to create NMs [114]. The use of nanomaterials in agriculture appears to be crucial for raising output, improving product quality, and lowering post-harvest fruit and vegetable losses. Up to 30% of horticultural crop products are thrown away, mainly due to biological processes and microbial degradation. The chemical approach is more costly and involves chemical-reducing agents. When compared to chemical nanoparticles (NPs), biological NPs are safer choices. Biogenic nanoparticles possess the ability to self-assemble and possess morphological control systems [115]. For example, ZnO nanoparticles enhance the yield of peanuts (Arachis hypogea). Similarly, the application of SiO2 nanoparticles increases plant biomass and the levels of biomolecules like chlorophyll, proteins, and phenols in maize grains. At low concentrations, carbon nanotubes promote the growth of hexaploidy wheat roots and promote seed growth and seed germination in mustard (Brassica juncea), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) (cell growth increase of 16%), black gram (Phaseolus mungo), and rice (Oryza sativa) [14].
In horticulture, nanofertilizers are employed to boost vegetative growth, pollination, and flower fertility, leading to increased yields and improved fruit tree product quality. Similarly, spraying nano-boron on the leaves of mango trees positively affects the overall yield and chemical properties of the fruits. This improvement is likely due to the increased chlorophyll content and essential nutrients, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), in the leaves. Exogenous nano-Ca supplementation on blueberries under saline stress conditions leads to increased vegetative growth and higher chlorophyll content in the leaves [36]. The application of nano-boron and nano-zinc fertilizers enhances fruit quality, increases fruit count, boosts the ratio of total soluble sugars (TSS) and the maturity index, and raises the levels of total sugars and total phenols in pomegranates. Spraying mango trees with nano-zinc increases fruit weight, fruit number, yield, leaf chlorophyll and carotene content, and concentrations of several nutrients, including N, P, K, and Zn [14]. Nanotechnology uses different approaches for improving crop yield, as shown in Figure 2.
In horticulture, the use of nanomaterials helps plants to deal with environmental stress in several ways: (i) supplies nutrients an emulsion or nanoparticles of nanoscale measurements; (ii) envelopes the plant in a thin protective layer of polymer; (iii) coats the plants with nanoparticles in the form of nanoporous materials or nanotubes. They also enhance the solubility and coverage of hydrophobic leaf surfaces. Nanoparticles like silver, silicon, and copper are used as nano-biofertilizers. They are used to supply nutrients to the plants. Based on their distribution and function, biofertilizers are categorized into micronutrient nanofertilizers and macronutrient nanofertilizers [113]. Several effects of nanoparticles on crop growth, development, and yield are mentioned in Table 3.
Nanofertilizers are used in horticulture to improve floral fertility, pollination, and vegetative growth, which increases productivity and improves the quality of the final product. When blueberries are grown under saline stress, external incorporation of nano-Ca increases both vegetative development and the amount of chlorophyll in the leaf [130,131,132].

4. Application of Strigolactone in Horticulture

Plant hormones play a major part in controlling all of the complicated chemical processes that regulate a plant’s growth and development. Over the past few years, a class of novel plant hormones known as strigolactones (SLs) has been identified. In 1996, Strigol, the first SL, was isolated from the root exudates of cotton. The most noticeable biological activity of strigol is its capability germinating seeds of parasitic weeds Orobanche spp. and Striga [133]. This class of phytohormones is involved in several biological processes, such as the beginning of plant–fungal symbiosis and the germination of parasitic plants, which are extremely dangerous for agriculture [134].
Many plant species produce SLs, but angiosperms produce them in large quantities. The pathway of metabolism of abscisic acid (ABA) and the synthesis of SLs are the same. Furthermore, biotic or abiotic stressors can regulate them. It is beneficial to combine them with agricultural food or manufacturing pharmaceuticals using these chemical compounds [135].
It was discovered that SLs impair both shoot and bud branching and act as a branching element of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus. In a broader sense, they are essential for the regulation of plant development. Because of this, SLs are currently regarded as a novel family of plant hormones with a promising future. SLs, in addition to cytokines and auxins, can control the amount of chlorophyll, the growth of plant parts, as well as the overall process of photosynthesis. So, in addition to producing the maximum yield, varieties produced through molecular genetic techniques modify the synthesis of SLs because of their soil stability, and they can be used to generate new varieties of plants. As an example, the growth of onions (Allium cepa L.) is significantly facilitated by forming a mixture of synthetic SL along with a macerate of carrots in a combination of surfactants with additional citric acid [136,137,138]. SLs promote plant growth and development in multiple ways (Figure 3).
It is well established that interaction between SLs and auxins inhibits the development of lateral branches in tomato seedlings, their nutrient consumption, and their production. SLs control secondary growth and enhance biomass in plants, especially those that are grown to obtain wood [139]. GR24, a synthetic SL analog, is frequently used in research on plant hormone regulation. Exogenous GR24 application suppresses the growth of potato tubers and stolon buds, which reduces tuber formation [140]. In contrast, potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) exhibit reduced height, increased primary and lateral branching, and improved branch growth when the essential strigolactone biosynthetic gene CCD8 is deleted [141].
Fruits, vegetables, and flowers have a limited shelf life, and it is crucial to monitor their post-harvest handling. SLs can also be used for the storage of fruits and vegetables. They enhance the functioning of antioxidants and phenylpropanoid metabolism to preserve the quality of soft strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch., cv. Akihime) fruits during storage [142]. The administration of exogenous SLs increases the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and photosynthesis while having a beneficial impact on water content and homeostasis of ions [143,144]. In horticultural plants like cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and tomatoes, GR24 treatment enhances the expression of genes and activity of antioxidant enzymes along with the content and effectiveness of non-enzymatic antioxidants [145].

5. CRISPR Technology in Horticultural Crop Production

It is necessary to improve the nutritional quality of horticulture food crops to meet the growing demand for such crops (Figure 4). Through the precise alteration of specific genomes, gene editing methods, including transcription activator-like effector nucleases, zinc finger nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9)), have accelerated the advancement of agriculture [146]. For instance, white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) resistant to browning have been produced, novel waxy corn types have been produced, and rice (Oryza sativa) pyl1/4/6 variants have been produced which showed significant development and increased crop yields using CRISPR technology [147]. CRISPR/SpCas9 is utilized in numerous horticultural plants, including the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), apple (Malus domestica), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), and Dendrobium officinale [148,149,150]. According to Zhang et al., the delivery strategy, sgRNA target sequences, Cas9 variant proteins, and promoters driving both sgRNA and Cas9 can all have an impact on the efficacy of CRISPR/SpCas9, which differs among species. The CRISPR/Cas9 systems mediated by Agrobacterium have made the most impressive advancements in horticultural crop quality improvement [144]. Table 4 shows CRISPR technology for the improvement of horticultural crops.

6. Conclusions

Horticulture is an important sector of the economy that affects many small and large farmers’ livelihoods and is vital to the fight against global poverty. It is still necessary for horticulture to keep improving to maximize safety precautions, boost output, and guarantee food safety and quality, especially in light of changing environmental conditions. This article explores several low-cost, quick, eco-friendly, and effective techniques that are essential for productive horticulture crop production. Notably, the external use of strigolactones, nanoparticles, and beneficial strains of endophytic microorganisms shows great promise in replacing specific agrochemicals. These developments have the potential to improve crop output, overall quality, and plant resilience by acting as safe, natural ingredients in biofertilizers and plant protection solutions. Moreover, CRISPR-based genetic editing has started to be used for the production of horticulture crops. By gradually implementing these methods, the use of agrochemicals in horticulture practices may be reduced, which will lessen their detrimental effects on biodiversity, soil fertility, and human health. These strategies represent a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable and resilient horticultural sector, ensuring a better future for farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.

Author Contributions

D.S. and B.R.: writing—original draft preparation; A.D.: data curation, resources; D.J.: writing—review and editing, visualization; D.B. and G.K.: conceptualization, investigation, supervision, project administration. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available upon request from the corresponding author due to ethical reasons.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Horticulturae 10 00779 g001
Figure 1. Types of endophytes based on functions and their hosts.
Figure 1. Types of endophytes based on functions and their hosts.
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Figure 2. Several applications of nanotechnology in horticulture.
Figure 2. Several applications of nanotechnology in horticulture.
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Figure 3. Functions of Strigolactone.
Figure 3. Functions of Strigolactone.
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Figure 4. CRISPR technology showing positive effects for producing plants resistant to various biotic and abiotic stresses.
Figure 4. CRISPR technology showing positive effects for producing plants resistant to various biotic and abiotic stresses.
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Table 1. Endophytes are utilized as microbial control agents of PPNs in many horticulture crops.
Table 1. Endophytes are utilized as microbial control agents of PPNs in many horticulture crops.
CropPPNs SpeciesEndophytic OrganismEffect on PPNsReference
Fruit Crops
BananaRadopholus similisF. oxysporum↓ Nematode population density (49–79%)[72]
Fusarium spp. (V5w2)↓ Nematode reproduction in cultivars, Enyeru (22.9), and Kibuzi (60.6%)[73]
Nematode reproduction disruption[74]
Fusarium spp.↓ Quantity of J2s per gram root by >80%[75]
F. oxysporum
(S9, P12)		Reduction in R. similis population in root system by 63%[76]
Pratylenchus goodeyF. oxysporum↑ Increased paralysis (17–26%) and mortality of motile stages (62–73%)[77]
R. similis, P. goodeyi, H. multicinctusF. oxysporum↑ Nematode mortality after 24 h exposure to culture filtrates; H. multicinctus was less sensitive to culture filtrates than P. goodeyi and R. similis[78]
M. javanicaStreptomyces sp.Inhibition rate is >50% in vitro and biocontrol efficiency of 70.7% in sterile soil against J2s[79]
Squash and melonM. incognitaF. oxysporum (strain 162)↓ Early root penetration of J2s in squash (69%), increase early root penetration of J2s in melon (up 73%)[80]
Ornamental crops
OrnamentalsM. incognitaP. putida (MN12), P. agglomerans (MN34)↓ Galling index[81]
Agricultural crops
CottonM. incognita Chaetomium globosum TAMU 520 Seed treatment application decreases root galls up to 30–50%.[82]
RiceMeloidogyne graminicolaBacillus megaterium↓ Nematode penetration and gall formation by >40%[83]
Fusarium spp.↑ Root weight by 33%, ↓ root-galling by 29–42%.[84]
Fusarium moniliforme Fe14↓ Penetration of J2 into roots by 55% and ↑ male to female ratio by 9 times[85]
Tuber crops
PotatoGlobodera rostochiensisP. putida 3, P. syxantha, P. aurantiacea 13, P. fluorescensDecrease nematodes (42.2–40.7%) compared to control with P. aurantiacea 13 and putida 3[86]
M. incognitaR. etli (G12)No. of galls on roots was 34% less than control[87]
Vegetable crops
Lady fingerM. incognitaBacillus spp. (EB16, EB18), Methlobacterium spp. (EB19), Pseudomonas spp. (EB3)↓ Number of egg masses in adult females and lowered root gall index[88]
TomatoM. incognitaF. oxysporum (strain 162)↓ Nematode penetration by 36–56%[89]
Rhizobium etli (G12), Fusarium oxysporum (Fo162)↓ The number of eggs per female 35 days after nematode inoculation[90]
Trichoderma asperellum F. oxysporum; F. solani↓ Penetration of nematode, T. asperellum, and F. oxysporum isolates decreased nematode egg densities by 35–46%[91]
Bacillus cereus (BCM2)↓ Gall and egg mass indexes[92]
Meloidogyne incognitaGliocladium spp.Reduction in damage intensity to 33% by inoculating conidial suspension at the rate of 106 mL−1[93]
Cedecea davisae (MK-30), Pantoe agglomerans (MK-29), Pseudomonas putida (MT-19), P. putida (MT-04), Pseudomonas fluorescens (MK-35), Enterobacter intermedius (MK-42)↓ Number of galls (27–43%) after soil drench application and reduce nematode infestation as seed treatment[94]
Table 2. Secondary metabolites in endophytes and their impact on plant-parasitic nematodes.
Table 2. Secondary metabolites in endophytes and their impact on plant-parasitic nematodes.
Fungi/BacteriaMetaboliteNematodeReference
Chaetomium globosum (NK102)Chaetoglobosin AM. incognita[101]
Endophytic fungi3-Hydroxypropionic acidM. incognita[102]
Fusarium oxysporum (EF119)Fusaric acid and BikaverinB. xylophilus[103]
Galiella rufaPregaliellalactoneMeloidogyne incognita[104]
Brevundimonas diminuta (LCB-3)(R)-(−)-2-ethylhexan-1-olB. xylophilus[105]
Daldinia cf. concentrica3-methyl-1-butanol, (±)-2-methyl-1-butanol, 4-heptanone, and isoamyl acetateMeloidogyne javanica[106]
C. globosum (YSC5)Chaetoglobosin A, chaetoglobosin B, and flavipinM. javanica[107]
Geotrichum sp. (AL4)Chlorinated oxazinane derivate (1-[(2R*,4S*,5S*)- 2-chloro-4-methyl-1,3-oxazinan-5-yl] ethenone) and an epimer of the former (1-[(2R*,4S*,5R*)-2- chloro-4-methyl-1,3-oxazinan-5-yl] ethanone)Panagrellus redivivus, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus;[108]
F. oxysporum4-hydroxybenzoic acid, indole3-acetic acid and gibepyrM. incognita[109]
Table 3. Effect of NPs on growth, development, and yield of horticultural crops.
Table 3. Effect of NPs on growth, development, and yield of horticultural crops.
NPsPlant SpeciesEffects on PlantReferences
ZNoGarden peaAffects root length and nodule formation[113,116]
Soyabean↑ Nitrate reductase and seed germination
Eggplant↑ Fruit quantity, water content photosynthesis
Tomato↑ Biomass, leaf surface area, biomolecule content, and protein content
Carbon nanotubesGrapes↑ Root elongation and germination[117]
Zucchini, tomato, corn, soybeanNo effect on the development of tomato and zucchini, ↓ biomass in corn and soybean[118]
Onion and cucumber↑ Root elongation[119]
TurnipNo effect on growth and germination[120]
TiO2SpinachEnhances photosynthesis and growth[121,122]
Fe3O4Lettuce, spinach, radish, cucumber, tomato, peppersSeed germination is inhibited[118]
AgFaba bean, radishNo effect on germination[123,124]
AgNO3 NPs and
Ag NP		Grapes↑ Grapes’ quality, Ag NPs enhanced methylesterase activity[125]
Chitosan NanofilmBlueberry↑ Antioxidant activity, ↓ yeast and mold growth[126]
MangoRetards senescence, inhibits water loss and firmness in fruits[127]
Guava↓ Water loss, respiration, ↑ antioxidant process[128]
Coating provides antimicrobial properties and a positive effect on respiration rate and pH[129]
Table 4. CRISPR technology is used for horticultural crop improvement.
Table 4. CRISPR technology is used for horticultural crop improvement.
SpeciesTransformation ModeTargeted GeneCharacteristics of Fruit QualityExplantReference
Pigment
TomatoAgrobacteriumANT1promterPurple fruit colorCotyledon[151]
PSYYellow color fruit[152]
MYBATVPink color fruit[153]
MYB12Purple color fruit[154]
Wishbone flowerAgrobacteriumF3HPale blue flowerLeaf[155]
Ipomoea nilCCD4↑ Carotenoids, yellow colorImmature embryo[156]
Regulation of Flowering Time
Malus domesticaAgrobacteriumTerminal Flower 1 (TFL1), Phytoene Desaturase (PDS)Early flowering and albino phenotypeLeaf[157]
Actinidia chinensisCEN4, CENGeneration of a compact plant along with rapid terminal fruit and flower; development precocity[158]
Fruit Ripening
Solanum lycopersicumAgrobacteriumSP5G, SP, SlWUS SlCLV3Day-length insensitivity, enlarged fruit size and vitamin C content, plant architectureLeaf[159]
Rapid flowering (SP5G), growth termination (SP), stem length (SlER), shootsCompact, early-yielding plants suitable for urban agriculture[160]
Apetala2a (AP2a), fruitful (FUL1/TDR4, FUL2/MBP7) and non-ripening (NOR)Fruit development and ripeningCotyledon[161]
Pectate lyase (PL), beta-galactanase (TBG4), and polygalacturonase 2a (PG2a)Fruit color, firmness, weight, and cell wall[162]
Cucumis sativuACS2, SF1 (Short Fruit 1)Ethylene content, fruit shape, and sizeCotyledon[163]
Fragaria vescaFveYUC10Reduction in free auxinLeaf[164]
Petunia hybridaACO1Enhanced flower longevity and reduced ethylene synthesisProtoplast[165]
Acid and Sugar Metabolism
Fragaria vescaAgrobacteriumuORF of FvebZIPs1.1Increased sugar content; transgene-free mutants contain a continuous sugar contentLeaf[166]
Citrullus lanatusAgrobacteriumAGA2Increased raffinose content and low soluble sugar contentCotyledon[167]
Solanum tuberosumPEG 4000GBSS genesBiosynthesis of starchProtoplast[168,169]
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Sharma, D.; Ruhil, B.; Dubey, A.; Jain, D.; Bhatia, D.; Koubouris, G. Unlocking Rapid and User-Friendly Strategies to Improve Horticultural Crop Qualities. Horticulturae 2024, 10, 779. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080779

AMA Style

Sharma D, Ruhil B, Dubey A, Jain D, Bhatia D, Koubouris G. Unlocking Rapid and User-Friendly Strategies to Improve Horticultural Crop Qualities. Horticulturae. 2024; 10(8):779. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080779

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Sharma, Diksha, Bhumi Ruhil, Anubhav Dubey, Divya Jain, Deepika Bhatia, and Georgios Koubouris. 2024. "Unlocking Rapid and User-Friendly Strategies to Improve Horticultural Crop Qualities" Horticulturae 10, no. 8: 779. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080779

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