Agronomy

Research

15 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Organic Fertilizer Application on Strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) Cultivation

by Hülya Sayğı

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051233 - 21 May 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4909

In the agricultural production process, the production and environmental costs of chemical fertilizers used to increase yield and quality and the question of how to evaluate the herbal and animal wastes that arise in the agricultural production process are important issues. The main [...] Read more.

In the agricultural production process, the production and environmental costs of chemical fertilizers used to increase yield and quality and the question of how to evaluate the herbal and animal wastes that arise in the agricultural production process are important issues. The main purpose of using herbal and animal wastes that arise in the agricultural production process as an alternative fertilizer to chemical fertilizers is to reduce production costs and to ensure sustainability in agricultural production by reintroducing these wastes to the economy. In this study, the effects of vermicompost, chicken manure, farm manure, and chemical fertilizers on product yield and quality, plant nutrients, and economic profitability in strawberry cultivation were investigated. In the study, strawberries were used as the plant material and vermicompost, chicken manure, farm (cattle) manure, and chemical fertilizers were used as plant nutrition materials. In the study, statistically significant differences were found in the parameters of yield, quality, plant nutrient content in leaves, and economic profitability compared to chemical fertilizers. In terms of product yield and some quality parameters, organic fertilizers (worm manure and chicken manure in yield, total sugar and nitrate accumulation in fruit, chicken manure in vitamin C) gave better positive results than chemical fertilizers. In the macronutrient content of the leaves, chicken manure in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus; vermicompost, chicken manure, and farm manure in terms of potassium; and vermicompost and chicken manure in terms of calcium all gave better results than chemical fertilizers. In the micronutrient content of the leaves, chicken manure in terms of iron, vermicompost in terms of zinc, and chicken manure and farm manure in terms of copper gave better results than chemical fertilizers. In terms of economic profitability, while more profit was obtained from vermicompost, chicken manure and farm manure applications compared to chemical fertilizer applications, the highest profitability was obtained from vermicompost application. The findings of this study support the idea that vermicompost, chicken manure, and farm manure can be recommended as an alternative plant nutrition input to chemical fertilizers in strawberry cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

14 pages, 656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Plant-Derived Protein Hydrolysates on Yield, Quality, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Greenhouse Grown Lettuce and Tomato

by Seunghyun Choi, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli and Hye-Ji Kim

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051018 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2724

Abstract

Plant-derived protein hydrolysates (PHs) are gaining global interest for their sustainability and positive effects on crops under abiotic stresses. However, the long-term effects of PHs on the yield and quality of greenhouse crops have not been described. Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) [...] Read more.

Plant-derived protein hydrolysates (PHs) are gaining global interest for their sustainability and positive effects on crops under abiotic stresses. However, the long-term effects of PHs on the yield and quality of greenhouse crops have not been described. Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Micro-Tom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were grown with commercial growing media in 1 L pots and fertigated with four N levels (2, 5, 10, and 15 mM). PH (0 or 3 g/L) was applied as a foliar spray (PH-F) or root drench (PH-R) once every week. Compared to PH-F, PH-R effectively stimulated the yield, photosynthesis, water-use efficiency, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant activities, and compounds regardless of N levels and species. Increasing the N level led to a total dry weight gain, and PH-R enhanced the lettuce shoot dry weight (+31%) and tomato fruit dry weight (+22%). PH-R also increased the fresh marketable yield of lettuce (+21%) and tomato (+32%). The increasing N level decreased antioxidant parameters in lettuce leaves, not in tomato fruits, whereas PH-R improved them in both species. PH-R significantly enhanced the N use and uptake efficiency. Taken together, our results suggested that the addition of PH-R effectively increased the N uptake and subsequently increased the lettuce and tomato yield and quality regardless of N levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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18 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Variation in Yield among Wild Blueberry Genotypes: Can Yield Be Predicted by Leaf and Stem Functional Traits?

by Kallol Barai, Lily Calderwood, Matthew Wallhead, Henri Vanhanen, Bruce Hall, Francis Drummond and Yong-Jiang Zhang

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030617 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3281

Abstract

Wild lowbush blueberry fields are characterized by high genetic diversity, with a large number of genotypes coexisting in every field. Yield also varies among genotypes, which could be related to the variation in physiological and structural traits, but this has not been rigorously [...] Read more.

Wild lowbush blueberry fields are characterized by high genetic diversity, with a large number of genotypes coexisting in every field. Yield also varies among genotypes, which could be related to the variation in physiological and structural traits, but this has not been rigorously tested. In this study, we aimed to quantify the inter-genotype variation in yield, as well as leaf and stem functional traits, and to establish the relationship between functional traits and yield-related traits in wild blueberries. To do so, we carried out a study during the 2019 harvest season measuring structural and functional traits including stem number, stem length, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll concentration, leaf mass area, leaf area per stem, leaf number per stem, number of branches per stem, leaf temperature, soil temperature, and soil water content and yield data including yield, berry size (weight of 100 berries), number of berries per stem, and length of berry cluster from two wild blueberry farms. We found high variations in structural, functional, and yield-related traits among genotypes, but not between two fields. We also found negative associations of the leaf mass per unit area and midday leaf temperature with the yield, whereas the leaf chlorophyll concentration was positively associated with the yield. Additionally, we found a quadratic relationship between yield-related traits (weight of 100 berries, number of berries per stem, and length of berry cluster) and stem length, with the optimum stem length for yield at 25 cm. Our results suggest that several leaf and stem functional traits are related with yield-related traits; thereby, those traits can be used to predict wild blueberry yields. Our findings could help growers and breeders select better-yielding genotypes based on structural and functional traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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17 pages, 1863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maceration Time Affects the Efficacy of Borage Extracts as Potential Biostimulant on Rocket Salad

by Giulia Franzoni, Roberta Bulgari and Antonio Ferrante

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112182 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

The efficacy of plant-based biostimulants lays on the extraction of bioactive compounds that can trigger positive biological responses in plants. Their use has been increasing for lowering the production costs, enhance the yield and the stress tolerance, and improve the cropping systems’ sustainability. [...] Read more.

The efficacy of plant-based biostimulants lays on the extraction of bioactive compounds that can trigger positive biological responses in plants. Their use has been increasing for lowering the production costs, enhance the yield and the stress tolerance, and improve the cropping systems’ sustainability. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of maceration time on borage extracts, subsequently sprayed on rocket plants hydroponically grown. A preliminary test was also assessed to evaluate the extracts’ effect on seeds germination. Borage leaves and flowers were separated and macerated in the same conditions for different times. The obtained borage extracts were applied two times during the cultivation of rocket plants. The yield was not affected by the treatments, while the quality of leafy vegetables was improved. The results indicated that the flower extracts (FE) were more active than leaf extracts (LE) in stimulating the crop response. Promising results were observed on the nitrate assimilation, with reduced accumulation in the edible and commercial parts. Non-destructive analysis revealed that electron transport rates were significantly higher in treated plants. Biostimulant effects were also confirmed by the lowering of sucrose and sugars content in the treated plants and by a general increment of secondary metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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15 pages, 2550 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reducing the Evaporative Demand Improves Photosynthesis and Water Use Efficiency of Indoor Cultivated Lettuce

by Chiara Amitrano, Youssef Rouphael, Antonio Pannico, Stefania De Pascale and Veronica De Micco

Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071396 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3554

Abstract

Currently, climate change is affecting considerably the availability of freshwater for agriculture, increasing the need for the optimization of crop water use efficiency. Attempts to use VPD (vapor pressure deficit) modulation to reduce water consumption have been made. However, the effects of VPD [...] Read more.

Currently, climate change is affecting considerably the availability of freshwater for agriculture, increasing the need for the optimization of crop water use efficiency. Attempts to use VPD (vapor pressure deficit) modulation to reduce water consumption have been made. However, the effects of VPD on leaf stomatal and hydraulic traits, and on possible tradeoffs between photosynthetic carbon gain and transpiration, are rarely reported. We analyzed photosynthesis (gas-exchange, photochemistry) stomatal and hydraulic-related traits of green (G) and red (R) butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown under low and high VPD (LV, HV) in a controlled environment. Our results showed that plants developed a higher number of small stomata under LV, allowing better regulation over opening/closing mechanisms and thus increasing net photosynthesis by 18%. LV plants also achieved better performance of the photosystem II and a more efficient water use (increments in ΦPSII and iWUE by 3% and 49%), resulting in enhanced plant growth and reduced need for irrigation. Significant differences between G and R plants were limited to a few traits, and the physiological response under the two VPDs did not show cultivar-specific response. We discuss the role of VPD management as necessary to maximize crop water use by harmonizing photosynthesis and transpiration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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17 pages, 9063 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Trichoderma and Phosphite Elicited Distinctive Secondary Metabolite Signatures in Zucchini Squash Plants

by Luigi Formisano, Begoña Miras-Moreno, Michele Ciriello, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giandomenico Corrado, Luigi Lucini, Giuseppe Colla and Youssef Rouphael

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061205 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

Plant biostimulants are “green” solutions to improve crop production. Trichoderma spp. and phosphites, ordinarily used as biocontrol agents, can trigger phytostimulation, also promoting endogenous mechanisms involved in plant growth and development. The present study aimed at assessing the efficacy of a phosphite-based formulation [...] Read more.

Plant biostimulants are “green” solutions to improve crop production. Trichoderma spp. and phosphites, ordinarily used as biocontrol agents, can trigger phytostimulation, also promoting endogenous mechanisms involved in plant growth and development. The present study aimed at assessing the efficacy of a phosphite-based formulation (Phosphit-One) and Trichoderma harzianum-T22 on the morpho-physiological response and modulation of the metabolomics profile in zucchini squash plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivated in controlled growth conditions (Fitotron^®). The highest values of fresh biomass production (390.9 g plant⁻¹) and root dry weight (5.6 g plant⁻¹) were obtained for Trichoderma-treated plants. This last treatment resulted in an improved physiological performance (SPAD index, CO₂ assimilation rate, and F_v/F_m ratio) measured 30 days after transplanting. Both Trichoderma and phosphite treatments induced a broad metabolic reprogramming in leaves, evident also for the phosphite treatment that did not result in a growth promotion. The microbial and the non-microbial treatments showed distinctive signatures in secondary metabolism yet, common responses could be also highlighted. For instance, both Trichoderma and phosphite triggered ROS-mediated signaling processes, together with the accumulation of phenylpropanoids, glucosinolates, and phytoalexins. Furthermore, a significant alteration of phytohormones was observed, with terpenoid gibberellins and brassinosteroids showing the largest differences. The metabolomic signatures induced by Trichoderma and phosphite in zucchini squash provided molecular insights into the processes underlying elicitation of plant defense due to biostimulation. Interestingly, the modulation of plant secondary metabolism by both treatments did not impair plant growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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18 pages, 2097 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Protein Hydrolysates and Mo-Biofortification Interactively Modulate Plant Performance and Quality of ‘Canasta’ Lettuce Grown in a Protected Environment

by Leo Sabatino, Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Youssef Rouphael, Claudio De Pasquale, Giovanni Iapichino, Fabio D’Anna and Salvatore La Bella

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061023 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Since the use of protein hydrolysates (PHs) enhances overall plant performance and quality of vegetables, they might be considered as a toll to face a number of concerns essentially associated to the growing request of premium quality foodstuff realized in agreement with eco-friendly [...] Read more.

Since the use of protein hydrolysates (PHs) enhances overall plant performance and quality of vegetables, they might be considered as a toll to face a number of concerns essentially associated to the growing request of premium quality foodstuff realized in agreement with eco-friendly agriculture practices. Molybdenum (Mo) is considered a fundamental trace element for human body. Thus, its shortage determines several disorders mainly related to neurological lesion and esophageal cancer. Biofortification of fruiting and leafy vegetables is a promising tool to prevent Mo deficiency in the human diet. The current study was carried out to assess the interactive effect of plant-derived PHs and Mo dosage (0.0, 0.5, 3.0, and 6.0 µmol L⁻¹) on yield, morphology, nutritional and functional features, and nitrogen indices of ‘Canasta’ lettuce. Head fresh weight (HFW), head height (HH), ascorbic acid, K, Mg, total chlorophyll, as well as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) index were positively correlated to PHs application. Furthermore, ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll were also improved by Mo supply. A great improvement in terms of soluble solid content (SSC), total sugars, total phenolic, carotenoids, Mo and N concentrations, nitrogen uptake efficiency (UE), and nitrogen physiological efficiency (PUE) indices was recorded when PHs application was combined with the highest Mo dosage (6.0 µmol L⁻¹). Consequently, our results suggest that Mo-biofortification and PHs application can positively modulate ‘Canasta’ lettuce plant performance and quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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10 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Successive Harvests Modulate the Productive and Physiological Behavior of Three Genovese Pesto Basil Cultivars

by Luigi Formisano, Michele Ciriello, Christophe El-Nakhel, Marios C. Kyriacou and Youssef Rouphael

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030560 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1833

Abstract

In the Italian culinary tradition, young and tender leaves of Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) are used to prepare pesto sauce, a tasty condiment that attracts the interest of the food processing industry. Like other leafy or aromatic vegetables, basil is harvested [...] Read more.

In the Italian culinary tradition, young and tender leaves of Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) are used to prepare pesto sauce, a tasty condiment that attracts the interest of the food processing industry. Like other leafy or aromatic vegetables, basil is harvested more than once during the crop cycle to maximize yield. However, the mechanical stress induced by successive cuts can affect crucial parameters associated with pesto processing (leaf/stem ratio, stem diameter, and dry matter). Our research accordingly aimed to evaluate the impact of successive harvests on three field-grown Genovese basil cultivars (“Aroma 2”, “Eleonora” and “Italiano Classico”) in terms of production, physiological behavior, and technological parameters. Between the first and second harvest, marketable fresh yield and shoot dry biomass increased by 148.4% and 172.9%, respectively; by contrast, the leaf-to-stem ratio decreased by 22.5%, while the dry matter content was unchanged. The increased fresh yield and shoot dry biomass at the second harvest derived from improved photosynthetic efficiency, which enabled higher net CO₂ assimilation, F_v/F_m and transpiration as well as reduced stomatal resistance. Our findings suggest that, under the Mediterranean environment, “Italiano Classico” carries superior productive performance and optimal technological characteristics in line with industrial requirements. These promising results warrant further investigation of the impact successive harvests may have on the qualitative components of high-yielding basil genotypes with respect to consumer expectations of the final product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability in Horticultural Crop Production Systems)

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