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16 pages, 2444 KB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Evaluation of an Eco-Friendly Allamanda Microemulsion Biofungicide for the Control of Anthracnose in Papaya

by Farah Farhanah Haron and Dzolkhifli Omar

Horticulturae 2026, 12(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12050564 - 5 May 2026

Viewed by 878

Abstract

An eco-friendly microemulsion biofungicide derived from Allamanda cathartica was developed for the control of papaya anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The formulation was prepared by blending surfactants, carrier oil, and water and optimized using ternary phase diagrams to identify stable microemulsion systems. [...] Read more.

An eco-friendly microemulsion biofungicide derived from Allamanda cathartica was developed for the control of papaya anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The formulation was prepared by blending surfactants, carrier oil, and water and optimized using ternary phase diagrams to identify stable microemulsion systems. All selected formulations exhibited surface tension values ranging from 29 to 31 mN/m, while particle sizes ranged from 51.79 to 1801.05 nm. The optimized formulation, coded as AM8, consisted of 35% Allamanda concentrated liquid crude extract (ACLCE), 26% water, 13% alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, and 26% dimethylamide oil. Papaya fruits coated with the formulations showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in anthracnose incidence caused by C. gloeosporioides. Control fruits treated with water showed 75% disease incidence, whereas fruits treated with benomyl showed 42% disease incidence. Disease incidence, severity, and disease index decreased with increasing formulation concentration, and fruits treated with the eight formulations at 10% concentration exhibited significantly lower disease incidence (0–17%) and disease index (0–17%), with disease severity consistently scored as zero. The Allamanda formulation demonstrated strong antifungal activity with EC₅₀ and EC₉₅ values of 1.839 and 7.067 mg/mL (w/v), respectively, at the 95% confidence level. The optimized formulation AM8 remained stable for up to one year and showed superior disease control performance compared with the conventional fungicide benomyl. In addition, the formulation maintained fruit quality by preserving firmness, peel color, and soluble solids concentration, thereby extending papaya shelf life up to 30 days without adversely affecting the natural ripening process. These findings demonstrate the potential of Allamanda-based microemulsion formulations as sustainable biofungicides for postharvest control of papaya anthracnose and provide a promising alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 2220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Chitosan Edible Coatings Incorporated with Beeswax and Aloe vera Extract for Active Packaging of Banana and Persimmon to Prevent Food Loss

by Mahnoor Pervez, Gheorghe Cristian Popescu, Ayesha Tahir, Farkhanda Manzoor, Mehmet Yaman and Monica Popescu

Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030292 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 867

Abstract

Active packaging using edible coating could be an essential and sustainable alternative solution to preserve the properties of fruits and to prevent food loss and food waste. Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide obtained by deacetylation of chitin, has been widely used as an edible [...] Read more.

Active packaging using edible coating could be an essential and sustainable alternative solution to preserve the properties of fruits and to prevent food loss and food waste. Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide obtained by deacetylation of chitin, has been widely used as an edible coating of fruits. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a chitosan-based edible coating incorporated with Aloe vera and beeswax. Edible coatings were formulated with the following proportions: (% V/W: chitosan: Aloe vera: beeswax) as F1 (chitosan 79.5%: Aloe vera extract 19.5%: beeswax 1%), F2 (chitosan 79.2%: Aloe vera extract 19.2%: beeswax 1.5%), and F3 (chitosan 79%: Aloe vera extract 19%: beeswax 2%). After characterization, films were applied to Musa paradisiaca (banana) and Diospyros kaki (persimmons) varieties: Hychia and Fuyu, respectively, of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The film containing a higher concentration of beeswax, F3, attained the lowest moisture content (22.12% ± 0.57). The edible coatings, especially (F3) treated fruits, improved significantly in the quality attributes of banana and persimmon as: % weight loss (95.11 ± 0.023, 158 ± 0.81), pH (5.3 ± 0.005, 5.67 ± 0.005), titratable acidity (0.521% ± 0.05, 0.692% ± 0.002), total antioxidant capacity (34.6%, 49.2%), decay incidence (30%, 45%). Chitosan and Aloe vera extract incorporated with a beeswax edible coating had a significant effect on all the studied characteristics and there was an increased shelf life for both M. paradisiaca and D. kaki. Our findings demonstrated that a coating enriched with Aloe vera extract and beeswax is an efficient bioformulation to improve shelf life, preserve the properties of fruit, and prevent food loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 1466 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Biofilm of B. subtilis as a Growth Promoter of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in the Presence of Heavy Metals

by Mirta Esther Galelli, Antonio Paz González, Ana Rosa García, Josefina Ana Eva Cristóbal-Miguez, Gonzalo Miguel Arnedillo, Eliana Cárdenas-Aguiar and Gabriela Cristina Sarti

Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020255 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 980

Abstract

The negative effects of soil heavy metal contamination on food production could be mitigated using nature-based solutions, i.e., plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Yield of Lactuca sativa L. has been shown to increase by seed inoculation with biofilm of Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii. The [...] Read more.

The negative effects of soil heavy metal contamination on food production could be mitigated using nature-based solutions, i.e., plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Yield of Lactuca sativa L. has been shown to increase by seed inoculation with biofilm of Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii. The aim of this work was to assess whether this promoting effect occurs even in the presence of toxic concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). First, germination rates of lettuce seeds with increasing Cu and Zn concentrations were assessed. Then, lettuce plants growing from inoculated and non-inoculated seeds were cropped on substrates with excess Cu and Zn. Above- and below-ground lettuce variables were measured, and leaf macro- and microelements were determined. Germination was more severely affected by Cu overload than by Zn overload, while this trend was reversal for plant growth. Seed inoculation enhanced germination and increased plant growth assessed by root and shoot biomass, plant height and leaf area. For example, seed inoculation increased lettuce root and aerial biomass of lettuce growing on a metal- free substrate by 68% and 62%, respectively. This practice also promoted lettuce growth in metal-overloaded substrates, increasing aerial and root biomass by 32% and 29%, respectively, in connection with Cu, and by 260% and 183% when it came to Zn. Both Cu or Zn accumulated in the edible parts of lettuce growing on contaminated substrates, but seed inoculation did not mitigate metal uptake in any case. Except for Cu and Zn, macronutrients, micronutrients and heavy metal levels in lettuce leaves were affected neither by excess metal nor by seed inoculation. Altogether, B. subtilis biofilm has been proven to be an effective seed inoculant promoting seed germination and plant growth even in the presence of heavy metals. Adverse health effects due to metal accumulation in the lettuce edible parts are not expected to increase following seed inoculation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 870 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Biodegradability of Innovative Bio-Based Films Enriched with Monoammonium Phosphate

by Sara Paliaga, Luigi Badalucco, Delia Francesca Chillura Martino, Veronica Concetta Ciaramitaro, Silvia Rita Stazi, Enrica Allevato, Vittorio Vinciguerra and Vito Armando Laudicina

Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020253 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 858

Abstract

The widespread use of conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture contributes significantly to soil pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study explores the potential of novel bio-based mulch films composed of chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate, formulated in different ratios (1:1 [...] Read more.

The widespread use of conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture contributes significantly to soil pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study explores the potential of novel bio-based mulch films composed of chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate, formulated in different ratios (1:1 and 17:3), with or without enrichment with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), to serve as biodegradable films with potential nutrient-releasing functionality as alternatives to conventional plastics. A multi-analytical approach, including elemental and isotopic analysis (EA-IRMS), biodegradation assays, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), was employed to assess their chemical properties, degradation behavior, and environmental compatibility. The results demonstrated that the 1:1 films, both with and without MAP, achieved over 90% biodegradation within 120 days under controlled soil conditions, in agreement with international criteria for soil biodegradability. In contrast, the 17:3 films showed reduced degradation, especially without MAP enrichment, highlighting the influence of polymer composition on microbial degradation. Isotopic tracing confirmed MAP integration and revealed composition-dependent fractionation effects. Py-GC-MS provided structural fingerprints of film components and putatively annotated nitrogen-containing compounds indicative of chitosan presence. Overall, these results demonstrate that the 1:1 films can be considered viable, multifunctional, and soil-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulches for sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 3519 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Decoupling Microbial Activity from Metabolite Action: A Comparative Assessment of EM Technology and Its Cell-Free Extract as Nature-Based Solutions for Plant Biostimulation

by Katarina Stojkov, Angela Conti, Debora Casagrande Pierantoni, Roberto Scarponi, Laura Corte and Gianluigi Cardinali

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121528 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 780

Abstract

Soil degradation and climate-driven stress increasingly compromise crop performance by disrupting microbial communities and weakening soil biological functions. Microbial consortia such as Effective Microorganisms (EM) are widely adopted as nature-based solutions to enhance soil health and plant productivity, yet it remains unclear whether [...] Read more.

Soil degradation and climate-driven stress increasingly compromise crop performance by disrupting microbial communities and weakening soil biological functions. Microbial consortia such as Effective Microorganisms (EM) are widely adopted as nature-based solutions to enhance soil health and plant productivity, yet it remains unclear whether their biostimulant effects arise primarily from microbial activity or from the metabolites they release. This study aimed to disentangle these contributions by comparing the effects of EM and its cell-free extract (EM Extract) on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.), grown under controlled conditions. Growth parameters and pigment composition were quantified through morphological and spectrophotometric analyses, while soil microbial communities and metabolic profiles were characterized using metabarcoding and high-resolution FTIR-based soil metabolomics. Both EM and EM-derived cell-free extracts significantly enhanced zucchini growth, increasing plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content and root development. Cultural-based microbial analyses showed complementary shifts in rhizosphere communities, yet no major taxonomic differences were detected. Consistently, both treatments induced similar metabolomic changes in bulk and rhizosphere soils, resulting in a shared functional state shaped by plant inputs. These results suggest EM extract as a stable and effective alternative to live microbial inoculants for sustainable crop bio stimulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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20 pages, 3240 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Emergence of Autotoxicity in Closed Hydroponic Cultivation of Basil and Its Recovery by Compost Tea Application

by Andrea De Sio, Mauro Moreno, Stefano Mazzoleni, Stefania Cozzolino, Pietro Caggiano, Giovanna Ceriello, Giuliano Bonanomi, Chiara Cirillo and Fabrizio Carteni

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1493; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121493 - 10 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1014

Abstract

Hydroponic systems enable constant and high-quality crop yields while avoiding soil-borne diseases and significant pedoclimatic limitations. Recycling nutrient solutions (NSs) makes these systems more environmentally friendly, but long-term cultivation often leads to a decline in the quality and quantity of final products. Biochar [...] Read more.

Hydroponic systems enable constant and high-quality crop yields while avoiding soil-borne diseases and significant pedoclimatic limitations. Recycling nutrient solutions (NSs) makes these systems more environmentally friendly, but long-term cultivation often leads to a decline in the quality and quantity of final products. Biochar and compost tea (CT) are an emerging nature-based solution known to improve both soil and plant health. This study investigates whether biochar or CT treatments can counteract the physiological and productive decline observed in recycled hydroponic systems. We established a closed floating raft system in a controlled-environment greenhouse, cultivated basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Eleonora) over five cycles (conditioning phase), and then performed a last cycle (recovery phase) with the application of either compost tea or biochar filtration. Plant physiology and growth parameters were monitored. As expected, basil plants grown in untreated recycled NS showed significantly lower yields and dry matter content and reduced physiological values compared to controls (fresh NS). Among the applied treatments, biochar did not show any recovery function, whereas CT treatments fully restored physiological parameters and growth performance in a concentration-dependent manner. Recycled hydroponic systems often lead to physiological decline in plants, which can be effectively counteracted by CT treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 1458 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers on Lettuce Yield and Metabolomic Profiles

by Ana García-Rández, Luciano Orden, Silvia Sánchez-Méndez, Francisco Javier Andreu-Rodríguez, José Antonio Sáez-Tovar, Encarnación Martínez-Sabater, María de los Ángeles Bustamante, María Dolores Pérez-Murcia and Raúl Moral

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121421 - 24 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

The excessive use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives, such as organic amendments. This study evaluated the agronomic performance, nutrient use efficiency and metabolomic profiles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. baby leaf) [...] Read more.

The excessive use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives, such as organic amendments. This study evaluated the agronomic performance, nutrient use efficiency and metabolomic profiles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. baby leaf) cultivated using synthetic and organic (olive mill waste-based compost pellets and sewage sludge) in a controlled pot experiment. The treatments included three doses of inorganic fertilizer and two organic fertilizers applied at equivalent nitrogen (N) rates, alongside an unfertilized control. Soil physicochemical properties, plant biomass, nutrient uptake and metabolite profiles, including amino acids, sugars and organic acids, were analyzed. Inorganic fertilization rapidly increased soil mineral N and phosphorus (P), enhancing leaf chlorophyll, canopy development and fresh biomass, and promoting the accumulation of reducing sugars (p < 0.05). However, it reduced amino acid and phenolic levels, indicating a metabolic shift towards growth at the expense of stress and antioxidant compounds. Sewage sludge increased soil organic matter and amino acid and sucrose accumulation, but also induced stress-related metabolites. Pelletized compost maintained an intermediate level of nutrient availability, preserved phenolic compounds and improved phosphorus use efficiency. This surpassed the results achieved with sewage sludge in terms of dry matter yield, despite limited short-term growth stimulation. These findings highlight the potential of integrating moderate mineral fertilization with pelletized compost to balance immediate productivity, nutrient efficiency and long-term soil and metabolic quality in lettuce cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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20 pages, 1801 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Impact of Compost and Compost Tea on Water Stress Mitigation in Tomato Plants Under In Vitro and Pot Conditions

by Ana Isabel González-Hernández, Javier Plaza, Manuel César Alayo-Reyes, María Ángeles Gómez-Sánchez, Rodrigo Pérez-Sánchez and María Remedios Morales-Corts

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111386 - 17 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1294

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of gardening waste-based compost and compost tea (CT) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants subjected to osmotic and water deficit stress. The [...] Read more.

Water scarcity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of gardening waste-based compost and compost tea (CT) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants subjected to osmotic and water deficit stress. The first experiment assessed seed germination and early growth under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. An inverse correlation between PEG concentration and seed and plant development was found. CT improved the germination rate and early seedling development under moderate stress (2% PEG). The second experiment examined the effect of compost and CT on tomato growth in a 45-day pot trial under three irrigation levels: 100%, 60%, and 40% field capacity (FC). Compost-treated plants consistently showed significantly greater growth and biomass accumulation across all FC levels, especially under moderate water stress. In contrast, CT-treated plants showed a general reduction in growth parameters. In addition, there was a positive association between compost treatment and multiple growth traits, particularly under reduced irrigation conditions. These findings underscore the beneficial effects of compost on plant performance under drought conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 4731 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of High Root-Zone Temperature on the Physiology and Growth of Pear (Pyrus communis L., cv. Bartlett) and Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill., cv. BA29) Plants

by Kaies Mezrioui, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Veronica Giorgi and Davide Neri

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111337 - 5 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1108

Abstract

Global warming, with rising average temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme heat events, poses a major threat to fruit production systems and food security. Understanding how fruit trees respond to soil thermal stress is therefore critical for developing climate-resilient orchards. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Global warming, with rising average temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme heat events, poses a major threat to fruit production systems and food security. Understanding how fruit trees respond to soil thermal stress is therefore critical for developing climate-resilient orchards. In this study, we investigated the physiological and growth responses of potted pear (Pyrus communis) and quince (Cydonia oblonga) plants to root-zone heating. Plants were exposed to different substrate heating regimes, and gas exchange, water status, chlorophyll content, shoot growth, and biomass allocation were assessed. Short-term extreme heating (50 °C for 36 h) caused immediate reductions in gas exchange, severe root and shoot damage, and rapid plant mortality in both species. By contrast, prolonged heating at 40/35 °C induced significant declines in gas exchange, shoot growth, and root biomass, with species-specific differences. Pear exhibited greater sensitivity than quince, showing lower shoot growth, root dry weight, and gas exchange. These findings highlight the vulnerability of pear trees to high root-zone temperatures and the limited contrast between the tested rootstocks. Accordingly, there is a clear need for targeted soil management practices that promote root growth and soil exploration to enhance orchard resilience under future climate scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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18 pages, 2085 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geographical Origin Affects the Nut Traits, Bioactive Compounds, and Fatty Acid Composition of Turkish Hazelnut Cultivars (Corylus avellana L. cvs. Çakıldak, Palaz, and Tombul)

by Haydar Kurt and Orhan Karakaya

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080987 - 20 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1469

Abstract

Hazelnuts are valuable for human health and nutrition. They are also an economically important type of nut. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different geographical origins (Giresun, Ordu, and Samsun/Türkiye) on the nut characteristics, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid composition [...] Read more.

Hazelnuts are valuable for human health and nutrition. They are also an economically important type of nut. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different geographical origins (Giresun, Ordu, and Samsun/Türkiye) on the nut characteristics, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid composition of three hazelnut cultivars (cvs. Çakıldak, Palaz, and Tombul). The highest nut and kernel weights and sizes were determined to be in all cultivars in Samsun. The highest kernel ratio was recorded in the Çakıldak and Palaz cultivars grown in Giresun. However, shell thickness was not affected by geographical origin. The highest levels of total phenolics and total flavonoids were recorded in all cultivars in Samsun. The antioxidant activity of the cultivars differed according to geographical origin. The highest oleic acid was found in all cultivars in Giresun, while the highest linoleic acid was observed in those grown in Ordu. Generally, the highest results in terms of other fatty acids were recorded in all cultivars in Samsun. According to the results of the principal component analysis (PCA), the cultivars grown in the Samsun region were generally related to better nut traits and phenolics, while the cultivars grown in the Giresun and Ordu regions were associated with better antioxidant activity and fatty acid composition. This study shows that the nut traits, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid composition of hazelnuts are affected by geographical differences. These results provide valuable insights for hazelnut growers and the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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22 pages, 3178 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Soil and Root Responses in Hazelnut Rhizosphere to Inoculate Rhizobacteria Immobilized via JetCutter Technology

by Solange V. Benítez, Rocío Carrasco, Antonio Roldán, Fuensanta Caravaca, Manuel Campoy, Joaquín Cofré, José Ortiz, Juan D. Giraldo and Mauricio Schoebitz

Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070808 - 8 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1755

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have significant potential for enhancing soil quality and plant growth; however, their agricultural application is limited by challenges such as immobilization and desiccation vulnerability. Background: This study addressed PGPR solid formulation by applying JetCutter-assisted immobilization technology to PGPR strains [...] Read more.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have significant potential for enhancing soil quality and plant growth; however, their agricultural application is limited by challenges such as immobilization and desiccation vulnerability. Background: This study addressed PGPR solid formulation by applying JetCutter-assisted immobilization technology to PGPR strains isolated from the rhizosphere of hazelnut (Corylus avellana). Methods: Four immobilized PGPR strains were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions: Serratia proteamaculans, Pseudomonas mohnii, Pseudomonas baetica, and Bacillus safensis. Their effects on root development, gas exchange parameters, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil enzymatic activities (phosphatase, urease, protease, and β-glucosidase) were assessed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the top-performing strain. Results: Treatment with encapsulated bacteria resulted in a 27% increase in DOC compared to controls (p < 0.05), while phosphatase and urease activities increased by 35% and 28%, respectively. Root length and volume improved by 18% and 22%, respectively, with PCA identifying P. baetica as the most effective strain. Conclusions: Immobilized Gram-negative PGPR strains enhanced root development and soil biochemical activity in hazelnuts, whereas B. safensis enhanced photosynthesis but had minimal impact on soil properties. These results highlight functional differences and support the use of PGPR immobilization to promote early plant establishment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 8488 KB

Open AccessArticle

Edible Micro-Sized Composite Coating Applications on Post-Harvest Quality of Sweet Cherry Fruits

by Ercan Yıldız, Fatih Hancı, Mehmet Yaman, Gheorghe Cristian Popescu, Monica Popescu and Ahmet Sümbül

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030303 - 11 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2186

Abstract

Active packaging using an edible coating could be an essential and sustainable alternative solution to preserve the properties of fruits and to prevent food loss and food waste. Fruits generate significant food wastes and losses. Reducing food waste is a global priority. For [...] Read more.

Active packaging using an edible coating could be an essential and sustainable alternative solution to preserve the properties of fruits and to prevent food loss and food waste. Fruits generate significant food wastes and losses. Reducing food waste is a global priority. For this research, nature-based solutions (NBSs) were applied, using micro-sized chitosan (CsMPs) and selenium microparticles (SeMPs), which are green-synthesized from black tea leaf extracts, and thyme essential oil. In this study, the effects of the new generation active food preservative coating agents formed from combinations of micro-sized chitosan (CsMPs) and selenium (SeMPs), and thyme essential oil (Oil) on the quality of “0900 Ziraat” sweet cherry fruits after harvest were investigated. After the fruits were coated with edible colloid solution, they were stored at 4 °C and 21 °C for 20 days, and quality parameter analyses were performed on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. As a result of this study, it was determined that the application of CsMPs + SeMPs and the subsequent application of CsMPs + SeMPs + Oil from colloid solution coatings reduced weight loss, respiration, and decay rates. Also, it was determined that these applications were the most effective in preserving color values (L*, chroma, and hue), fruit firmness, total soluble solid (TSS) amount, acidity content and total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant capacity. These results show that CsMPs + SeMPs and CsMPs + SeMPs + Oil applications can be used as edible coatings to preserve the quality of sweet cherry fruits and extend their shelf life after harvest. This study’s results will contribute to obtaining micro-sized composite coating agents/agents produced with new technology to extend the shelf life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 3073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Genetic Diversity of Mulberry (Morus alba) Genotypes Growing Naturally in Northeastern Türkiye (Kelkit Valley) Using Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Markers

by Ahmet Sümbül

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030298 - 10 Mar 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2933

Abstract

Türkiye has a unique position globally as it connects the Asian and European continents. In this study, the genetic diversity of a total of 27 mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes collected from northeastern Türkiye was evaluated in terms of morphological, biochemical, and [...] Read more.

Türkiye has a unique position globally as it connects the Asian and European continents. In this study, the genetic diversity of a total of 27 mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes collected from northeastern Türkiye was evaluated in terms of morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. In the fruits of the mulberry genotypes, the fruit weight (FW) ranged from 2.00 to 5.13 g, fruit width (Fw) ranged from 12.64 to 16.93 mm, and fruit length (FL) ranged from 20.89 to 32.34 mm. Total soluble solids (TSS) ranged from 16.56% to 26.00%, fruit pH ranged from 3.87 to 5.10, total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 72.69 to 171.34 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 75.55 to 86.85 mg QE 100/g, and antioxidant activity (AA) ranged from 42.35% to 74.93%. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the first three principal components (eigenvalue ≥ 1.00) explain 54.05% of the total variation. In general, the fruit and leaf characteristics were more effective in the first two principal components, while the biochemical traits were more effective in the third principal component. As a result of molecular analysis using 13 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, 94.23% of the total of 76 bands was polymorphic. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed that within the population, genetic variation was 79%, and among the populations, the variation was 21%. The similarities of the genotypes in the UPGMA dendrogram created according to the results of the molecular analysis varied between 0.74 and 0.98, and the genotypes were divided into two main groups. This study guides breeders in future studies by evaluating mulberry genotypes from morphological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives and explaining the wide variation among genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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Review

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26 pages, 495 KB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Bio-Based Products in Plant Responses to Salt and Drought Stress

by Rossella Saccone, Giancarlo Fascella, Giuseppe Bonfante, Erika Salvagno, Enzo Montoneri, Andrea Baglieri and Ivana Puglisi

Horticulturae 2026, 12(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12010095 - 16 Jan 2026

Viewed by 996

Abstract

Agriculture faces increasing challenges in ensuring food security under a changing climate, where abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought represent major constraints to crop productivity. These stresses induce complex physiological and biochemical alterations in plants, including osmotic imbalance, oxidative damage, and disruption [...] Read more.

Agriculture faces increasing challenges in ensuring food security under a changing climate, where abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought represent major constraints to crop productivity. These stresses induce complex physiological and biochemical alterations in plants, including osmotic imbalance, oxidative damage, and disruption of metabolic pathways, ultimately impairing growth and yield. In this context, the application of biostimulants has emerged as a sustainable strategy to enhance plant resilience. While synthetic products are widely available, growing attention is being directed toward natural bio-based products, particularly those derived from renewable biomasses and organic wastes, in line with circular economy principles. This review critically examines the current literature on bio-based products with biostimulant properties, with particular emphasis on vermicompost-derived extracts, humic-like substances, and macro- and microalgae extracts, focusing on their role in mitigating salt and drought stress in plants. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate that these bio-products enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, including hormonal regulation, activation of antioxidant defence systems, accumulation of osmoprotectants, and regulation of secondary metabolism. Moreover, evidence indicates that these bio-based inputs can improve nutrient use efficiency, photosynthetic performance, and overall plant growth under stress conditions. Overall, this review highlights the potential of non-microbial bio-based biostimulants as effective and sustainable tools for climate-resilient agriculture, while also underlining the need for further research to standardize formulations, clarify mechanisms of action, and validate their performance under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems)

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Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Improve the Sustainability of Horticultural Ecosystems

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