International Journal of Plant Biology

Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethylglycine) is a broad-spectrum, foliar-applied herbicide that inhibits 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in plants. EPSPS catalyzes a crucial step in the shikimate pathway for the biosynthesis of folates and aromatic amino acids in plants. A variety of glyphosate-tolerant EPSPS enzymes have been reported. Some of these have been introduced into crops using biotechnology to produce glyphosate-tolerant crops. Glyphosate tolerance in crops permits the use of glyphosate to control weeds while maintaining crop yield. We endeavored to optimize the maize EPSPS enzyme with improvements in both enzymatic activity and reduction in sensitivity to glyphosate to improve the potential for herbicide tolerance in crops. Here, we have improved the glyphosate tolerance of maize EPSPS with the potential of providing an herbicide tolerance trait by utilizing enzyme optimization with in vitro and in planta screening. Overexpressing some of these EPSPS variants into maize have resulted in maize plants with robust vegetative glyphosate tolerance. Full article

Chloroplast genomes are valuable tools for exploring plant evolution, photosynthesis, and molecular systematics due to their relatively conserved structure and gene content. Here, I present a comprehensive comparative analysis of complete chloroplast genomes from 20 taxonomically diverse plant species, focusing on 16 widely used barcoding genes to investigate patterns of genome structure, gene retention, codon usage bias, and phylogenetic relationships. Genome sizes ranged from ~121 kb in Marchantia polymorpha to over 160 kb in Vitis vinifera, with GC content largely conserved across species. A multi-gene Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic framework recovered major taxonomic groupings and revealed gene-specific topological differences, reflecting locus-specific evolutionary histories. Presence/absence profiling showed that 13 of the 16 barcoding genes were consistently retained across species and classified as core genes, while the remaining three exhibited more variable distributions and were considered accessory. This pattern reflects both broad conservation and lineage-specific gene loss across plastomes. Genome-wide similarity analysis revealed high identity among closely related taxa (e.g., Arabidopsis and Brassica) and greater divergence among bryophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Codon usage analysis revealed generally conserved patterns, with lineage-specific biases observed in Cucumis sativus and Brassica rapa, suggesting influences from mutational pressure and potential translational selection. This integrative analysis highlights the dynamic yet conserved nature of chloroplast genomes and underscores the value of combining multiple genomic features in plastome evolution studies. The resulting dataset and analytical pipeline offer a useful resource for future phylogenomic, evolutionary, and biodiversity research in plant science. Full article

The application of plasma technology in agriculture has emerged as a promising approach to enhance plant health and manage microbial interactions, offering potential solutions for sustainable crop production and disease control. This study contributes to this field by exploring the effects of plasma treatments on plant physiology and microbial dynamics, with a focus on their potential to improve agricultural outcomes. This investigation aims to systematically determine optimal plasma seed treatment parameters for enhancing plant vigor and promoting beneficial microbial associations while minimizing pathogenic interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. This study focuses on understanding the effects of various plasma treatments on chlorophyll content, root length, microbial growth, and microbial quantification in plants and microbes. The treatments involve the use of an atmospheric jet plasma handheld device, a globe plasma, and a glow discharge plasma chamber with air and argon. These treatments were applied for varying time durations from 10 s to 5 min. The results demonstrated that the globe plasma treatment for 1 min significantly enhanced chlorophyll a extraction and root length, outperforming the other treatments. Additionally, the study examined the impact of plasma on plant–microbe interactions to assess whether plasma treatments affect beneficial microbes. Plasma treatments showed minimal impact on most beneficial microbe activity, though species-specific sensitivities were observed, with Pseudomonas cedrina showing moderate growth inhibition, revealing no significant disruption to their activity. The microbial quantification assays indicated that the globe plasma treatment effectively reduced microbial counts, while combined treatment with plant and microbe plasma together did not yield significant changes. Additionally, the chlorophyll estimation of plasma-treated samples indicated that the globe plasma and atmospheric jet plasma treatments were effective in enhancing chlorophyll content, whereas the combined treatment with both plant and microbe plasma did not yield significant changes. These findings suggest that plasma treatments, especially the globe plasma, are effective in improving plant health and controlling microbial activity. Future research should focus on optimizing plasma conditions, exploring the influence of plasma parameters and the underlying mechanisms, and expanding the scope to include a wider range of plant species and microbial strains to maximize the benefits of plasma technology in agriculture. Full article

Lilium species produce some of the most commercially valuable ornamental flowers in the world, characterized by their attractiveness and high demand in cut flower markets. However, it is necessary to strengthen the competitiveness of this sector in the global market. Due to strong competition from international producers and an increasingly demanding market regarding quality, shelf life, and sustainability, alternatives are being sought to counteract the use of conventional agrochemicals. The use of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy in ornamental horticulture due to their ability to enhance plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and stimulate physiological processes, ultimately contributing to higher quality and productivity. The hypothesis of this research is that the foliar application of selenium and titanium dioxide nanoparticles during the vegetative growth and flowering stages significantly enhances the growth, development, and flowering of Lilium plants when compared with untreated plants. Therefore, the physiological effects of SeNPs and TiO₂NPs applied via foliar application in two concentrations (SeNPsD1, SeNPsD2, TiNPsD1, and TiNPsD2) were evaluated against absolute control. The treatments were applied in two phenological stages (vegetative and reproductive development), and their effects on vegetative and reproductive variables in Lilium plants were evaluated from 120 to 270 days after sowing. The surface of seeds obtained from SeNPsD1-treated plants was further analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrate that the application of SeNPs generated variable effects depending on the phenological stage. In the vegetative stage (46 DAS), SeNPsD2 increased the number of leaves by 118%, while SeNPsD1 increased the fresh weight of leaves by 110%. Regarding ovaries, the application of SeNPsD2 resulted in a 276% increase in fresh weight and a 230% increase in dry weight, while SeNPsD1 achieved an increase of 164% in fresh weight. Furthermore, at this stage, SeNPsD2 promoted a 223% increase in the number of bulbils, a 240% increase in fresh weight, and a 199% increase in dry weight. In the reproductive stage (69 DAS), SeNPsD1 increased the leaf fresh weight by 1% and yielded a 107% increase in the number of ovaries, in addition to 307% and 328% increases in their fresh and dry weights, respectively. In the same stage, SeNPsD2 increased the fresh ovary weight by 153%, compared with the control. Finally, capsule formation was observed only under the SeNPsD1 treatment. Meanwhile, TiO₂NPs had an effect on the number of buds and the number of open buds: the number of buds increased by 115% with TiNPsD1 (69 DAS) and the number of open buds increased by 104% (46 DAS) with TiNPsD1; in the reproductive stage, the number increased by 115% with TiNPsD1 compared with the control. In the seed capsules of plants treated with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPsD1), although no surface selenium was detected via EDS, elements that had possibly been physiologically redistributed were identified, including iron (Fe), silicon (Si), and aluminum (Al). These findings confirm the hypothesis of this research, demonstrating that the foliar application of SeNPs and TiO₂NPs to Lilium plants during the vegetative and reproductive stages significantly improves their vegetative growth, reproductive development, and floral quality under controlled conditions. This work presents the first comparative evidence regarding the effects of SeNPs and TiO₂NPs on the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of Lilium Sunny Oriental, providing unprecedented information for the use of nanotechnology in ornamental horticulture. The findings confirm the potential use of nanoparticles as agents to optimize the productivity and commercial quality of ornamental flowers in highly competitive markets. Full article

Exploring microbial resources from coastal environments is crucial for enhancing food security; however, current knowledge remains limited. This study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize bacteria associated with maize and groundnut, and to evaluate their potential as plant growth-promoting (PGP) agents. Rhizobacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil, and endophytic bacteria were obtained from surface-sterilized and macerated plant roots. One gram of each sample was suspended in sterile distilled water in test tubes, serially diluted, and plated on nutrient agar. After incubation, distinct colonies were sub-cultured to obtain pure cultures for biochemical tests, screening for PGP traits, assessment of pH and salt tolerance, optimal growth conditions, bioinoculation potential, and molecular analysis. Out of sixty isolated bacteria, five potent strains, BS1-BS5, were identified. BS3 showed the highest mannanase activity, with a 2.3 cm zone of clearance, while BS2 exhibited high indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and phosphate solubilization activities of 10.92 µg/mL and 10.78 mg/L. BS1 and BS4 demonstrated high drought tolerance, 0.94 and 0.98 at 10% PEG, with BS1 also showing maximum salt tolerance of 0.76. At 6.0 g and 2.0 g supplementation, BS1 and BS2 utilized 100% lactose and fructose. BS3 exhibited the highest percentage of antifungal activity, with a 30.12% inhibition rate. BS4 and BS5 promoted shoot lengths of 55.00 cm and 49.80 cm, respectively. Although the bacterial species isolated are generally considered pathogenic, their positive effects contributed significantly to maize growth. Full article

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an ornamental aquatic plant, highly valued in Asian cultures for its religious symbolism, culinary uses, and medicinal properties. However, the lotus exhibits low genetic diversity in nature, which limits the genetic resources available for breeding programs. Gamma irradiation is an effective method for inducing genetic variation in lotus breeding. The present study examines the gamma sensitivity of lotus seedlings, along with the morphological and anatomical changes induced by various gamma dosages. The results showed that high-dose gamma irradiation (≥100 Gy) significantly inhibited seedling growth and altered most anatomical parameters, each exhibiting distinct dose–response patterns except for midrib diameter. The 100 Gy treatment resulted in the maximum stem diameter, while root diameter peaked at 500 Gy, and the highest dose (600 Gy) produced the largest petioles. Gamma irradiation also triggered tannin accumulation and reduced aerenchyma formation in the leaves. The obtained results demonstrate organ-specific responses to gamma irradiation in the lotus, with leaves being the most sensitive, while petioles, stems, and roots exhibited more variable dose-dependent effects. Full article

Vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, carrot, and beet are vital to the global food industry, providing essential nutrients and supporting sustainable agriculture. Their cultivation in greenhouses across diverse climatic zones (temperate, Mediterranean, tropical, subtropical, and arid) has gained prominence due to controlled environments that enhance yield and quality. However, these crops face significant threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic light availability, and resource constraints, which challenge optimal growth and nutritional content. This study investigates the influence of microclimatic conditions—temperature, light intensity, and CO₂ concentration—on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of these vegetables under varying greenhouse types and climatic zones, addressing these threats through a systematic review. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing peer-reviewed articles from 1995 to 2025 sourced from Web of Science, Pub Med, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “greenhouse microclimate”, “greenhouse types”, “Climatic Zones, “and crop-specific keywords, with data extracted on microclimatic parameters and analyzed across growth stages and climatic zones. Eligibility criteria ensured focus on quantitative data from greenhouse studies, excluding pre-1995 or non-peer-reviewed sources. The results identified the following optimal conditions: lettuce and beet thrive at 15–22 °C, 200–250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and 600–1100 ppm CO₂ in temperate zones; tomatoes at 18–25 °C, 200–300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and 600–1100 ppm in Mediterranean and arid zones; and carrots at 15–20 °C, 150–250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and 600–1000 ppm in subtropical zones. Greenhouse types (e.g., glasshouses, polytunnels) modulate these optima, with high-tech systems enhancing resilience. Conclusively, tailored microclimatic management, integrating AI-driven technologies and advanced greenhouse designs, is recommended to mitigate threats and optimize production across climatic zones. Full article

Papaver rhoeas L. has four strikingly red petals with a distinctly black area bordered by a thin white line at the petal base, thus creating a color pattern that makes the center of the flower, where the pollen is located, visually stand out. This paper aims to assess the intra-petal spatial variability in P. rhoeas petal color intensity and hue and associate it with corresponding differences in the amount and type of petal pigments. The distribution of pigments in the petal epidermis was investigated in different petal segments by column chromatography. Fresh petals were extracted with deionized water during blooming, between April and June 2023, in northwestern Greece. UV–visible absorption spectra of the eluted fractions revealed five pigments, with each pigment belonging to a different elution zone. In the black spots of the petals, anthocyanin coexists with a yellow flavonol with a maximum absorption peak at 340 nm. Red petal extract in 70:30 ethanol–water showed a distinct negative Cotton effect at 284 nm, distinct from black segment extract with a negative Cotton effect at 227 nm. The uneven distribution of floral pigments along the petal epidermis creates a unique color palette, enabling UV-reflection, which is key in attracting pollinators responsible for plant reproduction. Full article

Stomatal blockers are hydrophobic polymers applied to leaves to physically block stomatal pores and restrict gas exchange, and which have potential as plant growth regulators to retard growth. Three experiments in a heated glasshouse, one sown in autumn and two sown in winter, were conducted with pot-grown rapeseed plants at the four-leaf stage to evaluate retardant potential of two bio-based polymers: di-1-p-menthene (DPM) and extracted cauliflower leaf wax. Both stomatal blockers reduced stomatal conductance and plant dry weight in the autumn-sown experiment, when solar radiation was high during leaf development and stomatal conductance of water-treated plants was relatively high. Wax was more effective than DPM at reducing plant dry weight, despite no difference in stomatal conductance. In the two winter-sown experiments, when solar radiation was lower during leaf development, stomatal conductance in water-treated plants was less than in the autumn-sown experiment. Stomatal conductance was reduced by the blockers in the winter-sown experiments, but plant dry weight was unaffected. It was concluded that stomatal blockers may have potential to act as plant growth regulators to retard growth in rapeseed, but further research is necessary to define the circumstances when a response will occur. Full article

In recent years, plant tissue culture has become a crucial component of the modern bioeconomy. From a commercial perspective, plant micropropagation remains one of its most valuable applications. Plants exhibit remarkable developmental plasticity; however, many species still remain recalcitrant in tissue culture. While the term recalcitrant is commonly used to describe plants with poor in vitro regeneration capacity, from a biological point of view it suggests that the minimal culture requirements for this species were unmet. Despite evidence that the Skoog–Miller exogenous hormonal balance theory and Murashige–Skoog medium were species-limited in applicability, generations of plant biotechnologists applied these tools indiscriminately. This led to systemic propagation of ineffective protocols, publication of misleading standards, and a culture of scientific inertia—costing both time and resources. The field must now move beyond historical dogma toward data-driven, species-specific innovation based on multiple endogenous auxin biosynthesis pathways, epigenetic reprogramming of competent cells, and further modern biotechnologies that are evolving. In this short viewpoint, we describe possible solutions in plant biotechnology to significantly improve the effectiveness of it. Full article

Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a destructive disease that significantly constrains the production of chayote (Sechium edule) in Mexico, leading to substantial yield and economic losses. The increasing ineffectiveness of synthetic fungicides and associated environmental concerns underscore the need for sustainable control alternatives. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of low molecular weight chitosan (75–85% deacetylation; Sigma-Aldrich) against P. capsici under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Chitosan solutions (0.1–3.0 g L⁻¹) were tested for their ability to inhibit pathogen growth and suppress disease symptoms. In vitro assays demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition of mycelial growth, with the highest dose (3.0 g L⁻¹) reducing radial expansion by 32.6%. In fruit inoculation experiments, treatment with 1.0 g L⁻¹ chitosan decreased lesion size by 50.9%, while the same concentration reduced disease severity index (DSI) by 50% in whole plants. Notably, symptom suppression was observed in tissues not directly exposed to chitosan, suggesting the activation of systemic resistance. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms were not directly assessed, the results support the dual role of chitosan as a direct antifungal agent and a potential inducer of host defense responses. These findings highlight the potential of chitosan as a biodegradable, low-toxicity alternative to synthetic fungicides and support its integration into sustainable management strategies for Phytophthora blight in chayote production systems. Full article

GRAS transcription factors play a crucial role in plant response to abiotic stresses. In this study, 61 members of the rice GRAS family, categorized into nine subfamilies, were identified by searching the latest genome sequence of rice. The OsGRAS genes that may respond to abiotic stresses were predicted by analyzing the cis-acting elements of the promoters of the genes and the structural features of the proteins. The results showed that the known OsGRAS drought-tolerant genes and OsGRAS salt-tolerant genes have a special structure in their protein structures, and nine genes that may be related to drought tolerance and six genes that may be related to salt tolerance were predicted in this study based on these special structures. The results of tissue expression profiling showed that OsGRAS family genes were expressed in different degrees during plant growth and development, and the expression of DELLA, PAT1, and HAM subfamily members was generally high. Finally, the analysis of the expression levels of 16 randomly selected OsGRAS genes under drought and salt stress conditions showed significant up-regulation of OsGRAS14 and OsGRAS21 under both stress treatments, and OsGRAS52 was significantly down-regulated under drought stress and up-regulated under salt stress. The present study provides important clues for exploring the molecular basis of the mechanism of rice response to abiotic stress, and also provides new ideas for the improvement of rice germplasm resources. Full article

This study evaluated the qualitative and quantitative performance of lettuce (cv. Romana) grown using different cultivation systems under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions equipped with photoluminescent glass panels. Five systems were compared: outdoor soil (PSO), indoor soil (PSI), aeroponic (A), hydroponic with inorganic nutrients (HSN), and hydroponic with organic nutrients (HSO). Morphological, physiological, and quality parameters were measured alongside solar irradiance and extended PAR. The results showed that aeroponics significantly outperformed other systems in fresh weight (52.7 g), photosynthetic pigments, and carotenoids, while HSO showed the lowest yield and quality. Although PSO had the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, it exhibited poor yield due to lower water use efficiency and light-induced stress. The PCA analysis highlighted distinct groupings among systems, with A linked to yield and pigment concentration, and PSO associated with antioxidant traits. Despite a 44.8% reduction in solar radiation inside the greenhouse, soilless systems—especially aeroponics—proved effective for maintaining high productivity and quality. These findings support the integration of soilless systems and photoluminescent technologies as sustainable strategies for high-efficiency lettuce production in controlled environments. Full article

Soil salinity stress, intensified by extreme weather patterns, significantly threatens global watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai] production. Watermelon, a moderately salt-sensitive crop, exhibits reduced germination, stunted growth, and impaired fruit yield and quality under saline conditions. As freshwater resources decline and agriculture’s dependency on irrigation leads to soil salinization, we need sustainable mitigation strategies for food security. Recent advances highlight the potential of using salt-tolerant rootstocks and breeding salt-resistant watermelon varieties as long-term genetic solutions for salinity. Conversely, agronomic interventions such as drip irrigation and soil amendments provide practical, short-term strategies to mitigate the impact of salt stress. Biostimulants represent another tool that imparts salinity tolerance in watermelon. Plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) have emerged as promising biological tools to enhance watermelon tolerance to salt stress. PGPMs are an emerging tool for mitigating salinity stress; however, their potential in watermelon has not been fully explored. Nanobiochar and nanoparticles are another unexplored tool for addressing salinity stress. This review highlights the intricate relationship between soil salinity and watermelon production in a unique manner. It explores the various mitigation strategies, emphasizing the potential of PGPM as eco-friendly bio-inoculants for sustainable watermelon management in salt-affected soils. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a high-value medicinal crop whose nutritional requirements and fertilization strategies remain poorly defined, particularly in relation to cannabinoid production. This study evaluated the effects of inorganic fertilization (N, P, and K) on biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake and balance, and cannabinoid content in Cannabis sativa L. A high-cannabidiol (CBD) cultivar was propagated from ex vitro cuttings and grown in 10 L pots with commercial substrate. Treatments included a non-fertilized control and increasing doses of N (0–10 g plant⁻¹), P (0–6 g plant⁻¹), and K (0–10 g plant⁻¹), with higher P and K doses applied during the reproductive stage. Biomass production peaked at 5 g N, 2 g P, and 3 g K plant⁻¹, yielding 41.9% more than the control. Fertilized plants showed harvest indexes of 31–42%. Additional P and K during the reproductive stage did not enhance inflorescence biomass and CBD content. Tissue nutrient concentrations increased with fertilization. Inflorescences had maximum N and P levels at 5 g N and 2 g P plant⁻¹, while leaves accumulated more K at 7.5 g K plant⁻¹. CBD content increased and THC (%) decreased progressively with nutrient supply. High nutrient doses, however, led to nutritional imbalances and plant health issues. Nutrient balance analysis showed differential macronutrient extraction by treatment. These findings highlight the importance of optimized fertilization strategies to enhance both biomass and cannabinoid production in high-CBD cannabis cultivars. Full article

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is an important global food crop, yet propagation through greenhouse-produced slips is limited by low transplant establishment rates. Previous studies have focused on external morphological traits to improve transplant quality, but the internal anatomical structure of sweetpotato slips remains largely unexplored. This study examined the effects of four plant growth regulators (PGRs)—flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, uniconazole, and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)—applied foliarly at varying rates to sweetpotato slips grown in a greenhouse. Cross-sections of the stem were stained with toluidine blue O and analyzed microscopically to assess epidermal, collenchyma, parenchyma, and xylem tissue thickness. Flurprimidol at 120 mg·L⁻¹ significantly increased epidermal thickness by 31.8% compared to the control. Paclobutrazol at 30 and 60 mg·L⁻¹ significantly reduced collenchyma thickness by 37.8% and 39.7%, respectively. Other treatments showed no statistically significant differences across measured tissues, although some trends were observed. These findings suggest that certain PGRs may influence internal slip anatomy, particularly the epidermis, which could improve transplant resilience and field performance. Further research is needed to optimize application rates and evaluate long-term agronomic outcomes of anatomical modifications in sweetpotato slips. Full article

Chili peppers, a staple spice in global cuisine, hold substantial economic value due to their diverse pungency levels and distinctive aromatic profiles. In addition to their sensory attributes, Capsicum fruits exhibit notable morphological diversity and potential health benefits. While contemporary Capsicum breeding efforts have focused on the yield, shelf life, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, comparatively less emphasis has been placed on the fruit quality and flavor traits increasingly valued by consumers seeking novel flavors and functional foods. We evaluated seven underutilized Capsicum landraces collected from Peru, Myanmar, and Japan and conducted an integrative analysis of their morphological traits, nutritional composition, pungency, and volatile compounds. Our findings highlight C. chinense from Myanmar and Peru as a particularly diverse species, encompassing accessions with mild to very highly pungent, elevated antioxidant content, and significant contributions to fruity aromatic notes. These findings support the development of flavor-driven chili-pepper-based food products with enhanced nutritional value and tailored pungency. Our identification of beneficial alleles also offers opportunities for interspecific breeding to produce novel cultivars aligned with evolving consumer preferences, thereby supporting the commercialization of traditional varieties, conserving genetic resources, and expanding the market potential of new cultivars. Full article

Cool-season creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L., As) is extensively used on golf courses worldwide and is negatively affected by several fungal diseases and abiotic stresses including drought and salinity. CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) gene editing technology was employed in this project to knock out the AsDREBL (dehydration responsive element binding-like factor) gene, a potential negative regulator in stress tolerance. With our established single guide RNA (sgRNA)-based CRISPR-editing vector and optimized creeping bentgrass tissue culture system using mature seed-derived embryogenic calli of cv. Crenshaw as explant, more than 20 transgenic plants were produced by gene gun bombardment. Fifteen confirmed AsDREBL mutant plants were tested for drought and salinity tolerance by withholding water and applying salt spray in greenhouse settings. Some of the mutants were shown to be more tolerant of drought and salinity stress compared to the non-edited, wild type Crenshaw plants. Our results demonstrate that CRISPR-gene editing technology can be successfully applied to improve the agronomical traits of turfgrass. Full article

In the coming decades, the agricultural system will predictably rely on organic material to produce crops and maintain food security. Currently, the use of inorganic fertilizers to grow crops and vegetables, such as Swiss chard, spinach, and lettuce, is on the rise and has been proven to be detrimental to the soil in the long run. Hence, there is a growing need to use organic waste material, such as spent coffee grounds (SCGs), to grow crops. Spent coffee grounds are made of depleted coffee beans that contain important soluble compounds. This study aimed to determine the influence of different levels (0.32 g, 0.63 g, 0.92 g, and 1.20 g) of spent coffee grounds on the metabolomic profile of Swiss chard. The 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results showed that Swiss chard grown with different levels of SCGs contains a total of 10 metabolites, which included growth-promoting metabolites (trehalose; betaine), defense mechanism metabolites (alanine; cartinine), energy-reserve metabolites (sucrose; 1,6 Anhydro-β-D-glucose), root metabolites (thymine), stress-related metabolites (2-deoxyadenosine), caffeine metabolites (1,3 Dimethylurate), and body-odor metabolites (trimethylamine). Interestingly, caprate, with the abovementioned metabolites, was detected in Swiss chard grown without the application of SCGs. The findings of the current study suggest that SCGs are an ideal organic material for growing Swiss chard for its healthy metabolites. Full article