Search Results (1,698)

Water limitations in the Brazilian semi-arid region require saline water utilization. Hydroponic cultivation combined with salicylic acid (SA) elicitation represents a strategy to manage salt stress in cherry tomatoes. This study evaluated the effects of foliar SA application on the production and quality of cherry tomatoes under saline nutrient solutions. An NFT hydroponic greenhouse experiment at UFCG, Pombal, Brazil, evaluated five nutrient solution salinities (ECns: 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, 3.6, and 4.1 dS m⁻¹) and five SA concentrations (0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 mM) in a split-plot design with three replications. SA concentrations from 1.3 to 3.2 mM enhanced fruit diameter, fruit number, average weight, and yield under baseline salinity (2.1 dS m⁻¹). At 3.2 mM, SA functioned as an optimal ratio regulating nutritional quality, increasing titratable acidity and ascorbic acid under 2.1 and 2.6 dS m⁻¹, respectively. Conversely, high salinity (4.1 dS m⁻¹) established a promotion pattern on soluble solids, maturity index, and flavonoids, while reducing yield components by up to 58.3%, demonstrating explicit operational limitations of SA under severe stress. These baseline findings validate the applicability of SA within specific salinity thresholds, establishing a foundational framework for subsequent physiological profiling, fruit quality characterization at harvest, and commercial greenhouse upscale validation. Full article

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are among the most destructive pests in protected watermelon production under continuous cropping systems. Although both pepper rotation and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation have shown potential for suppressing RKNs and promoting plant growth, their combined effects remain unclear. This study conducted greenhouse pot experiments using continuously cropped watermelon soil over two consecutive cycles. In the first cycle, chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) or watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) was planted, followed by watermelon cultivation in the second cycle with inoculation of Funneliformis mosseae or Glomus versiforme. Compared with continuous watermelon cropping, both rotation and AMF inoculation improved root vitality, osmotic regulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and photosynthetic performance, thereby enhancing watermelon growth and resistance to RKNs. Among all treatments, chili pepper rotation combined with Glomus versiforme showed the best performance, increasing shoot fresh weight by 31% and reducing disease index (DI), gall index (GI), and egg mass index (EI) by 30.8%, 77.0%, and 57.1%, respectively. In addition, the populations of second-stage juveniles (J2) in soil and roots and adult females in roots decreased by 85.4%, 55.5%, and 50.8%, respectively. High-throughput sequencing results showed that the combined treatment enriched several potentially beneficial microbial taxa, including Ochrobactrum, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, and Delftia. In addition, it enriched predicted metabolic pathways that may be associated with plant growth promotion and stress tolerance. Overall, pepper rotation combined with Glomus versiforme inoculation represents a promising, environmentally friendly strategy for the management of watermelon root-knot nematode disease. Full article

Damping-off disease represents a major constraint in greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production, being primarily caused by soil-borne fungi and oomycetes whose persistence is intensified by intensive cultivation practices. This review synthesizes current knowledge on integrated disease management strategies targeting these pathogens in protected cropping systems. Cultural practices (e.g., substrate sanitation and irrigation control), physical and chemical soil disinfestation, deployment of resistant cultivars, and biological control agents (e.g., Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas) are critically evaluated. Available evidence indicates that integrated approaches consistently reduce pathogen inoculum, limit infection processes, and enhance seedling establishment and vigor, thereby outperforming single-method interventions. Synergistic interactions among practices strengthen rhizosphere resilience and contribute to sustained soil health. Overall, integrated disease management offers an effective and environmentally sound framework to mitigate damping-off, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and ensure stable tomato production in protected cultivation systems. Full article

Greenhouse vegetable cultivation in tropical regions is often affected by high temperature, unstable humidity, and irrigation management problems. This study presents a pilot-scale case study of Green Oak lettuce cultivation using an IoT-based sensor monitoring and automated irrigation control system in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. The system used AM2315C, BH1750, NPK, and flow sensors connected to ESP32. Data were transmitted to the ThingsBoard platform for real-time environmental monitoring and irrigation control. The greenhouse temperature averaged 33.21 ± 3.61 °C, while relative humidity averaged 71.55 ± 9.66%. The average daytime light intensity was 16,976 ± 409 lux. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations remained within ranges of 62.42–74.57, 76.46–84.30, and 71.46–79.30 mg/kg, respectively. Economic evaluation demonstrated favorable feasibility, with a water use efficiency (WUE) of 0.63 kg/L, return on investment (ROI) of 40%, benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.6, and payback period of approximately 2.5 years. The developed system demonstrates potential for supporting sustainable greenhouse agriculture and contributes to SDG 2, SDG 6, SDG 12, and SDG 13 under tropical agricultural conditions. Full article

Providing optimal temperatures in greenhouses is essential for cultivating high-temperature-demand crops in winter. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of utilizing a flat plate solar collector (FPC) for heating greenhouses. A field experiment was conducted, complemented by simulations using the PolySun V2023.11 software. The FPC system comprised two collectors, each with an aperture area of 2.24 m², connected to a 300 L hot water tank. The water tank had an internal electric backup heater (2 kW) and a thermostat to regulate the hot water temperature. The experiment consisted of two greenhouses, each with an area of 50 m². The first unheated greenhouse (UHGH) was used as the control, while the second heated greenhouse (HGH) was heated by a closed-loop system comprising copper pipes installed along the internal perimeter. Results revealed that the FPC significantly increased air temperature by 2.7 °C, and reduced relative humidity by 9.7% in the HGH compared to the UHGH. Simulated results showed that the annual generated energy of the FPC was 4830 kWh with a reduction of CO₂ emission by ≈2.9 tones. The average thermal efficiency of the FPC was 44%, with a payback period of 8.5 years. In conclusion, the FPC could protect plants from low temperatures in winter. Full article

Background/Objectives: The high temperatures associated with climate change represent an important constraint for tomato production in tropical regions, affecting plant growth, reproductive development, and fruit metabolic composition. In this context, protected cultivation systems capable of modifying greenhouse microclimates may help reduce thermal stress and maintain crop productivity. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of two protective environments, diffuse agricultural film (AF) and twin-walled polycarbonate panels with laminar water flow (P), on the agronomic performance and fruit metabolic traits of five grape–tomato hybrids grown under tropical conditions. Microclimatic variables, vegetative growth, yield components, postharvest behavior, and fruit quality attributes were evaluated, with emphasis on carotenoid accumulation. Results: Compared with the agricultural film environment, the polycarbonate system reduced global radiation and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and was associated with an increase in yield of approximately 25%, an increase in fruit number of approximately 13%, and an 8% increase in fruit diameter. In addition, some hybrids cultivated under the polycarbonate system showed greater lycopene and β-carotene accumulation, indicating that microclimate moderation may favor carotenoid-related fruit quality depending on genotype. Principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between cultivation environments, with the polycarbonate system more closely associated with yield-related and canopy development traits, whereas the agricultural film environment was linked to biomass accumulation and selected physicochemical attributes. Among the evaluated hybrids, BS IGR0104, Jacy, and GI7545 showed the most favorable combination of agronomic performance and fruit quality traits. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of climate-adaptive protected cultivation systems and hybrid selection for improving tomato productivity under tropical heat conditions. Full article

Paddy soils are important contributors to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, and soil amendments may regulate methane production by altering soil physicochemical properties and microbial methane cycling. However, the effects of different amendment types on methane emissions from anaerobic paddy soils remain uncertain. In this study, an anaerobic microcosm experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculants, biochar, humic acid, and montmorillonite on CH₄ and CO₂ emissions from paddy soil. Changes in acetate concentration, pH, electrical conductivity, microbial community structure, and methane cycling functional genes were further analyzed to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that microbial inoculants had stronger effects on CH₄ emissions than the other amendments, but their effects were contrasting. The Chabeijian (CB) inoculant significantly increased methane emissions by 100.8%, whereas the Duojun-360 (DJ) inoculant reduced cumulative methane by 57.1%. The stimulation of CH₄ emissions under Chabeijian was associated with enhanced acetate turnover, enrichment of methanogenic taxa including Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, Methanocella, and Methanosaeta, and a 48.7% increase in mcrA abundance. In contrast, Duojun 360 markedly increased soil electrical conductivity, reduced methanogen abundance, decreased mcrA abundance by 26.9%, and lowered the mcrA/pmoA ratio, indicating a shift away from methane production. Although both inoculants increased methanotroph abundance and pmoA abundance, methane production remained the dominant factor controlling net CH₄ emissions. These findings may provide preliminary mechanistic support for the targeted selection of soil amendments to mitigate CH₄ emissions in rice cultivation by regulating soil properties, methanogenic communities, and the balance between methane production and oxidation. Full article

Damage caused by larvae of Noctua comes Hübner, 1813, was recorded during an experiment on ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) cultivated under protected conditions in Poland. This is the first confirmed report of feeding by larvae of the lesser yellow underwing on ginger. Biometric traits and nutrient content in plant material were determined at five different time points. Soil analyses included determination of soil texture, pH, organic C and total N content, electrical conductivity, and the abundance of selected macro- and micronutrients. The most favorable biometric parameters were recorded on October 17, 2024, which represented optimal conditions for ginger growth and development under Polish climatic conditions. These results may support optimization of production costs and agronomic practices in future ginger growing seasons. Moreover, no changes were observed in soil chemical properties, such as pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, or the C:N ratio, indicating stable soil conditions. However, a decrease in available potassium was observed, suggesting preferential uptake of this element by ginger plants. After ginger cultivation, concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg, Cl⁻, and NO₃⁻ increased, while K and NH₄⁺ decreased. Available phosphorus increased (to 376.7 mg·kg⁻¹), remaining at a very high level, while potassium decreased. These changes indicate that cultivation had little impact on soil chemical properties. Full article

Accurate and reliable prediction of lettuce fresh weight is essential for optimising protected cultivation management and improving the yield and quality. Multimodal data combined with machine learning models have been widely used for monitoring crop growth. However, existing approaches often fail to capture dynamic physiological changes during crop growth, whereas conventional machine learning models are frequently limited by their black-box nature and thus cannot reveal the intrinsic relationships between features and targets. To address the above issues, this study developed a stationary, multi-sensor integrated data acquisition platform under controlled greenhouse conditions. By fusing multi-view morphological structure, color and texture, and multispectral features, the study constructed interpretable machine learning models for predicting the fresh weight of lettuce. Based on the data collected by the platform, 66 initial features covering morphology, color texture, and vegetation indices were extracted from the data. A two-stage feature-selection strategy combining Pearson correlation screening and variance inflation factor (VIF)-based multicollinearity elimination was used to select nine optimal input variables for the model. To achieve an accurate estimation of the fresh weight of lettuce, the system compared six models: Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), Gradient Boosted Decision Tree Regression (GBDT), K-nearest neighbour regression (KNN), XGBoost, and Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN). The results indicate that the SVR model based on multimodal data fusion performed best, with an R² of 0.93, an RMSE of 3.23 g, an RMSEn of 5.60%, and an MAE of 2.31 g, demonstrating a significantly higher prediction accuracy than the other models. Furthermore, the SHAP interpretation method was used to reveal the contributions of key features to fresh weight estimation and their interaction mechanisms. This study provides a feasible approach and technical guidance for non-destructive estimation of fresh weight in lettuce under controlled conditions, and offers a preliminary basis for the development of phenotypic monitoring models for protected cultivation. Full article

Understanding nitrogen dynamics in arid agricultural systems is essential for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in climate-constrained environments. This study evaluated the effects of planting density, organic fertilization, and saline water irrigation on soil chemical properties, carbon and nitrogen stocks, and emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in cactus pear cultivation systems. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used to test two planting densities (30,000 and 75,000 plants ha⁻¹), two organic fertilizer rates (0 and 30 Mg ha⁻¹), and two saline irrigation depths (0 and 25% of ET₀). Higher planting density increased soil moisture and carbon content while reducing CO₂ and CH₄ emissions. Organic fertilization increased the soil C ratio and phosphorus availability and significantly enhanced N₂O emissions, whereas unfertilized systems showed negative N₂O fluxes. Saline water irrigation reduced N₂O emissions, resulting in negative fluxes (−12.50 µg N m⁻² h⁻¹), indicating potential suppression of nitrification and denitrification pathways. None of the evaluated factors significantly affected soil nitrogen stocks. Total GHG emissions (CO₂-eq) were lower in denser cultivation systems. These results demonstrate that the interaction among high planting density, organic fertilization, and supplementary saline irrigation modulates nitrogen transformations and N₂O emissions in semi-arid soils, highlighting management strategies to mitigate nitrogen-derived GHG emissions in cactus-based agroecosystems. Full article

Tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper represent the backbone of greenhouse vegetable cultivation. Over recent decades, developments in agronomic practices have been central to improving yield, resource-use efficiency, resilience to abiotic stresses, and product quality. This review synthesizes dispersed evidence on water and nutrient management, cultivar improvement, grafting, canopy management, biological inputs, and postharvest-oriented agronomy, while highlighting that the three crops exhibit markedly different responses to these practices. These responses are primarily driven by crop-specific differences in source–sink balance, root-zone regulation, canopy architecture, reproductive stability, and postharvest metabolic regulation. Tomato typically demonstrates substantial improvements in yield and water use efficiency under optimized fertigation strategies, with canopy management additionally promoting source–sink balance and stress resilience. Cucumber, by contrast, is particularly sensitive to water deficits, salinity, and nutrient imbalances, necessitating stricter control of irrigation and fertilization to maintain stable root-zone water flux and transpiration dynamics. Sweet pepper often exhibits greater physiological complexity, as yield stability is strongly influenced by microclimate-sensitive metabolic and ionic balance, frequently associated with trade-offs in quality, including firmness, color development, and nutritional composition. The success of grafting, microbial inoculants, and biostimulants further varies considerably among crops, reinforcing the need for crop-specific strategies rather than generalized approaches. Postharvest-oriented agronomy, involving the regulation of nutrient supply, harvest timing, and canopy structure, is becoming increasingly important for prolonging shelf life and improving quality in line with market demands. Sustainability-oriented practices, including nutrient recycling and water-saving strategies, additionally contribute to reducing environmental burdens while maintaining profitability. By identifying species-specific physiological constraints and agronomic priorities, this review highlights that crop-customized and physiologically integrated management strategies are essential for improving productivity, resilience, and quality in protected cultivation. Full article

Soil near urban areas may be burdened with numerous environmental pollutants including potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In this context, samples near the highway infrastructure in Larissa, Central Greece were examined for pseudo-total concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni, and enrichment, ecological risk and human risk indices were calculated. Co-variation structure between PTEs and key soil properties was assessed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Screening for the pollution status of this area would quantify the possible risk, and therefore whether our subsequent rehabilitation trials would be of use. In this context, the most polluted sample was chosen to undergo a variety of remediation alternatives in a pot experiment, incorporating wheat and manure–attapulgite mixtures. Results showed enrichment of soil mainly with Ni, a low probability (9%) of risk exceedance for children for non-carcinogenic health effects and strong associations between the PTEs, indicating common sources. The greenhouse experiments showed that the application of manure–attapulgite reduced PTE concentrations in soil and wheat plant, with the greatest decrease observed for Pb, Cr and Ni. BCF values indicated strong accumulation of Ni (BCF > 1), while Cr and Cu showed limited uptake. Coefficient of contamination level (CCL) values (<1) for Cr and Cu confirmed reduced plant uptake, whereas Ni, Pb and Zn remained above 1. Taken together, the research shows that the fields chosen here are subjected to significant PTE input from lithogenic and anthropogenic sources, which may even become dangerous for sensitive sub-populations. Experimental cultivation of wheat shows that the combined amendments effectively reduced metal bioavailability and soil-to-plant transfer. Full article

This study is the first to demonstrate fluctuations in major phenolics and biofunctional properties under various extraction conditions of Korean winter spinach (Allseason cultivar) leaves. In contrast to earlier reports on summer- or greenhouse-cultivated spinach, which mainly relied on HPLC-DAD or LC-MS profiling and one or two bioactivity assays, the present work combines UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS with NMR-based structural confirmation of three major flavone glucuronides (11–13) and integrates five complementary bioactivity assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, DNA protection, and tyrosinase inhibition) within a single optimization framework. A 50% methanol extract yielded twelve phenolics (patuletin, spinacetin, spinatoside, jaceidin, and methylenedioxyflavone-glucuronide derivatives) elucidated by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, with the isolated major phenolics 11–13 further verified by NMR. Total phenols and total flavonoids of biofunctional characteristics varied significantly depending on the solvent system. The optimal extraction conditions (50% methanol, 72 h, 35 °C) resulted in the highest phenolic levels of phenolics 11–13 (total: ~6.5 mg/g) and bioactivities (DNA protection > ABTS > tyrosinase inhibition > FRAP > DPPH, at 500 μg/mL). PCA and hierarchical clustering distinguished extraction profiles, with 50–70% methanol extracts forming clear clusters. Among the isolated phenolics, phenolic 12 showed the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 57.6 μM; ABTS IC₅₀ = 21.9 μM). These findings suggest that spinach leaves are a valuable source of bioactive phenolics for nutraceutical applications under optimized extraction conditions. Full article

Food waste presents a significant challenge to sustainable development, resulting in annual economic losses of more than USD 1 trillion. It contributes to 8–10% of global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for nearly 30% of agricultural land use. Households are responsible for over half of this waste, with fruits and vegetables being the most frequently discarded items. This highlights the urgent need to promote sustainable consumption habits. This 2024 study surveyed a sample of 923 individuals who consume at least one of four categories: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, processed fruits, or processed vegetables. It used cluster analysis to segment consumers based on the amount of food waste and fruit and vegetable losses. Three distinct segments were identified. Cluster 1 (Proactive & aware, 56%): Characterised by high environmental awareness (approximately 75%) and efficient food management skills, such as frequent shopping list preparation (48%), resulting in the lowest wastage levels. Cluster 2 (Convenient & situational, 38%): Driven by “convenience waste” mechanisms, where lack of time, poor portioning (44%), and a lack of culinary ideas lead to moderate waste levels despite mid-range awareness. Cluster 3 (Disorganised & wasteful, 6%): Reveals a significant attitude–behaviour gap; despite declaring a desire to limit waste, this group reported the highest perceived levels of waste. This is partly explained by the reverse sunk cost fallacy, where produce from own cultivation is devalued due to the absence of a market price. The findings emphasise that food waste is not a monolithic phenomenon but results from diverse behavioural deficits. The results provide a foundation for tailored behavioural interventions (nudges) and educational strategies to enhance food management skills and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Full article

As agriculture moves towards green transformation and low-carbon production, the high energy consumption, environmental burden, and residue risks associated with conventional chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and disinfectants have become increasingly prominent. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) can generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) under near-ambient temperature and pressure conditions, while offering low chemical residue, high reactivity, and modular equipment design. It has therefore attracted growing attention in agricultural engineering and green agricultural input preparation. This review focuses primarily on studies published within the past five years, together with the selected foundational literature retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, MDPI, and ScienceDirect. It systematically examines the fundamental mechanisms, application modes, and representative agricultural scenarios of NTP, with particular emphasis on agricultural nitrogen fixation and fertilisation, seed treatment and seedling raising, crop growth regulation and protection, soil improvement and remediation, and postharvest preservation and safety treatment of agricultural products. Key technological advances are then summarised, including optimisation of discharge systems and reactor configurations, plasma–catalysis synergy, preparation of plasma-activated water (PAW) and plasma-activated mist (PAM), and the development and integration of specialised agricultural equipment. In addition, the current state-of-the-art (SOA) of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in plasma-process modelling, process-parameter optimisation, agricultural performance evaluation, and intelligent control is discussed. Existing evidence indicates that NTP is particularly relevant to controlled-environment agriculture, including greenhouse cultivation, hydroponics, and aeroponics, where discharge processes, water or nutrient solutions, and crop root-zone management can be coupled for in situ nitrogen supply, activated-medium preparation, and crop protection. However, reported effects remain strongly dependent on discharge type, energy input, reactive-species composition, treatment dose, crop species, cultivation system, and application route. Therefore, NTP-based agricultural technologies should be evaluated using consistent indicators, including energy consumption, product selectivity, reactive-species stability, treatment throughput, crop response, ecological safety, and system-level integration with AI and IoT. Future research should prioritise high-efficiency reactors, standardised evaluation frameworks, cross-scale mechanistic understanding, reliable datasets, and closed-loop intelligent control, thereby supporting the transition from laboratory studies to reproducible and application-oriented agricultural systems. Full article