Search Results (5,988)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve plant performance, but how they coordinately influence root metabolism and associated bacterial communities in sweet potato remains unclear. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Glomus intraradices inoculation on sweet potato seedlings by integrating analyses of rhizosphere soil properties, plant growth and nutrient uptake, root metabolomics, and rhizosphere and endophytic bacterial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with FAPROTAX-based functional prediction. AMF inoculation significantly increased whole-plant fresh and dry biomass, potassium concentration and accumulation, and the accumulation of starch and water-soluble carbohydrates, while no significant effects were observed on dry matter rate or plant nitrogen and phosphorus concentration. In the rhizosphere, AMF reduced soil electrical conductivity and increased organic matter content without significantly affecting pH, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, or available potassium. Root metabolomic profiling identified 289 differential metabolites, with enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism, together with broad up-regulation of lipid-related metabolites. Bacterial communities showed strong compartment specificity, with the root endosphere displaying lower alpha diversity than the rhizosphere. Higher rhizosphere bacterial Shannon diversity was observed in the AMF treatment, together with compartment-dependent shifts in bacterial community composition; enrichment of endophytic taxa such as Devosia and Niastella was detected following AMF inoculation. Functional prediction further suggested niche differentiation between rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria, together with AMF-associated shifts in carbon- and nitrogen-related functions. Overall, these results suggest that G. intraradices inoculation is associated with enhanced sweet potato growth and enhanced potassium and carbohydrate accumulation in association with coordinated changes in rhizosphere conditions, root metabolism, and bacterial community assembly. Full article

The effects of biochar on soil N₂O emissions remain contentious, and the microbiological processes involved are not yet fully understood. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, key players in soil nitrogen (N) cycling, may mediate the impact of biochar on plant N uptake and N₂O emissions, but this interaction remains unclear. This study involved a two-year field experiment to examine how varying biochar application rates affect soil microbial communities, particularly AM fungi at rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) farmland, and to assess how AM fungi influence soil N₂O emissions and maize growth under biochar addition with two AM fungi treatments (with and without suppression of native AM fungi). The results revealed that biochar significantly enhanced soil microbial diversity, especially the variety and richness of AM fungi. Biochar addition improved soil physicochemical parameters, including soil water content, bulk density, and inorganic N availability. Biochar also decreased AOA and AOB gene abundances, increased AM fungal gene abundances, lowered (nirK + nirS)/nosZ ratio, and reduced soil N₂O emissions. Suppression of native AM fungi increased N₂O emissions throughout the rainfed maize growing period, accompanied by a higher (nirK + nirS)/nosZ ratio. Biochar addition combined with non-suppressed AM fungi promoted maize growth, with the highest yield observed at 20 t ha⁻¹ biochar. Overall, biochar decreased N₂O emissions and strengthened the performance of AM fungi in rainfed maize farmland, highlighting the vital role of AM fungi s in soil N cycling under biochar addition. This study offers a scientific basis for using biochar in reducing N₂O emissions and increasing crop yield in dry farmland. Full article

A two-year field experiment was conducted in an organic vineyard in Tuscany (Italy), to evaluate the effects of micronized biochar (0.5% v/v) applied via fertigation on soil fertility/biological quality and Vitis vinifera performance. The biochar, derived from pyrogasified mixed wood, was compared to watered controls (CTR) following a randomized plot design. Soil chemical properties, dehydrogenase (DHA) and alkaline phosphatase (APA) activities, and plant parameters (biomass, leaf area, gas exchange, chlorophyll, flavonols, and foliar nutrients) were assessed in samples collected in July and September (2021 and 2022). Biochar did not significantly alter total and dissolved organic carbon contents or nitrogen fractions but enhanced DHA and APA activities, alongside increased available phosphorous content (+37.5%) and exchangeable potassium content (+7.1 and +19.7% in September 2021 and July 2022, respectively), indicating improved microbial activity and nutrient availability. Conversely, exchangeable calcium and magnesium contents decreased, likely due to biochar adsorption properties. Plant responses included increased leaf area and dry biomass in 2022, elevated net photosynthesis rate (+14.4%) and apparent carboxylation efficiency, and transient increases in foliar nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents, with reduced magnesium concentration (–27%) but stable chlorophyll levels. These findings suggest that low doses of micronized biochar may enhance soil quality and vine physiology, supporting its efficient and effective use in organic vineyards. Full article

Soil pH is a key regulator of soil chemical processes, organic matter transformation, and ecosystem functioning in acid soils. This study examines how pH gradients induced by long-term liming affect soil chemical properties, aluminum dynamics, and soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization in Retisols under plant-derived organic inputs. The study was conducted at six soil pH levels (pH_KCl from 3.9–4.0 to 6.5–6.7), which reflect a gradient of acidity conditions. Soil chemical parameters, SOC content and fractions, humic substance composition, aluminum forms, and soil respiration (CO₂ release under laboratory conditions) were analysed. Increasing soil pH significantly reduced aluminum concentrations (by up to 59%) and improved nitrogen and phosphorus availability, indicating a gradual reduction in chemical limitations associated with soil acidity. Soil pH strongly controlled both SOC content and quality. The highest SOC content was observed at pH 6.0–6.1, and strongly acidic conditions favored the accumulation of more labile carbon forms. As the pH increased, there was a clear shift towards more stable organic matter, as indicated by higher humic acid content, an increased HA/FA ratio, and a threefold increase in the organic carbon stability index. At the same time, the reduced water-extractable organic carbon content indicated reduced carbon mobility and improved physicochemical stabilization. Microbial activity increased with increasing pH, but showed a nonlinear response, reflecting a balance between increased mineralization and carbon stabilization processes. These data indicate that soil pH primarily determines SOC stabilization pathways, rather than just total carbon accumulation. These results suggest that soil pH may influence SOC stabilization through changes in aluminum dynamics, organo-mineral interactions, and microbial processes, supporting previously reported mechanisms of carbon stabilization in acid soils. The optimal pH range of 5.5–6.1 promotes favorable interactions between nutrient availability, microbial processes, and organic–mineral associations, supporting long-term soil functionality. This study highlights liming as a key strategy for regulating soil biogeochemical processes and improving the sustainability of acid soil management. Full article

Sustainable phosphorus (P) management in agriculture requires a circular economy approach through the use of so-called bio-based fertilizers (BBFs). The properties of BBFs vary widely depending on raw materials and production processes. However, it is still unknown how these properties, and particularly the dominant P compounds determine not only the efficiency of BBFs in supplying P to crops, but also their effects on soil functioning and crop quality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a representative set of BBFs, and relate this efficiency to their composition and dominant P compounds. To this end, 14 BBFs were studied: four from water purification (struvite, vivianite, and sewage sludge with and without composting), four composts (municipal solid waste (MSW), vineyard residues, and two using olive husks), three vermicomposts (two homemade and one commercial), fish meal, digestate, and a commercial organic fertilizer. Phosphorus forms in BBFs were determined using ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (P-NMR). The BBFs were compared to a single superphosphate (SSP) in a pot experiment growing wheat in two different alkaline soils, one rich in iron (Fe) oxides and one rich in carbonates. The effects on critical elements in grain [magnesium, Fe, zinc (Zn), manganese, and copper] and enzyme activities related to soil functioning and P cycling were also assessed. The dominant P compound in the BBFs was orthophosphate (73.8–89.5% of the total P in the NaOH–EDTA extracts). The MSW had the highest polyphosphate content (4.1%), a complex inorganic P compound. The organic P content ranged from 9.2% (fish meal) to 25.5% (Moge). Sewage sludge and composted sludge contributed high levels of phosphonates (4.1 and 5.6% of extracted P). The most abundant organic P compound class was inositol hexakisphosphates (IHPs), and myo-IHP (phytate) was the dominant IHP stereoisomer (1.2–6.4%) followed by D-chiro-IHP and scyllo-IHP. Plant dry matter and grain yield with most BBFs were not significantly different from that of SSP in both soils, likely due to the high concentrations of phosphate in relatively soluble forms in most of the BBFs. Vivianite and sewage sludge resulted in significantly higher grain yield than SSP (43% and 40%, respectively) in the carbonate-rich soil, likely due to progressive phosphate dissolution, which decreased the precipitation rate of insoluble calcium (Ca) phosphates. The highest P recoveries were obtained with horse manure vermicompost (65% and 15% higher than SSP in the Fe oxide-rich and in the carbonate-rich soil, respectively), partially attributed to the decreased precipitation rate of insoluble Ca phosphates with the added organic matter. Some BBFs increased micronutrient concentrations in grains and most decreased the P-to-Zn ratio relative to SSP. Overall, phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities increased with carbon-rich BBFs. Most of the studied BBFs could effectively replace fertilizers from non-renewable sources, in some cases with better crop P recoveries. Furthermore, some BBFs could provide additional benefits to grain quality, in terms of micronutrient supply for humans, and soil functioning. Full article

In southern Brazil, a large proportion of farmers maintain their fields under fallow conditions during the transition period between summer and winter crops. During this interval, mechanical practices such as chiseling or the introduction of cover crop species may contribute to improving soil management and conservation in no-tillage systems. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanical soil chiseling and production system intensification on soil physical–hydric properties and soybean performance. The experiment was conducted in São José do Ouro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from September 2023 to April 2025. The experimental design consisted of three factors: soil management (spring 2023 chiseling, autumn 2024 chiseling, and a no-till control), post-maize cover (millet and fallow conditions), and winter cover crops (black oat, white oat, vetch, and radish) grown either as monocultures or in mixtures. A randomized block design with split plots and three replicates was used. The evaluated variables included dry biomass of winter cover crops, soil bulk density, total porosity, microporosity, macroporosity, soil water content at field capacity, soil penetration resistance, plant gas exchange, leaf area index, thousand-grain weight, and soybean grain yield. The results indicated that soil chiseling altered soil physical properties by reducing soil bulk density, penetration resistance, microporosity, and field capacity, while increasing total porosity and macroporosity. Soil chiseling promoted short-term increases in thousand-grain weight and soybean grain yield, with no persistent effects after 20 months. Production system intensification, through the use of cover crops and millet, did not affect grain yield but increased stomatal conductance and soybean leaf area index. Therefore, occasional tillage in high-clay subtropical Oxisols should be strategically applied and associated with long-term conservation agriculture practices to sustain improvements in soil physical quality. Full article

The use of plant extracts in the production of fermented meat products can help protect fats from oxidation, improve color stability, and extend their shelf life. The study evaluated the effect of natural extracts (acerola—A, rosemary—R, and their combination—M) on the quality of Tokaj salami stored in MAP at 4 °C for 35 days, compared to negative (N) and positive (K, sodium erythorbate) controls. While the initial chemical composition showed differences due to raw material variability (p < 0.001), fat and protein content remained stable during storage (p > 0.05). In contrast, acidity and water activity (aw) were significantly affected (p < 0.001). Regarding oxidative stability, plant extracts significantly inhibited lipid oxidation during storage (p < 0.05). By day 35, the negative control reached the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) level of 0.67 mg/kg, whereas samples with acerola (A) maintained the lowest values at 0.38 mg/kg, performing comparably to the synthetic antioxidant (0.43 mg/kg; p > 0.05). Acerola extract (A) demonstrated the highest efficacy in stabilizing oxidative changes, with results comparable to the synthetic antioxidant (p > 0.05). Colorimetric analysis revealed that lightness (L*) ranged from 45.98 to 49.75, with L*, a*, and b* parameters significantly influenced by both the antioxidant type and storage phase (p < 0.001). Sensory evaluation remained unaffected by the antioxidants, being affected only by storage time (p < 0.05). These results confirm that acerola and rosemary extracts are viable natural alternatives to sodium erythorbate for maintaining the oxidative and color stability of fermented salami. Full article

Fava bean (Vicia faba L.) is a nutritionally valuable and sustainable legume with strong potential for plant-based food applications. However, similar to other lipid-containing food systems, fava bean-based spreads are susceptible to lipid oxidation during storage, leading to quality deterioration and reduced shelf life. This study evaluated the effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), winter savory (Satureja montana L.), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oils (EOs) (0.1 μL/g) on the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of fava bean-based spreads during 90 days of storage at 4 °C. Four treatments were prepared: control spread without essential oil (B-CO), basil essential oil-enriched spread (B-BA), winter savory essential oil-enriched spread (B-WS), and cumin essential oil-enriched spread (B-CU). Water activity and pH remained stable in all samples throughout storage. Color changes were most pronounced in the control, while B-WS exhibited the highest color stability (ΔE = 1.81 vs. 6.07 in B-CO). Winter savory and cumin significantly reduced peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation and improved oxidative stability (Rancimat: 9.11 and 9.10 h vs. 7.73 h in B-CO), whereas basil showed no protective effect. Cumin was characterized by the highest flavonoid and phenolic acid contents, while winter savory exhibited the highest total polyphenols. Sensory evaluation revealed that EOs significantly influenced consumer acceptance, particularly taste and aroma. Although the control sample achieved the highest overall scores, cumin-containing formulations provided the most favorable balance between oxidative stability and sensory quality, whereas winter savory negatively affected overall acceptability. Taken together, winter savory and cumin EOs effectively enhanced oxidative stability, highlighting their potential as natural antioxidants in the development of plant-based spreads. Full article

Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) were initially recognized as pivotal regulators of plant light signaling pathways. However, mounting evidence suggests that PIFs also exert significant influences on plant development and responses to stress. Here, we identified seven PIF genes in the potato genome and conducted comprehensive characterizations through phylogenetics, gene structure, conserved motif, synteny, chromosomal location analyses and cis-regulatory element. Transcriptome data and gene expression analysis showed that the StPIF4 gene was markedly induced by mannitol-induced water deficit. Additionally, the StPIF4 protein was primarily localized in the nucleus and plasma membrane. In order to explore the function of the StPIF4 gene under mannitol-induced water deficit, the StPIF4 gene was cloned, and several StPIF4 overexpression (OE) lines (OE-8, OE-10, and OE-11) and three RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic lines (RNAi-5, RNAi-9, and RNAi-11) were obtained. The OE lines displayed notable enhancements in various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, branch number, fresh weight, dry weight, total root length, root surface area, number of root forks, and number of root tips under mannitol-induced water deficit compared to the wild-type (WT) lines, whereas these parameters were significantly decreased in the RNAi lines. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars were also significantly increased under mannitol-induced water deficit, whereas the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and O₂⁻, were significantly reduced in the OE lines compared to WT plants under mannitol-induced water deficit. Moreover, the stomatal aperture of the leaves and the water loss rate in the leaves of the OE lines were significantly reduced under mannitol-induced water deficit compared to the WT plants, whereas for the RNAi lines they were significantly increased. In addition, the overexpression of StPIF4 also upregulated expression of drought-responsive genes and ABA content under mannitol-induced water deficit. Collectively, these results highlight the positive role of the StPIF4 gene in enhancing potato tolerance to mannitol-induced water deficit by decreasing stomatal aperture, enhancing ROS scavenging and mitigating oxidative damage. Full article

Allelopathy means that one plant produces chemical substances to affect the growth of other plants. Crop rotation is considered as a potential strategy to alleviate the allelopathic inhibition. So, it is important to identify rotation crops with wide availability and low inhibitory effects. In this study, the allelopathic potential of soil extracts was investigated on the germination, seedling growth, biomass, and biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities) of five crops, by a series of laboratory experiments. Firstly, both soil water extracts (SWE) and soil ethanol extracts (SEE) exhibited allelopathic inhibition on the seed germination and the root length of all seedlings in a dose-dependent relationship. The SWE significantly promoted the shoot length of bok choy and Chinese lettuce, while the SEE had no significant effect in bok choy. The application of SEE resulted in a significant increase in the dry weight of bok choy and rocket. In contrast, SWE had a negligible effect on bok choy and lettuce. Both of them caused decrease in the dry weight of the other seedlings. Then, the allelopathic synthetic effect index of water/ethanol extracts was chemo-inhibitory, and the inhibitory effect increased with increasing extract concentration. The SWE had the strongest inhibition on rocket and the SEE on lettuce. Both of them had the weakest effect on bok choy. The extracts significantly inhibited the photosynthetic capacity in five crops, manifested as decrease in photosynthetic pigments and dose-dependent effects. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in all crops increased in a dose-dependent manner, confirming that the extracts caused lipid peroxidation. However, the defense strategies of different crops vary significantly. There is crop with active defense, such as bok choy treated with SWE. It delayed oxidative damage by continuously upregulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). This is the key physiological mechanism for tolerance. There is also the oxidative stress failure type, as follows: CAT activity of rocket and cabbage increased, but the SOD activity did not increase by SEE. This reveals the physiological essence of their sensitivity—the lack of persistent scavenging ability for reactive oxygen species. Based on the inhibition of peroxidase (POD) and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), it is speculated that the extracts may inhibit the hydrogen peroxide scavenging pathway, which centered on the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. It is the fundamental reason why the continuous accumulation of MDA though SOD/CAT is up. This study confirmed the allelopathic effects of the water and ethanol extracts on five vegetable crops, and found that bok choy was less affected by them. The soil extracts affected the growth and development of seedlings by regulating their oxidative metabolism and photosynthetic capacity. These results support recommending pak choi as a rotation crop. This provides crops for subsequent field experiments and a new direction for next-step research on continuous cropping obstacles. Full article

Using our terahertz sensor, we addressed the agricultural challenge of nondestructively and cost-effectively detecting internal plant moisture. For plant health assessment, we developed a low-cost nanobolometer imaging sensor array. The proposed terahertz imaging system can detect changes in leaf moisture content under stress, even at low moisture levels. The system enables terahertz imaging of living plant tissues to assess moisture and nutrient distribution in leaves. Because terahertz radiation is non-ionizing and strongly interacts with water molecules, it can reveal internal plant processes. Plant development can also be monitored using time-series imaging. In addition, specialized software was used to enhance the quality of terahertz images and to fuse them with conventional images. This feature enables a more comprehensive assessment of plant health. Such an approach may support future applications, such as disease detection and evaluation of fertilizer effects. Full article

Medicinal plants represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential antidiabetic activity, while the efficacy of plant extracts depends on both plant matrix and extraction conditions. This study aimed to systematically compare selected medicinal plants and extraction solvents to evaluate their impact on extracts’ in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity, total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial properties. Extracts of sage (Salvia officinalis), blueberry leaf (Vaccinium myrtillus), nettle (Urtica dioica), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), and green and roasted coffee (Coffea arabica) were prepared using different solvent systems (50% (v/v) ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and water), as well as a traditional aqueous infusion protocol. Extraction solvent strongly affected bioactivity: ethanol extracts showed the highest α-amylase inhibition, particularly in sage extract (79.60%) and blueberry leaf (57.71%). No significant correlation with TPC was observed (r = 0.229, p = 0.108), but aqueous ethanol yielded the highest TPC, with blueberry leaf being richest (64.16 ± 0.82 mg GAE/g), followed by roasted coffee (49.36 ± 0.83 mg GAE/g). Ethanol extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, sage and blueberry leaves showed the most promising multifunctional activity, highlighting their potential for further investigation as functional food ingredients. Full article

The aim of this study was to valorize by-products of blue poppy (Papaver somniferum), a widely used ingredient in the food industry. This study focused on the isolation of bioactive compounds from leaves, stems, roots, capsules and cold-pressed cake. All samples were subjected to conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE) using ethanol–water solutions of varying concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 96%) as the extraction solvent. The obtained extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TP), hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA), flavonols (FL), total flavonoids (TF), condensed tannins (CT) and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the extracts were subjected to untargeted LC-MS analysis for qualitative characterization. Ethanol concentration significantly influenced the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds, with the optimal solvent varying depending on the plant part and the specific class of compounds analyzed. Based on TP and TF content, capsule extracts exhibited the highest polyphenol levels. HCAs were detected in extracts from leaves, capsules, and cold-pressed cake. In total, 62 compounds were identified, belonging to various biochemical classes, including organic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Overall, the results indicate that poppy by-products are a valuable source of bioactive components, with promising applications across different industrial sectors. Full article

The growing interest in functional bakery products has driven research toward the incorporation of non-conventional plant materials rich in dietary fiber. In this study, the effects of partial substitution of wheat flour with ground kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) at levels of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% on dough rheology and bread quality were investigated. Farinograph analysis showed that kudzu addition slightly increased water absorption and dough development time, while significantly improving dough stability and the farinograph quality number. At the same time, a higher degree of dough softening indicated partial weakening of the gluten network at higher substitution levels. The incorporation of kudzu root significantly increased bread yield due to enhanced water retention associated with its high dietary fiber content. However, a reduction in specific volume was observed at the highest substitution level (12%), indicating limitations in gas retention capacity. Crumb structure analysis revealed a shift toward a finer and more homogeneous pore distribution with increasing kudzu content, accompanied by a reduction in large pores. These structural changes were reflected in texture profile analysis, where increased hardness and chewiness were observed, particularly at higher substitution levels, while cohesiveness and springiness were only slightly affected. Partial substitution with kudzu root powder also resulted in a significant increase in total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential of the breads, with the highest values observed in samples containing 12% kudzu root powder. In addition, breads enriched with kudzu root showed reduced digestible starch content compared with the control sample. Despite these modifications, breads enriched with up to 9% kudzu root maintained acceptable technological quality, balancing improved water retention with moderate changes in structure and texture. The results demonstrate that kudzu root can be used as a functional ingredient in wheat bread, contributing to increased dietary fiber content while maintaining satisfactory processing and quality characteristics. Full article

This study investigated the effects of three irrigation regimes (120, 90, and 75 L plant⁻¹ day⁻¹) on the postharvest morphometric, physicochemical, colorimetric, and nutraceutical attributes of Actinidia chinensis (Planch.) ‘Gold3’ grown under Mediterranean conditions. Fruit morphometry was not influenced by irrigation level, as fresh weight, polar and equatorial diameters, and weight loss showed no significant differences among treatments. In contrast, several qualitative traits responded sensitively to water availability after cold storage. Reduced irrigation increased flesh firmness by 33–37%, enhanced total soluble solids by 4–6%, and elevated titratable acidity by 4–7%, resulting in a slightly lower TSS/TA ratio. The lowest water supply yielded DMC values approximately 8.6% higher than the fully irrigated control, while the intermediate treatment showed a 4.4% increase. Colorimetric parameters were modulated by irrigation level, with reduced water availability decreasing L*, b, Chroma, and Hue (2–9%) and increasing a* (20–35%), indicating a shift toward less bright and less yellow pulp coloration. From a nutraceutical perspective, total antioxidant capacity increased by approximately 14–17% under reduced irrigation, whereas total phenolic content remained unchanged. Principal Component Analysis revealed a dominant quality-related axis integrating compositional, structural, and colorimetric traits, while morphological variables contributed minimally to overall variance. Considering the combined effects on water saving and fruit quality, particularly the higher dry matter content and antioxidant capacity observed under the lowest irrigation level, the 75 L plant⁻¹ day⁻¹ regime can be recommended as the most effective treatment, as it maximizes qualitative improvements without compromising fruit morphology. These findings demonstrate that moderate irrigation reduction enhances several desirable postharvest attributes without compromising fruit size or commercial morphology, supporting the adoption of controlled deficit irrigation as a sustainable strategy to improve kiwifruit quality in Mediterranean environments. Full article