Search Results (653)

Rising global temperatures and recurrent heat waves increasingly threaten vegetable production, as vegetable crops are more thermosensitive than most field crops. Vegetable crops frequently experience severe reductions in pollen viability, fruit set, marketable yield, and quality under heat waves. Numerous reviews have substantially advanced our understanding of heat stress perception, signal transduction networks, transcriptional regulation, and thermotolerance mechanisms, primarily in model species and major field crops. However, comprehensive review articles of field-applied mitigation strategies specifically tailored to vegetable production remain limited. This review provides a critical analysis of the use of genetic resources (cultivars and grafting), field management approaches (optimized planting dates, crop rotation, canopy management, and intercropping), irrigation, nutrient optimization, biostimulants, microbial inoculants, and physical microclimate modification strategies. The research consolidates current applied and mechanistic evidence on heat-stress mitigation in vegetable crops and identifies targeted, actionable priorities for field adoption. Emphasis is placed on the integration of complementary mitigation strategies at the field scale where combined approaches may generate synergistic effects. Key research gaps include limited studies on combined heat–drought/salinity stress, lack of standardized field protocols for biostimulants, and insufficient farm-scale economic evaluations of mitigation strategies. Advancing interdisciplinary, field-validated, and climate-smart management frameworks will be essential to ensure sustainable vegetable productivity and quality stability in accelerating global warming. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important horticultural crop, with Asia contributing 60.45% of total production, followed by the Americas at 13.36%. Tomato productivity is increasingly constrained by southern blight, a destructive disease responsible for yield losses ranging from 30 to 90% and annual economic damage of $10–20 million. The causal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii, infects the stem base and induces reddish-brown cankers through secretion of oxalic acid (OA) and cell wall-degrading enzymes, which girdle tissues, impair water transport, and result in rapid plant wilting and death. Its persistence in soil via sclerotia, broad host range, and adaptability make the disease difficult to manage. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and other multi-omics approaches have substantially improved understanding of pathogen virulence factors, host defense responses and disease epidemiology. These studies have revealed key roles of OA, carbohydrate-active enzymes, effector proteins, and sclerotial melanization in pathogenesis, while highlighting the activation of salicylic acid (SA)-, jasmonic acid (JA)-, and ethylene (ET)-mediated defense pathways in tomato. Although cultural, biological, and chemical measures are available, these measures often provide inconsistent protection when used alone. Promising strategies include the use of biocontrol agents, hypovirulence-inducing mycoviruses, and chemical fungicides such as carboxamides and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), though fungicide resistance remains a risk factor. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approaches, such as combining biocontrol agents with fungicides, demonstrate enhanced efficacy. This review also evaluates progress in resistance breeding, grafting, RNA interference (HIGS and SIGS), CRISPR-based genome editing, and exploitation of wild genotypes for durable resistance. Furthermore, emerging precision agriculture tools, including hyperspectral imaging, machine learning-assisted disease detection and climate-resilient management strategies, were discussed as new components of sustainable disease management. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a major phytopathogenic fungus responsible for substantial economic losses in horticultural crops, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This study investigated the influence of physical, chemical and biological culture parameters on the antifungal activity of culture filtrates produced by Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD. Culture conditions were sequentially optimised by evaluating light-filter exposure, carbon and nitrogen source composition, potato ecotype selection, co-cultivation with Botrytis cinerea, and volatile-mediated interactions. Antifungal activity was assessed using mycelial growth inhibition assays against Botrytis cinerea. Among the individual factors, violet-filter illumination, a medium containing 5 g L⁻¹ glucose and 250 g L⁻¹ potato extract, the Leke Pek’e potato ecotype, ammonium nitrate as nitrogen source, and co-cultivation with Botrytis cinerea at 10⁴ conidia mL⁻¹ produced the highest inhibitory effects. Sequential integration of these optimised conditions resulted in enhanced antifungal activity, reaching up to 62% inhibition. Volatile organic compounds produced by Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD exhibited only minimal antifungal activity under the conditions tested, suggesting that volatile-mediated antagonism plays a limited role in this system. In contrast, culture-dependent modulation of extracellular metabolite profiles was evidenced by comparative ¹H NMR fingerprinting, which revealed condition-specific spectral differences, with the optimised treatment displaying a distinct metabolic signature relative to all other conditions. Cytotoxicity assays in murine peritoneal macrophages showed no significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations up to 200 μg mL⁻¹. In vivo exposure to the optimised culture filtrate (250 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ for 10 days) induced transient treatment-related clinical observations without mortality, indicating a need for further detailed toxicological characterisation. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the antifungal activity of Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD is strongly modulated by interacting environmental, nutritional and biological culture parameters. The results support the potential of optimised culture filtrates as a source of bioactive metabolites for biocontrol applications, while highlighting the importance of integrated biochemical and toxicological evaluation. Full article

The Tianbao melon (Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis) is a highly valued regional horticultural crop, yet its sustainable development is severely constrained by a narrow genetic base and widespread varietal admixture in the market. In this study, a panel of 32 Tianbao melon accessions was systematically evaluated by integrating field-based phenotypic assessment with genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis via whole-genome resequencing. Phenotypic analysis based on ten quantitative traits revealed low overall morphological variability, indicating limited discriminatory power of morphological traits alone. In contrast, 173,497 high-quality SNPs uncovered substantial hidden genetic differentiation, partitioning the accessions into four distinct genotypic groups. Notably, accessions TB-17 and TB-27, though nearly indistinguishable morphologically, exhibited clear genetic divergence in both phylogenetic and principal component analyses. Furthermore, a panel of 20 core SNPs with conserved flanking sequences was selected, generating unique molecular fingerprint profiles for all 32 accessions and achieving high discriminatory resolution (pairwise differences ranging from 10 to 13 SNPs). These findings demonstrate that the integration of phenotypic and genome-wide SNP data provides a robust framework for genetic diversity assessment and DNA fingerprinting in Tianbao melon, offering a scientific basis for cultivar identification, intellectual property protection, and precision breeding to support sustainable development of the regional melon industry. Full article

Soilless horticultural media offer a solution to limited arable land but are often nutrient-inert, requiring efficient nutrient management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of seaweed biochar-amended vermicompost (VC) as a nutrient-supplying growing medium for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedling establishment and vegetative growth. Coco peat was progressively replaced with VC (0–100%, w/w) under fertilized and unfertilized conditions during seedling development, and selected treatments were further evaluated during vegetative growth. Growth parameters, including emergence, plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, biomass, and chlorophyll content, were measured. Treatments significantly affected (p < 0.05) all parameters. The highest VC level (100%) reduced seedling emergence by 10.42% compared to the control but significantly improved seedling height (13.69 cm) and leaf area (49.45 cm² plant⁻¹) under fertilized conditions. During vegetative growth, the control (0% VC) produced the highest biomass (9.55 g) and plant height (67.43 cm), while higher VC rates (75–100%) enhanced chlorophyll content and maintained acceptable plant growth. Overall, VC showed potential as a sustainable growing medium component for tomato production, although plant responses varied according to growth stage and incorporation rate. Reduced emergence at higher VC levels indicates that further research is needed to optimize substrate management strategies for seedling establishment. Full article

Export supply chains (ESCs) for perishable fruits, such as mangoes and avocados, are shaped by complex supply–demand dynamics and macroeconomic conditions. However, limited forecasting of these dynamics constrains strategic planning and investment in Australia’s horticultural sector. This study assesses the longitudinal growth and future potential of mango and avocado exports. To achieve this, the study identifies influential supply–demand dynamics and applies time-series forecasting to understand the export trends. Historical export–import data were analysed for mango and avocado from 1992 to 2024, including volume, value, per capita GDP (Australia and key importing nations), real exchange rate, and real interest rate. Holt’s exponential smoothing was used to forecast export trends, supported by unit root testing in RStudio 4.2.3 and model execution in SPSS version 30. ARIMA and ARIMAX models were applied to stationary variables to improve mango export forecasts. The results show that avocado exports follow a strong upward trajectory, while mango exports remain volatile due to logistical inefficiencies and informal trade disruptions. ARIMAX modelling confirmed that production and consumption volumes significantly enhance forecast accuracy. Macroeconomic trends, rising GDP, declining real interest rates, and stable real exchange rates further reinforce Australia’s competitive position in the destination markets. The long-run trends in export volume and value suggest that both the mango and avocado sectors hold potential for further export growth, although the higher volatility observed in the avocado series indicates that expansion should be approached cautiously. To sustain this growth, maintaining a balanced relationship between production capacity and export demand, particularly for commodities exhibiting higher volatility, will be essential for ensuring stable and efficient export performance over time. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial residues and sewage sludge into value-added products through vermicomposting represents a promising strategy for nutrient recycling and waste reduction. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts obtained from five vermicomposts (VC1-VC5) produced from different mixtures of vineyard and winery residues and sewage sludge on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings grown under in vitro conditions. The aqueous extracts (10%, w/v) were characterized in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, and total polyphenolic content, and applied to cucumber seedlings cultivated for 30 days under sterile and controlled in vitro conditions using commercially available peat pellets (Jiffy-7^®). Seedling development was monitored throughout the experiment, and morphological and biochemical parameters were assessed at the end of the 30-day assay. All extracts supported seedling development, with no evidence of phytotoxicity. The application of VC2 and VC4 extracts resulted in significant increases in fresh and dry weight, while VC2 led to higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Conversely, VC3 and VC5 extracts were associated with slight reductions in growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment content. Correlation analysis suggested positive associations between biomass accumulation and chlorophyll content, and negative association between total polyphenolic content and stem growth. Overall, the results indicate that aqueous vermicompost extracts were not phytotoxic under the tested conditions, although their effects appear to depend on extract composition, highlighting the importance of feedstock selection for sustainable horticultural applications. Full article

Concern about the sustainability of traditional single-use plastic pots is growing as the adverse environmental effects of plastic use become increasingly apparent worldwide. Research shows economic and eco-friendly alternatives to replace plastics across multiple industries are needed. Consumers have a choice when selecting products made with plastic versus alternatives. Research indicates consumers’ choices are often influenced by core values, but the extent to which these values shape the purchase of horticultural products is limited and warrants further study. The purpose of this research was to determine how consumers’ environmental self-identity, self-awareness, and demographic characteristics predicted their emotional reactions, particularly guilt and pride, when purchasing plants grown in plastic pots compared to alternative pots. Data were collected from 1235 United States residents aged 18 and older using an online survey via non-probability opt-in sampling. Environmental self-identity significantly predicted emotional reactions. A stronger environmental self-identity predicted higher levels of guilt when purchasing plants grown in plastic pots and increased pride when purchasing plants grown in plastic-alternative pots. A paired-sample t-test indicated significantly more positive emotional reactions when purchasing plants grown in plastic-alternative pots than those grown in plastic pots. Furthermore, age, sex, income, self-awareness, and political ideology were associated with differences in emotional reactions to pot-type purchases. The findings imply emotion and value-based factors influence sustainable purchasing decisions. Given this, companies should tailor their marketing and communication strategies to align with consumers’ environmental self-identity, thereby encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives and supporting a shift away from plastic use in the horticulture industry. Full article

This study investigates the influence of various land use systems (LUSs) on soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient dynamics, and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. Soil samples were collected from six distinct LUSs, i.e., fallow, crop-based, horticulture-based, forest-based, vegetable-based, and barren land, and analyzed across three depth intervals (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–60 cm). Soil pH increased steadily with depth, ranging from 7.43 to 8.58 at the surface layer to 7.55 to 10.32 in deeper layers. Horticulture-based LUSs recorded the lowest pH, while barren lands had the highest. Electrical conductivity (EC) also rose with depth, ranging from 0.12 to 3.63 dS m⁻¹, from the surface to subsoil layers, all below critical salinity thresholds. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content decreased with increasing soil depth across all land use systems. Among the studied systems, horticulture-based land use recorded the highest SOC content (0.77%), whereas barren land showed the lowest SOC content (0.21%). Due to greater organic matter inputs and reduced disturbances, horticultural systems also exhibited significantly higher levels of macronutrients (N: 17.98 kg ha⁻¹, P: 330.45 kg ha⁻¹, K: 374.81 kg ha⁻¹, S: 84.33 mg ha⁻¹) and micronutrients (Fe: 164.12 mg ha⁻¹, Mn: 60.89 mg ha⁻¹, Cu: 2.85 mg ha⁻¹, Zn: 1.80 mg ha⁻¹). Bulk density increased slightly with depth (1.46–1.63 Mg m⁻³), while soil moisture content remained relatively stable (43.43% to 42.31%), with moderate variability (CV: 24–27%). The mean total SOC stock was 10.77 t C ha⁻¹, ranging from 5.44 to 14.46 t C ha⁻¹. Microbial properties also varied among land uses: dehydrogenase activity (DEA), an indicator of microbial functionality, peaked in vegetable-based systems (30.54 µg TPF g⁻¹), whereas microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was highest in forest-based systems (184.83 µg g⁻¹). Correlation and regression analyses revealed a strong positive relationship between SOC and nutrient availability, with the highest correlation observed for Zn (R² = 0.99), followed by N (R² = 0.83) and K (R² = 0.75). Overall, barren lands showed the poorest soil quality indicators, while horticulture-based systems consistently demonstrated superior soil fertility and carbon sequestration potential. These findings emphasize the critical role of land use management in regulating soil fertility, SOC dynamics, and the long-term sustainability of agro-ecosystems in the region. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a typical tree of the arid Mediterranean, and its cultivation contributes to the sustainability of local agroecosystems. In recent years, the economic and environmental importance of the carob tree has grown due to its use as a raw material in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. It also plays an ecological role in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agricultural systems by improving cultivation and mechanization strategies. Currently, national carob groves are facing competition from other more profitable crops such as olive, citrus, almond and horticultural systems. This has led to the marginalization of carob cultivation in several Mediterranean rural areas and increased the need to modernize and mechanize harvesting to enhance the potential of carob and its derived products. This study aimed to investigate the physical characteristics of the fruit (weight, length, width and fruit detachment force) in relation to the degree of ripeness, with the objective of providing useful information on the optimal harvesting period and introducing semi-mechanical harvesting systems. Full article

Optimizing crop yield while minimizing energy consumption remains a central challenge in greenhouse horticulture. This study introduces an integrated deep learning framework that couples multi-horizon time-series forecasting with dual-layered explainability to address the critical need for spatiotemporal transparency in optimizing greenhouse crop yield and energy efficiency. Four deep learning architectures, including the One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1D-CNN), Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM), Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM), and TinyTimeMixer (TTM), were evaluated across two varieties of capsicum. LSTM and BiLSTM achieved the highest accuracy for incremental yield prediction, whereas TTM outperformed other models in forecasting daily energy usage, reflecting the distinct temporal characteristics of biological growth and environment-driven energy demand. To uncover the factors driving these predictions, two complementary explainability methods were applied: Gradient SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for feature-level attribution and a Temporal Convolutional Network with Convolutional Block Attention Module (TCN–CBAM) attention mechanism for joint temporal-feature interpretation. Radiation and drainage-related variables consistently emerged as the dominant contributors to yield, whereas external temperature, and humidity were the primary determinants of energy usage. Temporal attention further showed that yield is influenced by both recent irrigation responses and longer-term developmental dynamics, while energy consumption is driven mainly by short-term climatic fluctuations. These findings provide actionable insights for irrigation scheduling, climate-control strategies, and energy optimization, supporting more transparent and sustainable greenhouse management. Full article

The transition towards sustainable agri-food systems necessitates the development of effective and technologically advanced biofertilizers and biostimulants capable of reducing reliance on synthetic agrochemicals while enhancing crop productivity. Photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria and microalgae, represent promising biological platforms owing to their extensive metabolic potential, their ability to synthesize high-value bioactive compounds, and, in certain cases, their capacity for atmospheric nitrogen fixation. These properties make them particularly valuable for enhancing plant growth and improving tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, a systematic review was conducted to identify diverse cyanobacterial and microalgal taxa with demonstrated roles in plant growth promotion and stress mitigation through multiple mechanisms and adaptive traits. A subset of these microorganisms was subsequently curated into a targeted database and subjected to bioinformatics analyses, leading to the identification of key metabolic pathways associated with stress response and plant growth promotion. Full article

The utilization of locally sourced raw materials for lightweight aggregate (LWA) production has attracted increasing attention due to its potential for cost reduction and sustainable material development. This study investigates the effect of expanded perlite addition (10–40 wt%) on the physical, structural, and mechanical properties of LWAs derived from In Buri red clay, sintered at a relatively low temperature of 800 °C without a conventional high-temperature bloating process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that quartz remained the dominant phase after sintering, with minor albite and residual illite, indicating limited phase transformation. Thermal analysis showed that major mass loss occurred below 600 °C, confirming that 800 °C is sufficient for removing volatile components. SEM observations demonstrated that increasing perlite content led to the development of a more porous and interconnected microstructure. As the expanded perlite content increased, the bulk density decreased from 1.31 to 0.80 g/cm³, while the apparent porosity and water absorption increased to 48.5% and 60.8%, respectively. Conversely, crushing strength decreased due to increased porosity. These results demonstrate that expanded perlite is an effective additive for tailoring the microstructure and performance of LWAs at low sintering temperature. The developed materials show strong potential for horticultural applications. Full article

The common pea (Pisum sativum L.) is widely cultivated due to its nutritional value and adaptability, though climate change and increasing food demand require improved agricultural strategies. The genus Metarhizium, an entomopathogenic fungus, has shown potential to enhance plant growth and physiology. This study aims to evaluate the effect of naturalized Metarhizium spp. isolates on agronomic parameters and root architecture of Pisum sativum seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Fungi were isolated from rhizosphere soils using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Six Metarhizium strains and a control (sterile distilled water) were tested, with eight replicates per treatment. After 36 days, growth parameters and chlorophyll content were measured at ambient temperatures between 12.1 ± 1.5 and 42.4 ± 2.4 °C. Significant differences were analyzed using Tukey’s HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). Significant increases in shoot length were observed in strains MM23B and MM26B (13.2 ± 0.6 and 13.0 ± 1.1 cm). Stem diameter was higher in MM23B, G9C, and MM30D (3.1–3.2 mm). Chlorophyll content increased moderately, with MM29C reaching 296.7 ± 35.9 compared to 242.5 ± 22.8 µmol m⁻² in the control. Shoot biomass was highest in G9C, MM23B, and MM26B (0.27–0.29 g) with higher shoot/root ratios in MM23B and MM26B (2.41 and 2.58). Root biomass showed no significant differences. However, root system architecture was modified, particularly in MM26B, which significantly increased root length (239.08 ± 34.22 cm) and area (20.70 ± 2.13 cm²), without changes in volume or diameter. Finally, naturalized Metarhizium spp. isolates demonstrated potential as plant growth-promoting fungi, improving physiological and morphological parameters in early P. sativum development. Full article

Hot water treatment (HWT) is a promising non-chemical method for controlling pests and pathogens in horticultural crops, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainable and residue-free production systems. This study evaluated the effects of various HWT protocols on plant vigour, yield, and fruit weight in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) under protected cultivation in Switzerland. Strawberry tray plants were treated at 18–20 °C (ambient), 37 °C, or 47 °C for 10 min prior to planting. Raspberry canes were treated at 18–20 °C, 40 °C, or 45 °C for either 10 or 60 min. In strawberries, no significant differences were observed in the number of flowering stems, flowers, yield per plant, and fruit weight. However, a trend towards lower yields and higher fruit weights has been observed at higher treatment temperatures, particularly 47 °C. In raspberries, bud break was negatively affected by higher temperatures, while leaf area, cumulative yield, and fruit weight remained unchanged across treatments. These results suggest that HWT can be integrated into berry production with minimal impact on plant performance, provided treatment parameters are carefully optimized. Further research is needed to evaluate pest control efficacy under real infestation conditions and to refine protocols for different cultivars and developmental stages. Full article