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21 pages, 1316 KB  
Article
Effects of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Irrigation on Rice Growth and Soil Available Nutrients on Black Soil in Northeast China
by Chaoyin Dou, Chen Qian, Yuping Lv and Yidi Sun
Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2372; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102372 (registering DOI) - 10 Oct 2025
Abstract
Extensive practice has demonstrated that the continuous pursuit of high yields in the black soil region of Northeast China resulted in imbalances in soil nutrients and declines in both soil quality and water use efficiency. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation offers a [...] Read more.
Extensive practice has demonstrated that the continuous pursuit of high yields in the black soil region of Northeast China resulted in imbalances in soil nutrients and declines in both soil quality and water use efficiency. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation offers a promising solution for increasing rice yield and maintaining soil fertility. However, the success of this irrigation method largely depends on its scheduling. This study examined the threshold effects of AWD on rice growth, yield, and soil nutrient availability in the Sanjiang Plain, a representative black soil region in Northeast China. A two-year trial was conducted from 2023 to 2024 at the Qixing National Agricultural Science and Technology Park. “Longjing 31”, a local cultivar, was selected as the experimental material. The lower limit of soil water content under AWD was set as the experimental factor, with three levels: −10 kPa (LA), −20 kPa (MA), and −30 kPa (SA). The local traditional irrigation practice, continuous flooding, served as the control treatment (CK). Indicators of rice growth and soil nutrient content were measured and analyzed at five growth stages: tillering, jointing, heading, milk ripening, and yellow ripening. The results showed that, compared to CK, AWD had minimal impact on rice plant height and tiller number, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, AWD affected leaf area index (LAI), shoot dry matter (SDM), yield, and soil nutrient availability. In 2023, control had little effect on rice plant height and tiller number among the different irrigation treatments. The LAI of LA was 11.1% and 22.5% higher than that of MA and SA, respectively, while SDM in LA was 10.5% and 17.2% higher than in MA and SA. Significant differences were found between LA and MA, as well as between LA and SA, whereas no significant differences were observed between MA and SA. The light treatment is beneficial to the growth and development of rice, while the harsh growth environment caused by the moderate and severe treatments is unfavorable to rice growth. The average contents of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) in LA were 11.4%, 8.4%, and 9.3% higher than in MA, and 16.7%, 11.5%, and 15.0% higher than in SA, respectively. Significant differences were observed between LA and SA. This is because the light treatment facilitates the release of available nutrients in the soil, while the moderate and severe treatments hinder this process. Although panicle number per unit area and grain number per panicle in LA were 7.5% and 2.3% higher than in MA, and 10.8% and 2.2% higher than in SA, these differences were not statistically significant. Seed setting rate and thousand-grain weight showed little variation across irrigation treatments. The yield of LA was 10,233.3 kg hm−2, 9.1% and 14.1% higher than that of MA and SA, respectively, with significant differences observed. Compared with the moderate and severe treatments, the light treatment increases indicators such as the number of panicles per unit area, grains per panicle, thousand-grain weight, and seed setting rate, resulting in significant differences among the treatments. Water use efficiency (WUE) decreased as the control level increased. The WUE of all AWD irrigation treatments was significantly higher than that of the control treatment (CK). Compared with CK, AWD reduces evaporation, percolation, and other water losses, leading to a significant decrease in water consumption. Meanwhile, the yield remains basically unchanged or even slightly increases, thus resulting in a higher WUE than CK. The trends in rice growth, soil nutrient indicators, and WUE in 2024 were generally consistent with those observed in 2023. In 2024, the yield of LA was 9832.7 kg hm−2, 14.9% and 17.3% higher than that of MA and SA, respectively, with significant differences observed. Based on the results, the following conclusions are drawn: (1) AWD irrigation can affect the growth of rice, alter the status of available nutrients in the soil, and thereby cause changes in yield and WUE; (2) LA is the optimal treatment for increasing rice yield, improving the availability of soil available nutrients, and improving WUE; (3) Both MA and SA enhanced WUE; however, these practices negatively impacted rice growth and the concentration of soil available nutrients, leading to a concurrent decline in yield. To increase rice yield and maintain soil fertility, LA, with an irrigation upper limit of 30 mm and a soil water potential threshold of −10 kPa, is recommended for the Sanjiang Plain region. Full article
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12 pages, 757 KB  
Opinion
On the Trail of Stubborn Bacterial Yellowing Diseases
by Moshe Bar-Joseph
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102296 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
This retrospective review traces personal encounters along the complex path of plant yellowing diseases—graft-transmissible disorders historically attributed to elusive viruses, but later linked to phloem-invading, wall-less bacteria known as Mollicutes. These include two plant-infecting genera: the cultivable Spiroplasma and the non-cultivable ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’. [...] Read more.
This retrospective review traces personal encounters along the complex path of plant yellowing diseases—graft-transmissible disorders historically attributed to elusive viruses, but later linked to phloem-invading, wall-less bacteria known as Mollicutes. These include two plant-infecting genera: the cultivable Spiroplasma and the non-cultivable ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’. A third group—the walled, psyllid-transmitted Candidatus Liberibacter—was later implicated in closely similar syndromes. This shift in understanding marked a major turning point in plant pathology, offering new insights into yellowing diseases characterized by stunting, decline, and poor or deformed growth. The review focuses on key syndromes: citrus little leaf disease (LLD), or citrus stubborn disease (CSD), caused by Spiroplasma citri; and several Mollicute -related disorders, including safflower phyllody, Bermuda grass yellowing, and papaya dieback (PDD) (Nivun Haamir), the latter linked to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense’. Despite differing causes and vectors, citrus LLD-CSD and PPD share an erratic, unpredictable pattern of natural outbreaks—sometimes a decade apart—hindering grower engagement and sustained control efforts. While scientific understanding has deepened, practical management remains limited. The recent global spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter species, underscores the urgent need for improved strategies to manage this resilient group of phloem-limited bacterial pathogens. Full article
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19 pages, 9036 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Analysis of the HECT-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Gene Family in Nicotiana benthamiana: Evidence Implicating NbHECT6 and NbHECT13 in the Response to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Infection
by Jin Shen, Shasha Yu, Fang Ye, Yiming Zhang, Xue Wu, Mengxuan Shi, Gen Zhao, Yang Shen, Zhoufo Lu, Zaihang Yu, Xinyu Li, Xueting Zhong and Zhanqi Wang
Genes 2025, 16(10), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101150 - 27 Sep 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
Background: The ubiquitin–proteasome system plays a critical role in plant antiviral defense, with HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases serving as key regulators of protein turnover. To explore the potential involvement of the HECT gene family in host resistance against tomato yellow leaf curl virus [...] Read more.
Background: The ubiquitin–proteasome system plays a critical role in plant antiviral defense, with HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases serving as key regulators of protein turnover. To explore the potential involvement of the HECT gene family in host resistance against tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a comprehensive analysis was conducted in Nicotiana benthamiana. Methods: In this study, the HECT gene family in N. benthamiana was systematically investigated using a genome-wide bioinformatic analysis. The potential roles of these genes in the response to TYLCV infection were further examined using a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique. Results: Using a Hidden Markov Model approach, 18 NbHECT genes were identified that phylogenetically clustered into four subfamilies with distinct structural features. Chromosomal location and synteny analyses indicated that these genes were unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes, with 10 instances of segmental duplication identified. Tissue-specific expression profiling demonstrated that 17 NbHECTs were constitutively expressed, with Group III members showing the highest expression in reproductive tissues. Following TYLCV infection, NbHECT6 was significantly downregulated while NbHECT13 was upregulated in both inoculated and systemic leaves. Functional validation through the VIGS approach revealed that suppression of NbHECT6 and NbHECT13 increased host susceptibility, as evidenced by exacerbated symptom severity and enhanced viral DNA accumulation compared to controls. Conclusions: These findings establish NbHECT6 and NbHECT13 as critical components of the plant antiviral response, providing new insights into ubiquitin-mediated defense mechanisms against geminiviruses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)
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11 pages, 3006 KB  
Communication
Population Genetic Analysis Reveals Recent Demographic Expansion and Local Differentiation of Areca Palm Velarivirus 1 in Hainan Island
by Xiaoqing Niu, Zhongtian Xu, Zhaowei Lin, Qinghua Tang, Zhenguo Du and Fangluan Gao
Plants 2025, 14(19), 2952; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14192952 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), the causal agent of yellow leaf disease (YLD), poses a serious threat to the economically important areca palm industry in the Hainan Province, China, yet its evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a large-scale molecular survey [...] Read more.
Areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), the causal agent of yellow leaf disease (YLD), poses a serious threat to the economically important areca palm industry in the Hainan Province, China, yet its evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a large-scale molecular survey by sequencing the coat protein (CP) gene from 364 APV1-infected samples collected across major cultivation regions of Hainan. Population genetic analyses revealed extremely high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.997) but very low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.017). Neutrality tests (Tajima’s D = −2.266; Fu’s FS = −23.697) and a unimodal mismatch distribution supported a scenario of recent demographic expansion from a restricted ancestral pool. Evolutionary analyses indicated that the CP gene is subject to strong purifying selection, although eight codons exhibited episodic positive selection, suggesting ongoing viral adaptation. Furthermore, we identified three distinct genetic clusters with significant geographic structuring, indicating that viral dissemination is shaped by local factors. Together, these results reveal a recent explosive invasion of APV1 characterized by rapid island-wide expansion and emerging local differentiation. This work provides novel insights into the evolutionary trajectory of APV1 and establishes a genomic basis for improved surveillance and management of YLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)
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20 pages, 4396 KB  
Article
Unveiling Species Diversity of Plectosphaerellaceae (Sordariomycetes) Fungi Involved in Rhizome and Root Rots of Ginger in Shandong Province, China
by Qian Zhao, Ao Jia, Hongjuan Yang, Jinming Hu, Xuli Gao, Weiqin Zhao, Lifeng Zhou, Miao Zhang, Zhaoxia Li and Weihua Zhang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(9), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13092180 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Ginger holds significant economic importance in both China and worldwide agriculture. Fungi from the family Plectosphaerellaceae are globally recognized as aggressive plant pathogens. However, the effects of Plectosphaerellaceae species on ginger have been poorly understood. In this research, we identified two novel Musidium [...] Read more.
Ginger holds significant economic importance in both China and worldwide agriculture. Fungi from the family Plectosphaerellaceae are globally recognized as aggressive plant pathogens. However, the effects of Plectosphaerellaceae species on ginger have been poorly understood. In this research, we identified two novel Musidium species (M. shandongensis sp. nov. and M. zingiberis sp. nov.), one newly recorded species (Gibellulopsis serrae) and one new host record (Plectosphaerella cucumerina) from the rotten rhizomes and roots of ginger in Shandong Province, China, utilizing morphological observations combined with multilocus phylogenetic analysis of the 28S large subunit (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) gene, along with pathogenicity analyses. Key diagnostic features include M. shandongensis exhibiting abundant mycelium ropes and coils, M. zingiberis showing dark olivaceous colonies, G. serrae producing brown chlamydospores, and P. cucumerina displaying conspicuous guttulae conidia. Comparative analyses with closely related taxa were based on detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses. Artificial inoculation of healthy ginger in vitro and in vivo assays caused characteristic symptoms, such as wilt, leaf yellowing, and rhizome necrosis, identical to those observed on naturally infected plants. Our findings broaden current knowledge on the diversity of Plectosphaerellaceae associated with ginger, revealing them as serious threats to ginger cultivation in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fungal Plant Pathogens: Diagnosis, Resistance and Control)
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14 pages, 1174 KB  
Article
Growth and Biochemical Activity of Passion Fruit Seedlings in Scion/Rootstock Combinations Under Salt Stress
by Alex Alvares da Silva, Jose Francismar de Medeiros, Carlos Guillermo Bartoli, Charlotte Steelheart, Marlon de Morais Dantas, Rodrigo Rafael da Silva, Wedson Aleff Oliveira da Silva and Francisco Vanies da Silva Sa
Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091130 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
The yellow passion fruit is a key crop in irrigated areas of Northeast Brazil, but production is challenged by limited water availability and high salinity in groundwater used for irrigation. This study evaluated the effects of grafting Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (E) [...] Read more.
The yellow passion fruit is a key crop in irrigated areas of Northeast Brazil, but production is challenged by limited water availability and high salinity in groundwater used for irrigation. This study evaluated the effects of grafting Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (E) onto P. foetida L. (F) rootstock to reduce the impact of saline stress. Conducted in a greenhouse using a 3 × 2 factorial design with four replications, the experiment tested three grafting combinations (F + F, E + E and E + F) under two salinity levels (0.5 and 6.0 dS m−1). Key parameters measured included SPAD index, soluble protein content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, catalase enzyme activity, plant height, and leaf number. Salinity significantly reduced plant height, especially at 6.0 dS m−1. The E + E combination had the highest protein content in roots (23.8%). However, grafting P. edulis onto P. foetida (E + F) enhanced catalase activity and reduced H2O2 accumulation, indicating improved tolerance to salt stress. The findings suggest that using P. foetida as a rootstock may help mitigate oxidative damage and promote better physiological performance of yellow passion fruit under saline conditions, offering a strategy to sustain cultivation in stress-prone environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tolerance of Horticultural Plants to Abiotic Stresses)
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26 pages, 3308 KB  
Article
Analysis of Plant–Fungus Interactions in Calocybe gambosa Fairy Rings
by Simone Graziosi, Alessandra Lombini, Federico Puliga, Hillary Righini, Ludovico Dalla Pozza, Veronica Zuffi, Mirco Iotti, Ornella Francioso, Roberta Roberti and Alessandra Zambonelli
Plants 2025, 14(18), 2884; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14182884 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Calocybe gambosa (Fr.) Donk is an edible mushroom, highly appreciated especially in Italy. It forms fairy rings (FRs) characterized by a zone of dead vegetation corresponding to the underground-extending mycelial front, followed by a “greener belt” where vegetation is thriving. To better understand [...] Read more.
Calocybe gambosa (Fr.) Donk is an edible mushroom, highly appreciated especially in Italy. It forms fairy rings (FRs) characterized by a zone of dead vegetation corresponding to the underground-extending mycelial front, followed by a “greener belt” where vegetation is thriving. To better understand this particular phenomenon, the effect of C. gambosa mycelium on plants were studied both in situ, across different zones of FRs (external area—EX, fungal front—FF, greener belt—GB, internal area—IN) of three fairy rings, and ex situ on Poa trivialis L. Plant community analysis revealed significant changes in plant species composition across the zones, characterized by a decline in diversity and a vegetation shift, from dicotyledons to monocotyledons, progressing from the EX toward the IN, where vegetation gradually begins to reestablish its original composition. Molecular and morphological analyses showed the endophytic colonization of C. gambosa mycelium within the herbaceous plants growing at the FF. Ex situ studies indicated pathogenic behavior of C. gambosa. After root colonization, it caused growth reduction in P. trivialis plants (79% reduction in root length, 76% reduction in leaf length), leaf yellowing, decreased photosynthetic pigments, and root necrosis. The cellulase (endo-1,4-β-glucanase), xylanase, polygalacturonase, and polymethylgalacturonase enzymatic activities of C. gambosa support its pathogenic effects. Conversely, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by C. gambosa mycelium stimulated shoot development in P. trivialis (17% increase in shoot length), which accounts for the formation of the flourishing vegetation zone behind the FF. In contrast, soluble substances produced by C. gambosa mycelium did not affect the growth of P. trivialis. Our results suggest that C. gambosa plays a dual ecological role in regulating plant community dynamics within FRs: it acts as a pathogen by colonizing herbaceous plant roots and, at the same time, promotes vegetation growth through VOC production. Full article
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14 pages, 3316 KB  
Article
Differential Biochemical Responses of Resistant and Susceptible Genotypes of Chili to Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Thailand Virus
by Manthana Mueangkhong, Patcharaporn Suwor, Suchila Techawongstien, Montinee Teerarak, Wen-Shi Tsai, Tanyarat Tarinta, Sanjeet Kumar, Nakarin Jeeatid, Orawan Chatchawankanphanich and Somsak Kramchote
Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091124 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production is threatened by the pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PepLCV), transmitted by whiteflies, leading to reduced yields. This study investigated the biochemical changes in two chili genotypes, PEP6 (tolerant to PepLCV) and Homsuphan (susceptible to PepLCV), following [...] Read more.
Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production is threatened by the pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PepLCV), transmitted by whiteflies, leading to reduced yields. This study investigated the biochemical changes in two chili genotypes, PEP6 (tolerant to PepLCV) and Homsuphan (susceptible to PepLCV), following inoculation with the Thailand strain of PepLCV (known as Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Thailand Virus, PepYLCTHV). Inoculation was performed using whitefly transmission (WF) and graft transmission (GT) methods, and disease severity was evaluated using a standardized index. The level of total phenolic compounds and the activities of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes were analyzed in virus-infected plants and compared with those in uninoculated controls. Both chili genotypes exhibited a more rapid increase in disease severity when inoculated with WF than with GT. In PEP6, disease severity was lower than Homsuphan in both WF and GT inoculations. Disease severity in WT-inoculated PEP6 plants increased gradually, reaching 100% by day 36, whereas Homsuphan plants had a more rapid progression, attaining 100% by day 21. The GT method led to slower disease severity progression in both genotypes, reaching 80–85% by day 36. In PEP6 plants, total phenolic compound content increased significantly following WF, indicating an active defense response, whereas levels remained stable in GT plants. Phenolic content in the tolerant genotype Homsuphan remained stable across all conditions. Notably, peroxidase (POD) activity was elevated in GT plants of both genotypes, which correlated with reduced disease severity. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was lowest in control plants, but WT and GT increased the PPO level. Among the treatments, GT induced the highest PPO activity, which was associated with the lowest disease severity. These findings suggest that GT may enhance disease resistance by modulating phenolic compound accumulation and increasing POD and PPO activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM))
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16 pages, 10478 KB  
Article
Analysis of the Metabolic and Structural Changes in Ulmus pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ Leaf Under Shade Stress
by Yichao Liu, Yongtan Li, Ning Wang, Lihui Zuo, Yang Zhou, Ping Li, Shijie Wang, Shuxiang Feng, Shufang Yan, Yinran Huang and Minsheng Yang
Plants 2025, 14(18), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14182868 - 15 Sep 2025
Viewed by 371
Abstract
Ulmus pumila L. ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ is a plant variety with colourful leaves that is widely used in landscaping. In our study, the leaves of U. pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ fade and turn green under light (LT, 45%), moderate (MD, 70%) and high (HG, 95%) [...] Read more.
Ulmus pumila L. ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ is a plant variety with colourful leaves that is widely used in landscaping. In our study, the leaves of U. pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ fade and turn green under light (LT, 45%), moderate (MD, 70%) and high (HG, 95%) shading treatment, reducing its ornamental value. However, the mechanism underlying this adaptation to shade is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of physiological, cellular microstructural and transcriptional changes involved in leaf regreening in U. pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’. Our results showed that the pigment content of U. pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ leaves increased under shade stress, with a corresponding colour change from yellow to dark green. Thus, U. pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ adapted to shade stress by increasing leaf pigment and chlorophyll content. Transmission electron microscopy showed that thylakoid stacking in the grana lamellae changed significantly from a loose state to a closely packed structure under shaded conditions. Because plant pigments were located mainly in thylakoids, this closer stacking increased photosynthetic efficiency and pigment accumulation. RNA sequencing analysis showed that Lhcb1, a key thylakoid membrane gene, was upregulated under shade, which promoted thylakoid stacking and light absorption. In the chlorophyll synthesis pathway, haeme metabolism was inhibited, increasing protoporphyrin IX flow to the chlorophyll pathway and promoting the synthesis of chlorophyll a/b. The simultaneous upregulation of plant hormone-related genes promoted an increase in plant leaf area, improving the light energy utilisation ratio. This study is the first to report the self-regulatory mechanism that leads to colour change in U. pumila ‘Zhonghua Jinye’ under shade stress and provides a theoretical basis for the cultivation of tree species with colourful leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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21 pages, 2618 KB  
Article
Late Water Deficits Improve Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency, Fruit Maturity, and Acceptability in Yellow-Fleshed Kiwifruit cv. Soreli
by Arturo Calderón-Orellana, Mauricio Calderón-Orellana, Catalina Atenas, Carolina Contreras, Felipe Aburto, Tamara Alvear and Silvia Antileo-Mellado
Plants 2025, 14(18), 2843; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14182843 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 565
Abstract
Water scarcity poses a significant threat to kiwifruit production, especially in Mediterranean climates. This study investigated the impact of late-season regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on water use efficiency and fruit quality of yellow-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv. Soreli) over two seasons in [...] Read more.
Water scarcity poses a significant threat to kiwifruit production, especially in Mediterranean climates. This study investigated the impact of late-season regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on water use efficiency and fruit quality of yellow-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv. Soreli) over two seasons in central Chile. Four irrigation treatments were applied during fruit ripening: full irrigation (Control), moderate deficits for three or five weeks (D50S and D50L), and complete irrigation suspension for three weeks (D100). While D100 had minimal impact on stomatal conductance, it significantly reduced stem and leaf water potentials, indicating severe water stress. D100 treatment also showed the highest intrinsic water use efficiency (via δ13C enrichment) and improved water productivity by up to 20%. Fruits from D100 and D50S had higher soluble solids (up to 2.0 °Brix) without compromising firmness or yield. Sensory evaluations indicated greater consumer acceptance in water-stressed treatments, especially D100, due to enhanced color and flavor. Principal component analysis confirmed that moderate-to-severe-water stress correlated with favorable sensory profiles. These findings suggest that short-term, late-season water deficits can enhance fruit quality and water use efficiency without reducing yield, offering a sustainable strategy for kiwifruit production under increasing water limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Challenges in Response to Salt and Water Stress)
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18 pages, 1101 KB  
Article
Innovative and Healthy Cookies Enriched with Blueberry Leaf Powder
by Francesco Antonio Santuccione, Marina Soazo, Emilce Llopart, Matías Rossi, Roxana Andrea Verdini, Paola Pittia and Leonardo Martín Pérez
Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3671; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183671 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 584
Abstract
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) leaves, a residual biomass of pruning, are a rich source of polyphenols, fiber, and minerals. In this study, blueberry leaf powder (BBLP) was incorporated into wheat/soy flour-based cookies to develop antioxidant- and fiber-enriched bakery products. BBLP exhibited 8.2% protein, [...] Read more.
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) leaves, a residual biomass of pruning, are a rich source of polyphenols, fiber, and minerals. In this study, blueberry leaf powder (BBLP) was incorporated into wheat/soy flour-based cookies to develop antioxidant- and fiber-enriched bakery products. BBLP exhibited 8.2% protein, 44% dietary fiber (predominantly insoluble), and high antioxidant activity (2109 ± 20 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g sample; 6251 ± 42 µmol Trolox equivalents/100 g). Four cookies’ formulations were prepared by replacing 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% of the flour blend with BBLP. The total phenolic content, total antioxidant content, physical properties (weight, diameter, thickness, volume, hardness, and color), chemical composition (moisture, ash, minerals, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber content), and sensory properties (taste, texture, aroma, and overall acceptability) were analyzed. All BBLP-enriched cookies qualified as a “source of fiber” according to Codex Alimentarius guidelines and EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims for foods. The addition of BBLP significantly affected the cookies’ diameter, thickness, volume, and hardness, likely due to its high insoluble fiber content. Moreover, as BBLP levels increased, the surface color darkened progressively, with increased redness and decreased yellowness attributed to the presence of anthocyanins. Accordingly, BBLP-enriched cookies showed increased antioxidant capacity, proportional to the amount of BBLP added, indicating good retention of the bioactive compounds after baking. Sensory evaluation using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis revealed that cookies with 2.5% BBLP were rated with the highest acceptability scores, whereas higher concentrations imparted noticeable herbal notes and a darker color, decreasing overall acceptability. In conclusion, BBLP can be effectively incorporated at 2.5% to enhance the nutritional quality and antioxidant potential of cookies without compromising sensory appeal, contributing to sustainable food innovation by valorizing residual agricultural biomass. Full article
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18 pages, 5578 KB  
Article
Insights into Novel Viral Threats in Sweetpotato from Burkina Faso: Characterisation of Unexplored Pathogens
by Pakyendou E. Name, Ezechiel B. Tibiri, Fidèle Tiendrébéogo, Seydou Sawadogo, Florencia Djigma, Lassina Traoré, Angela O. Eni and Justin S. Pita
Viruses 2025, 17(9), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17091222 - 7 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1206
Abstract
Sweetpotato is a key staple crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Its vegetative propagation makes it a persistent reservoir, facilitating the emergence and spread of complex infections. Understanding its virome is crucial for disease management and food security. We investigated the sweetpotato virome [...] Read more.
Sweetpotato is a key staple crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Its vegetative propagation makes it a persistent reservoir, facilitating the emergence and spread of complex infections. Understanding its virome is crucial for disease management and food security. We investigated the sweetpotato virome in Burkina Faso using rolling circle amplification and Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Eight symptomatic leaf samples, previously undiagnosed using conventional methods, were analysed. Bioinformatic pipelines were employed followed by phylogenetic comparisons. Two viruses known to infect sweetpotato, namely sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) and sweet potato leaf curl deltasatellite 3 (SPLCD3), were consistently detected in all samples. Additionally, pepper yellow vein Mali virus (PepYVMV), cotton leaf curl Gezira alphasatellite (CLCuGeA) and cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite (CLCuGeB) were identified for the first time in this crop. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed their genetic proximity to isolates from tomato, okra and pepper. Their co-occurrence with SPLCV and SPLCD3 indicates a complex viral landscape that could influence disease severity. This study highlights the underestimated role of sweetpotato as a viral reservoir, influencing virus evolution and transmission. Further studies should assess their pathogenicity, co-infection dynamics and vector-mediated transmission to improve crop productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economically Important Viruses in African Crops)
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18 pages, 9418 KB  
Article
Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Provide Insights into Heat Resistance in Passion Fruit (P. edulis f. flavicarpa)
by Lin-Hua Chen, Jiong Dong, Bing-Liang Fan, Yongcai Huang, Liu Yang, Wenguo Cai and Ling-Ling Chen
Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091037 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 558
Abstract
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is an economically important fruit worldwide. However, heat stress severely threatens its production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. To elucidate the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying heat tolerance, comparative physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses were conducted [...] Read more.
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is an economically important fruit worldwide. However, heat stress severely threatens its production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. To elucidate the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying heat tolerance, comparative physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses were conducted between two yellow passion fruit cultivars: heat-tolerant ‘Summer Queen’ (F2) and heat-sensitive ‘Qinmi 9’ (QM9). Physiological evaluations demonstrated that QM9 exhibited significantly lower heat tolerance than F2, manifesting as severe leaf wilting, impaired photosynthetic efficiency, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. F2 exhibited distinct metabolic and transcriptional adaptations under heat stress, particularly in purine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. Metabolites such as glutamine, xanthine, luteoloside, and trifolin were enriched in F2, alongside the upregulation of genes like adenosine kinase (AK), xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), guanine deaminase (GDA), and flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) highlighted strong associations between these pathways and transcription factors (e.g., MYB, HSF, WRKY), suggesting their pivotal roles in heat adaptation. Exogenous application of xanthine and trifolin markedly enhanced heat tolerance in passion fruit. Furthermore, knockdown of PeGDA and PeXDH markedly altered the heat tolerance of F2. These findings reveal that elevated metabolites in purine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis enhance heat tolerance in passion fruit, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat tolerance and potential targets for breeding climate-resilient passion fruit varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Tree Physiology and Molecular Biology)
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26 pages, 3612 KB  
Article
Field-Based, Non-Destructive and Rapid Detection of Citrus Leaf Physiological and Pathological Conditions Using a Handheld Spectrometer and ASTransformer
by Qiufang Dai, Ying Huang, Zhen Li, Shilei Lyu, Xiuyun Xue, Shuran Song, Shiyao Liang, Jiaheng Fu and Shaoyu Zhang
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1864; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171864 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Citrus diseases severely impact fruit yield and quality. To facilitate in-field, non-destructive, and rapid detection of citrus leaf physiological and pathological conditions, this study proposes a classification method for citrus leaf physiological and pathological statuses that integrates visible/near-infrared multispectral technology with deep learning. [...] Read more.
Citrus diseases severely impact fruit yield and quality. To facilitate in-field, non-destructive, and rapid detection of citrus leaf physiological and pathological conditions, this study proposes a classification method for citrus leaf physiological and pathological statuses that integrates visible/near-infrared multispectral technology with deep learning. First, a handheld spectrometer was employed to acquire spectral images of five sample categories—Healthy, Huanglongbing, Yellow Vein Disease, Magnesium Deficiency and Manganese Deficiency. Mean spectral data were extracted from regions of interest within the 350–2500 nm wavelength range, and various preprocessing techniques were evaluated. The Standard Normal Variate (SNV) transformation, which demonstrated optimal performance, was selected for data preprocessing. Next, we innovatively introduced an adaptive spectral positional encoding mechanism into the Transformer framework. A lightweight, learnable network dynamically optimizes positional biases, yielding the ASTransformer (Adaptive Spectral Transformer) model, which more effectively captures complex dependencies among spectral features and identifies critical wavelength bands, thereby significantly enhancing the model’s adaptive representation of discriminative bands. Finally, the preprocessed spectra were fed into three deep learning architectures (1D-CNN, 1D-ResNet, and ASTransformer) for comparative evaluation. The results indicate that ASTransformer achieves the best classification performance: an overall accuracy of 97.7%, underscoring its excellent global classification capability; a Macro Average of 97.5%, reflecting balanced performance across categories; a Weighted Average of 97.8%, indicating superior performance in classes with larger sample sizes; an average precision of 97.5%, demonstrating high predictive accuracy; an average recall of 97.7%, showing effective detection of most affected samples; and an average F1-score of 97.6%, confirming a well-balanced trade-off between precision and recall. Furthermore, interpretability analysis via Integrated Gradients quantitatively assesses the contribution of each wavelength to the classification decisions. These findings validate the feasibility of combining a handheld spectrometer with the ASTransformer model for effective citrus leaf physiological and pathological detection, enabling efficient classification and feature visualization, and offer a valuable reference for disease detection of physiological and pathological conditions in other fruit crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Machinery and Technology for Fruit Orchard Management)
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25 pages, 4797 KB  
Article
Investigation of Removing Basic Yellow 28 and Basic Blue 3 Dyes from Water Using Mulberry Leaves (Morus nigra L.) and Assessment of Ultrasonic Effects
by Adella Myori Hardieka and Türkan Börklü Budak
Molecules 2025, 30(17), 3539; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173539 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 708
Abstract
Many industries release untreated synthetic dye effluents into water bodies, harming ecosystems and human health. Therefore, an economical and sustainable solution for treating dye-contaminated water must be developed. In this study, mulberry leaves (Morus nigra L.), as a cost-effective and sustainable adsorbent, [...] Read more.
Many industries release untreated synthetic dye effluents into water bodies, harming ecosystems and human health. Therefore, an economical and sustainable solution for treating dye-contaminated water must be developed. In this study, mulberry leaves (Morus nigra L.), as a cost-effective and sustainable adsorbent, were prepared to remove Basic Yellow 28 (BY28) and Basic Blue 3 (BB3) cationic dyes from industrial dye wastewater using adsorption. Batch experiments with key variables such as initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, stirring speed, and pH were conducted to find optimal conditions. The effectiveness of mulberry leaves as an adsorbent after multiple regeneration cycles was examined. The adsorbent was characterized through various instrumental methods, including FTIR, SEM, XRD, and BET analysis. Adsorption performance was analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results showed that the mulberry leaf adsorbent best fits the Langmuir model, with R2 values of 0.999 for BY28 and 0.973 for BB3. The maximum adsorption capacities were 0.15 mg/g for BY28 and 7.19 mg/g for BB3, indicating their upper limits for dye uptake. The optimal conditions achieving removal efficiencies of over 99% were 1.5 g, 50 mL, 15 min, 180 rpm, and 10 mg/L at 30 °C for BY28 in neutral pH (7) and 1.5 g, 50 mL, 45 min, 100 rpm, and 30 mg/L at 40 °C for BB3 in basic pH (10). The regeneration of mulberry leaves as an adsorbent through acid treatment with 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M CH3COOH solutions maintained a high performance, achieving up to 98% dye removal efficiency after two regeneration cycles. It has been observed that successful results can be achieved in terms of reusability. Additionally, the removals of BB3 and BY28 performed in an ultrasonic-bath-assisted environment successfully achieved removal efficiencies of 84.87% and 75.41%, respectively. According to the results, mulberry leaves can effectively be used in wastewater treatment to remove dyes, can be reused multiple times, and thus serve as an environmentally friendly and sustainable adsorbent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Chemistry)
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