Cucumis is the highly diverse genus of the family Cucurbitaceae. Two commercially cultivated species are Cucumis melo and Cucumis sativus. Sativus types are less diverse in fruit traits compared to melons. A group of melons commonly known as cucumbers due to their similarity in fruit traits with cucumbers of Cucumis sativus were cultivated in Karnataka, revealing high genetic diversity. To study the genetic diversity and structure within and between the species, 150 cucumis germplasm, including Cucumis melo and Cucumis sativus, collected from the different regions of Karnataka, were fingerprinted with 47 highly polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, which were evenly distributed in the genome. Genetic diversity parameters among the collections revealed wide diversity among the melons compared to sativus types. A total of 602 alleles were identified through gel electrophoresis with a mean PIC value of 0.8. Based on the SSR data, a population structure analysis revealed the presence of four distinct populations, largely corresponding to species differentiation. The results showed that all sativus types, along with some melons, were grouped in Population 2, while the remaining melons were grouped into three distinct populations, indicating a high degree of heterogeneity in the base population of melons, while the lowest degree was seen in sativus types. The AMOVA result showed that the percent of genetic variation among and within Cucumis species is 78 percent, and between populations, it is 12 percent. The highest Fis value of 0.881 indicates the maximum extent of genetic similarity among the collections, and the Fst value (0.118) revealed less diversity among the populations. The highest Nei’s genetic identity was between Population 4 and Population 3 (0.639), indicating gene flow during evolution, and the maximum genetic distance was between Population 1 and Population 2 (0.734) among the four populations, indicating that individuals of both the populations are highly diverse. Admixtures between the populations are evidence of hybridization and migration during the evolution of species. The present findings of the genetic structure of Cucumis species revealed the existence of a wide diversity in melons that could aid in the exploitation for the development of improved varieties and species conservation.

Precision in horticulture refers to a management strategy using electronic information amalgamating other technologies to gather, process and analyze spatial and temporal data. The goal of this strategy is to optimize agricultural outputs. Horticulture significantly contributes to Indian economy by augmenting farm output, generating employment and supplying raw materials. In contrast to traditional farming practices, the lack of advanced technologies for soil, light and temperature control, crop monitoring, water management, and pest and disease identification remains a major challenge in horticultural production. This study was conducted in Sonarpur, Mathurapur, Baruipur, Jaynagar and Lakhmikantapur blocks of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. The study focused on the cultivation of Solanum lycopersicum, Abelmoschus esculentus, Solanum melongena, Capsicum annuum, Raphanus sativus, Luffa acutangula, Lagenaria siceraria, Momordica charantica, Cucumis sativus and Cucurbita pepo in mono-culture fields from January to December 2024. Transfer learning using ImageNet has been utilized for identification of vegetables whose pictures are already available. Images of remaining species (Lagenaria siceraria, Capsicum annuum, Abelmoschus esculentus and Cucurbita pepo) were also obtained from high-resolution RGB aerial cameras operating from 30, 40 and 50 meters above ground. Approximately 20 video frames per tree were captured, with a shift of 20 pixels per frame. KNN, SVM and Naïve Bayes were used for classification and detection of pest and diseases of crops also predicting crop losses. Equipped with computer vision, drones could monitor the quality of crop growth and minimize damage. The application of automated precision irrigation could also reduce wastages, improving resource utilization. AlexNet, VGG-16, ResNet- 50, Faster RCNN, YOLO v3, Mask RCNN, Inception ResNet architectural models were utilized for image processing. Mask-RCNN was helpful in detecting and counting the number of fruits while YOLOv3 proved beneficial with fruit localization. Fruit classification based upon the ripening stage was carried out using AlexNet, ResNet, VGG-16 and Inception Net. The ResNet model displayed an accuracy of 86.54%, F1 score of 0.849 and recall score of 84.1% for fruit detection. AlexNet also yielded fruitful results with a recall score of 88.14%, F1 score of 0.854 and an accuracy of 86.75%. Faster RCNN showed greater performance (mean average precision i.e. mAP-83%) as compared to Mask-RCNN (mAP-72.3%) and VGG-16 (mAP-70.38%) for disease identification. SVM classification reached the highest accuracy of 86.4% compared to KNN (81.4%) and Naïve Bayes (76%) for pest detection and classification. Future research could explore the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, such IoT, cloud computing and blockchain, to further improve horticultural practices, optimize resource consumption and promote sustainability.

Developing new biostimulant products is a multifaceted process that includes screening potential substances, investigating their modes of action, and conducting efficacy trials. Since biostimulants operate through diverse mechanisms, and their effectiveness is closely linked to these processes, it is crucial to analyse plant responses at multiple levels, including physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects.

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic responses of wild rocket plants following the application of a biostimulant candidate.

Wild rocket plants (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) were cultivated in pots under controlled conditions. The product LG527, made from plant extracts and metabolites, was applied to leaves at a concentration of 50 µL/L. Physiological analyses were performed after three treatments (24, 48, and 96 hours post-treatment). Omic analysis included transcriptomic sampling at 24 hours and metabolomic sampling at 96 hours.

Results demonstrated a positive impact on photosynthetic performance, evidenced by the enhanced efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and reduced energy dissipation (DIo/RC). The performance index (PI) increased in treated plants, supported by the modulation of genes related to photosynthesis. This effect was confirmed by the positive regulation of crucial photosynthesis genes (psbP and lhcb5). No significant changes were observed in chlorophyll content; however, treated plants exhibited an increase in sucrose at 48 hours and a decrease in reducing sugars at 96 hours. The treatment effectively reduced nitrate concentrations after 48 hours. This effect has been linked to the activation of biosynthetic amino acid pathways, as indicated by the increased expression of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism (glutamine synthetase and ribulose-phosphate 3-epimerase). Other significant modulations of genes involve calcium signalling and hormonal responses. The down-regulation of auxin and cytokine response regulators suggests an influence on plant growth and development.

The findings highlight LG527's potential as a biostimulant, reinforcing previous trials that demonstrated its efficacy in improving plant quality attributes and stress resilience. The collected data contribute to the formulation of potential usage claims.

Mabroom date (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which belongs to the Arecaceae palm family, hasgained considerable importance as a staple food source for millions of people worldwide. This species is recognized as one of the most important agricultural crops in Qatar. Fresh fruit dates are susceptible to mold and postharvest bacterial spoilage, resulting in significant financial losses. Octanoic fatty acid (OFA) has been shown to regulate the growth of disease-causing organisms such as fungi and bacteria. It is known to have antibacterial properties. The objective of the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of OFA on postharvest pathogens of mabroom fruits under in vitro conditions. Fresh, healthy, and fully ripe mabroom dates were obtained from the National Agriculture and Food Corporation (NAFCO). The chosen fruits were packed in sterile, well-ventilated plastic boxes and transported under controlled conditions. Then, the fruits were distributed into five groups (G1 to G5). The groups G1, G2, and G3 received 1, 2, and 3.5% OFA, respectively, while G4 was left untreated and G5 was washed only with tap water. Each group contained 200 g of fresh and healthy semi-soft dates. The samples were then dried and incubated in a humidity chamber at 25°C ±2 for seven days. Signs and symptoms of decay were monitored and recorded. The presence of pathogens was confirmed by way of phenotypic- and microscopic-based methods. The results showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the groups. OFA at 3.5% had the strongest inhibitory action against postharvest pathogens, followed by OFA 2%. However, there were no differences (P ≤ 0.05) between OFA 1% and the control groups. Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Botrytis spp. were most abundant in the control group, followed by OFA 2% and OFA 1%, respectively. In conclusion, octanoic fatty acid at 3.5% may improve the quality of date fruit through its high antimicrobial activity, reduce the effect of post-harvest decay, minimize the loss of date fruit during storage, and improve the sustainability of date fruits.

Changing temperature regimes can cause a misalignment between honey bees foraging for pollen and nectar and the availability of floral resources from horticultural crops, potentially leading to decreased nutrition and colony collapse disorders. Hence, the present research focuses on formulating natural imitations of pollen and nectar substitutes from sea buckthorn fruit, sweet potato and yam starch, and red banana peel pulp extracts. A baobab fruit, monk fruit sugar, and Nannari root extract-based pollen formulation 1 (P 1 ) had a particle size distribution of 605.3±0.02 nm, a pH of 3.5±0.03, total polyphenol content of 1.14±0.05 mg GAE/g, carbohydrate content of 79.4±4.84%, crude protein content of4.02±0.23%, ash is 2.48±0.2%, 8.4±0.52% moisture content, and 5.7±0.45% crude fat. Meanwhile, for a sea buckthorn fruit, sweet potato starch, nannari, and liquorice root extract with a black acacia gum-based pollen formulation 2 (P 2 ), we recorded a particle size distribution of 508.9±0.02 nm, a pH of 3.2±0.29, total polyphenol content of 1.28±0.09 mg GAE/g, 79.9±4.39% carbohydrates, 1.35±0.08% crude protein, 3.36±0.19% ash, 9±0.5% moisture content, and 6.3±0.57% crude fat. P1 contains 17 amino acids, with aspartic acid being the most prevalent. P2 contains 17 amino acids, with aspartic acid being the most prevalent. Nectar formulation 1 (N 1 ) prepared from thaumatin, baobab fruit, seabuckthorn fruit, red banana pulp and peel, nyctanthes extract along with yeast mogroside, polycrystaline sugar, and monk fruit juice concentrate possessed viscosity of 0.0011±0.0001 Pa. s, osmolarity of 643±28.94mmol/L, 3.59±0.27 ⁰ Brix total soluble solids, and 38.53±3.04mg/g total sugars. For nectar formulation 2 (N 2 ) prepared from polycrystalline and monk fruit sugar with seabuckthorn fruit juice, the viscosity was 0.00089±0.00005 Pa. s, the osmolarity was 773±64.33 mmol/L, with 3.4±0.27 ⁰ Brix total soluble solids and 44.26±2.97 mg/g total sugars. The lysine content was the highest in N 1 and aspartic acid content was the highest in N2. The research on A. mellifera bees' dietary choices and their consumption patterns revealed the highest consumption of the pollen substitute was noted for P2 at 3.66 g/colony in June, while the lowest consumption of P1N2 was also recorded in June at 2.8 g/colony. N1 led the nectar substitutes with 691.67 ml. Pollen diet acceptance was highest in P2 at 0.86 g in June and reached 0.97 g for P1 and P2N1 in July. The sealed brood area peaked at 272.69 cm² in P1 (June) and 523 cm² in N1 (July), showing the effectiveness of targeted diets. All formulations showed autofluorescence from 455 nm to 525 nm; as a result, it has been concluded that the pollen and nectar formulations are mimicked the natural pollen and nectar substitutes.

Many nations are promoting the use of renewable natural resources to address environmental and health challenges, using plant biomass management as a key strategy. Annually, 200 billion tons of lignocellulosic biomass are produced globally. Governments are implementing policies for a green, circular economy, focusing on high-value products and by-products, residues and waste reduction. Wood residues, for example, from managing forest and green areas, which are rich in bioactive compounds like tannins from plants such as chestnut, have a considerable potential for plant protection within the framework of truly sustainable agriculture by improving plant performance under climate stress, provided they are non-toxic to soil. Moreover, this approach is especially beneficial for marginal rural areas, offering economic opportunities and enhancing resilience to environmental challenges. In this study, a chestnut wood chip extract produced at both the lab and pilot scale was evaluated for its bioactivity and compared to several commercial biostimulants obtained through a pyrolytic process, for which limited scientific data are still available. After assessing the total phenolic content, several tests were performed on lettuce plants grown in arid frank sandy soil (Santomera, Murcia, Spain) under salt and water stress conditions, treated by fertigation with different concentrations of these extracts. The primary objective was to assess their potential in enhancing plant performance under stress factors. Chemical analyses were conducted on both treated and untreated plants to assess their content of micro- and macronutrients and heavy metals in order to evaluate the quality and safety of the final harvest. Additionally, the roots were examined to assess potential secondary, indirect effects of these treatments. Soil analyses were also carried out to investigate the impact of these extracts on the soil microbiome, soil enzyme activities, and overall soil quality. The results indicated no negative effects on soil quality, with values from treated soil being comparable to those of the negative controls. The extracts examined were shown to improve lettuce performance and yields under stress, thus ensuring greater product stability. However, the extracts differed in their overall effects on plant morphology and physiology, as well as in their bioactivity, exhibiting a dose-dependent effect.

Background. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) fruits are rich in bioactive compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, known for their antioxidant properties and potential applications in functional foods. Goals. This study investigated the effects of harvest timing in summer and winter and in solvents such as distilled water and 70% ethanol on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of blackthorn fruit extracts. Methodology. Following analytical protocols, the total phenols and tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were determined spectrophotometrically. The tannin content was determined by the difference between total phenols and non-tannic phenols. The efficiency of natural antioxidants in the tested samples was determined spectrophotometrically using the FRAP, ABTS+, and DPPH methods. Results. The results reveal significant seasonal and solvent-based differences in the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of blackthorn fruits. Winter-harvested fruits consistently show higher concentrations of bioactive compounds compared to summer fruits. Ethanol consistently proves to be a more efficient solvent, yielding higher values for all measured parameters across both seasons, although the seasonal differences are less pronounced in ethanol extracts. Fruits collected during winter, with their higher antioxidant capacity and bioactive content, are particularly promising for applications in functional foods or nutraceuticals, especially when processed using ethanol-based extraction methods. Ethanol consistently outperformed water as a solvent, yielding higher concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Winter-harvested fruits showed a significant increase in tannins (104% higher in water extracts and 50% in ethanol extracts), flavonoids (93% higher in water extracts), and anthocyanins (61% higher in water extracts), while summer ethanol extracts had 15% more anthocyanins. Antioxidant activity, assessed through FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays, was notably greater in autumn fruits, with water extracts showing 35–49% higher activity and ethanol extracts displaying 9.5–24% higher activity. Conclusions. These results highlight the critical role of harvest timing and solvent choice in maximizing the extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential. Winter fruits, especially when extracted with ethanol, are particularly valuable for developing health-promoting products, emphasizing the importance of optimizing these factors to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of blackthorn fruits.

Waterlogging-induced stress significantly affects peach (Prunus persica) orchards, leading to physiological disturbances and increased susceptibility to diseases such as peach gummosis. This study investigates the synergistic effects of waterlogging and gummosis under controlled experimental conditions to determine the mechanisms linking soil saturation to disease severity. The experiment was conducted using Prunus persica cv. ‘Spring Snow’ plants grown in pots with well-drained loamy soil. Waterlogging treatments were imposed by submerging the root zone for 7, 14, and 21 days, while control plants were maintained at a 60% field capacity. Physiological responses, including root hypoxia (oxygen diffusion rate), chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and enzymatic antioxidant activity, were assessed. Additionally, gummosis severity was evaluated by measuring gum exudation rates and lesion development following inoculation with Lasiodiplodia theobromae.

Results revealed that prolonged waterlogging (≥14 days) significantly reduced root oxygen diffusion rates by 45%, leading to increased ethylene production and oxidative stress. Chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance declined by 32% and 41%, respectively, indicating waterlogging-induced photosynthetic impairment. Enzymatic antioxidant activity (SOD, POD, and CAT) initially increased by 25%, 18%, and 22%, respectively, but declined after 14 days, suggesting an overwhelmed defense system. The severity of peach gummosis was markedly higher under waterlogged conditions, with infected trees exhibiting 56% greater gum exudation and 48% larger lesions compared to non-waterlogged counterparts. Soil microbial analysis indicated a shift toward anaerobic and pathogenic fungal dominance in waterlogged soils, further aggravating disease incidence.

To mitigate these effects, the study evaluated the efficacy of microbial inoculants containing Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum, as well as improved drainage practices. Trees treated with microbial amendments exhibited 38% lower gum exudation and 42% improved root recovery post-waterlogging. Additionally, trees grafted onto waterlogging-tolerant rootstocks (Prunus persica × Prunus davidiana) displayed 61% higher survival rates and 49% reduced gummosis severity compared to those on susceptible rootstocks. These findings underscore the importance of integrating water management strategies and biological control methods to minimize the adverse effects of waterlogging on peach trees. By identifying key physiological and microbial interactions, this research provides practical recommendations for improving orchard resilience under excessive soil moisture conditions.

Leguminous crops are a cornerstone of global agriculture, valued for their high protein content, nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and contribution to sustainable food systems. As global demand for legumes rises, so does the risk of spreading seed-borne pathogens, including Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff), a Gram-positive bacterium causing the "bacterial wilt of common beans". Legumes not only provide a low-cost, high-quality source of proteins but also play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. They contribute significantly to global diets, particularly in emerging countries, where they account for over 60% of protein intake. Their ability to improve soil fertility and their gluten-free nature further enhance their value in sustainable agriculture and human nutrition. Despite these benefits, the expansion of legume cultivation and trade has heightened the risk of spreading seed-borne pathogens. The latent nature of Cff infections and its systemic colonization of xylem tissues complicate early detection, highlighting the need for innovative diagnostic strategies.

The potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as biomarkers for non-invasive pathogen detection was explored through the characterization of VOC profiles emitted by different Cff strains in vitro. More than 100 VOCs were identified, with five major compounds—2-methyl-1-butanol/3-methyl-1-butanol, phenylmethanol, 6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one, and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol—produced by Cff strains in legume flours. These compounds were chosen based on statistically significant differences in production or degradation between Cff-inoculated and non-inoculated samples. VOCs were analyzed using HS-SPME-GC-MS (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Samples were incubated at 60°C for 10 minutes before exposing the SPME fiber to the headspace for 30 minutes. Further in vivo validation on artificially Cff-infected Cannellino beans confirmed the diagnostic relevance of phenylmethanol and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, which uniquely differentiate Cff from other bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola and Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli. Additionally, VOC profiles produced by Cff strains varied significantly when grown on legume flours compared to synthetic media, reinforcing the potential of substrate-specific VOCs for pathogen identification.

Accordingly, VOC fingerprinting emerges as a promising tool for the rapid and reliable screening of asymptomatic seeds, offering a sustainable approach to seed health management. Given the increasing globalization of seed trade, improving phytosanitary control is mandatory to prevent the introduction of seed-borne pathogens into new regions. The development of portable VOC-detection technologies could enhance pathogen surveillance at critical points in the seed trade chain, mitigating risks of disease outbreaks and supporting sustainable legume production in the face of growing global challenges.

To comprehensively identify acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) genes in the Chinese gutta percha tree, we utilized known ACBP sequences from Arabidopsis, rice, and poplar as references, employing blastp, hmmer, and domain analysis techniques. This led to the identification of five distinct ACBPs (EuACBP1-EuACBP5) characterized by varying amino acid content and molecular weights, all of which are acidic with an instability index suggesting inherent instability. Chromosomal mapping revealed these genes on chromosomes 7 and 8, with a uniform distribution across different plant species' chromosomes. Exon-intron organization analysis indicated a consistent structure within subgroups, reflecting potential functional significance and evolutionary patterns. Predicted subcellular localizations showed EuACBP1, EuACBP2, and EuACBP4 in the cytoplasm, while EuACBP3 and EuACBP5 were in the chloroplasts and nucleus, respectively. Comparative phylogenetic analysis categorized EuACBPs into four subgroups, highlighting the evolutionary relationships with homologous genes from Arabidopsis, rice, and poplar. Cis-acting element analysis of promoter regions identified motifs related to stress responses, hormone response, and plant growth, suggesting regulatory roles in various physiological processes. Tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated distinctive patterns, with EuACBP1 predominantly in seeds and EuACBP5 in roots and stems, indicating their involvement in specific biological functions. Seasonal and drought stress expression analysis revealed significant seasonal specificity and varied responses to drought stress, emphasizing their roles in plant adaptation. This study enriches our understanding of the ACBP gene family in the Chinese gutta percha tree, providing a foundation for future research into their functional dynamics under environmental stresses. Comprehensive gene interaction network, miRNA regulatory effects, and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses further highlighted their crucial roles in metabolism, genetic information processing, and cellular processes. These findings underscore the potential genetic targets for enhancing stress resistance and adaptability in plants. This study comprehensively identified and characterized five ACBP genes in the Chinese gutta percha tree, revealing their distinct amino acid content, subcellular localizations, and chromosomal distributions. Phylogenetic analysis categorized these genes into four subgroups, highlighting evolutionary relationships. Promoter analysis uncovered cis-elements related to stress and hormonal responses, while tissue-specific and seasonal expression patterns indicated their roles in various biological functions and stress responses. These findings enhance our understanding of the ACBP gene family, providing a foundation for future research on their functional dynamics and potential applications in improving stress resistance and adaptability in plants.