After harvest, date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L) is characterized by a moderate moisture content (MC) that might negatively affect its storage ability, especially for soft cultivars. Accordingly, drying is often applied at postharvest to reduce MC and maintain the quality attributes of dates during cold storage. In this investigation, the effect of the infrared drying method as an innovative drying technique was tested in association with controlled cold storage conditions to elucidate the changes in the main quality attributes of two soft Moroccan date cultivars with high commercial value. Thus, fresh ‘Mejhoul’ and ‘Boufeggous’ cultivars were subjected to infrared drying (IRD) at 60 °C/50 Hz using an industrial dryer (CONVECO Sp. z o.o., Glinianka, Poland) for 150 minutes. After drying, infrared dried date fruit samples were stored at +4 °C/55% and +4° C/65% of relative humidity (RH) for four months and assessed for water loss, color attributes, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, and total sugars based on glucose and fructose. Therefore, the structure of the experimental design included four blocks:

• IRD ‘Mejhoul’ stored at +4 °C/55% (M-IRD55).
• IRD ‘Mejhoul’ stored at +4 °C/65% (M-IRD65).
• IRD ‘Boufeggous’ stored at +4 °C/55% (B-IRD55).
• IRD ‘Boufeggous’ stored at +4 °C/65% (B-IRD65).

The results showed that the initial water activity prior to cold storage was, respectively, 0.568 and 0.662 for ‘Mejhoul’ and ‘Boufeggous’, and it was a critical attribute, in addition to RH, in impacting the storage ability of each cultivar. Thus, the highest water loss was recorded for B-IRD55 with -3.97%, followed by B-IRD65 and M-IRD55 with a slight dehydration of -0.78% and -0.32%, respectively. However, a water gain of +1.67% was documented for M-IRD65. All color attributes (lightness, redness, yellowness, and chroma) were changed during storage and influenced the browning index that increased for all blocks after four months of storage, reaching, respectively, 43.4, 38.8, 34.4, and 29.1 for M-IRD65, M-IRD55, B-IRD65, and B-IRD55. Acidity showed an opposite and slight fluctuation for the two cold storage conditions according to the cultivar since this parameter increased for ‘Boufeggous’ and decreased for ‘Mejhoul’. For TSS, only B-IRD55 was highly impacted at the end of storage, while date cultivars stored at lower RH (55%) exhibited a slightly higher sugar content compared to those stored at 65%.

Acknowledgment. This research is part of the project No. 2022/45/P/NZ9/03904 co-funded by the National Science Centre and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 945339.

Lychee (Lychee chinensis Sonn.), a tropical fruit renowned for its attractive red color, sweet taste, and nutritional benefits, faces significant post-harvest challenges. These include color degradation and dehydration due to oxidative stress, which are accelerated by unfavorable storage conditions. This study investigates the combined effects of an organic olive oil-based coating and polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) film in passive atmosphere storage on the preservation of lychee during cold storage. Lychee fruits, harvested at commercial maturity, were divided into two groups: one treated with an organic coating made from a blend of Sicilian olive oils (OC) and the other left untreated as a control (CTR). The treated fruits were stored in PA/PE bags, which regulate the exchange of gases and moisture, at 5±1°C and 90±5% relative humidity. The fruits were analyzed at 0 (as fresh), 3, 6, and 9 days of storage for various physical, chemical, microbiological, nutritional, and sensory characteristics. The results demonstrated that the combination of the organic coating and PA/PE film significantly improved the preservation of lychee quality compared to the untreated control. The organic coating acted as a protective barrier, reducing oxidative reactions, preventing enzymatic browning, and preserving the fruit's color and texture. The PA/PE film, on the other hand, helped create a controlled internal atmosphere by reducing oxygen levels and increasing carbon dioxide, thereby slowing respiration and delaying ripening processes. This dual treatment not only minimized weight loss but also significantly extended the shelf-life of the fruit. The treated lychee exhibited a slower rate of maturity index decline, preserving both its sensory attributes and nutritional value for a longer period. The combination of the organic coating and modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) proved to be an effective, eco-friendly solution for extending the shelf-life and maintaining the quality of lychee during cold storage. These findings offer a promising strategy for the sustainable preservation of fresh lychee, ensuring that it retains its visual appeal, flavor, and nutritional content during storage and transport.

Introduction

In Salento (Apulia, South Italy), Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xf) has caused significant damage to the local economy, highlighting the urgent need for crop renewal aimed at developing new production chains and increasing the biodiversity of the area. To achieve this, it is essential to use species that are considered immune or resistant to the bacterium. The almond tree (Prunus dulcis Mill.) is an excellent candidate, as some varieties have shown resistance to the bacterium and can also grow in conditions of water shortage. Additionally, almond tree cultivation holds significant traditional and economic value in the Apulia region.

Goals

In this work, we report the performance of two almond cultivars, “Filippo Ceo” and “Tuono”, which are presumed to be resistant to Xf. We evaluated changes in various physiological parameters, focusing on the proline content and the expression profiles of genes associated with its metabolism, as proline plays a key role in plant stress responses. Insights from this analysis may reveal stress tolerance mechanisms and support sustainable strategies to combat Xf.

Methodology

his study was conducted in an 18-year-old almond orchard in Veglie (Lecce, Italy), an area that has been affected by Xf since 2015, using a randomized block design with seasonal sampling. The bacterial concentration was measured in CFU/ml (D’Attoma et al. 2019), while the proline concentration was determined using the method developed by Bates et al. (1973). Our gene expression analysis involved RNA extraction with a CTAB-based protocol, cDNA synthesis with TaqMan® reagents, and Real-Time PCR using SYBR Green. Expression levels were calculated using the log2 2^−ΔΔCt method.

Results

During the 2023–2024 trial, no trees exhibited significant symptoms of Xf infection. The PCR analyses identified approximately one-third of Xf-positive plants, which showed bacterial concentrations below 10 ³ CFU mL ⁻¹ . The free proline content was low in healthy uninfected plants but significantly increased in Xf-positive ones of both cvs, with no significant variation across different sampling periods. Moreover, genes linked to proline metabolism were induced by Xf, with notable differences in expression levels between the two cvs.

Conclusions

Proline is a multifunctional amino acid that plays a pivotal role in plant stress responses. In the context of resistance to Xf infection, proline accumulation and its metabolic pathways may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying stress tolerance and adaptation. Such findings may be useful in the development of targeted breeding programs and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the impact of Xf.

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential micronutrient and required for nitrogen metabolism and plant enzyme activity. Nanoparticles (NPs) have become an important research topic due to their ability to increase plants' nutritional efficiency and promote growth. Molybdenum trioxide NPs (MoO₃) may be a promising tool to improve the availability of Mo to plants. However, their effects on plants' micro- and macronutrient composition have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of MoO₃ NPs on micro- and macronutrient changes in pea plants (Pisum sativum). The research was carried out in a greenhouse, in which seven green pea (Respect’) seedlings were grown in 10 L vegetative pots. When the peas reached the 39 BBCH growth stage, they were foliar sprayed to full wetness (ca. 14±0.5 mL plant⁻¹) or watered (100±1 mL per pot) with suspensions containing different concentrations of MoO₃ NPs: 0 (watered or sprayed with distilled water), 0.0125, 0.025, and 0.05 mg mL^-1. At the end of the experiment, peas were harvested to assess the interactive effects of MoO₃ NPs on their elemental composition. The results showed that exposure to MoO₃ NPs through the roots led to an increase in Mo content of up to 43%, while foliar treatment resulted in an increase of up to 47% in pea leaves. In pea stems, the Mo content increased by up to 34% when the plants were treated through the roots, and it rose even higher, by up to 46%, when the pea plants were treated through the leaves. When watering peas with MoO₃ NPs, the accumulation of Mo in the roots was 2 to 3.6 times greater, and after foliar application, the accumulation was 1.3 to 1.8 times higher compared with untreated plants. MoO₃ NPs strongly reduced the accumulation of Ca, Mg, Na, and Fe in pea leaves and stems. The study results reveal the potential of MoO₃ nanoparticles in sustainable crop production but emphasize the need for precise regulation of their use.

The growing demand for sustainable food production systems requires the development of innovative approaches to optimize the utilization of natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of human activities. Marine aquaculture, a significant source of marine-derived products, produces effluents rich in organic and inorganic compounds. If not properly managed, these effluents can lead to the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems. The genus Salicornia (Salicornia spp.) has a great economic potential due to its multiple applications, ranging from culinary uses to biomass production for biofuels. Due to their natural ability to tolerate high salinity and phytodepuration capability, Salicornia species are the perfect candidates for sustainable closed-loop systems, such as aquaculture. However, the selection of wild local accessions and the optimization of cultivation practices are still poorly understood, especially in hydroponic systems using effluent from marine aquaculture. The aim of this study was to assess the adaptability of a local glasswort (Salicornia perennans Willd. subsp. perennans) to hydroponic cultivation using aquaculture effluent and to evaluate the yield and quality characteristics of the final product. Two wild accessions of S. perennans were used in this experiment. Seeds were collected from the two main saltmarshes within the Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli (Pisa, Tuscany). The plants were grown for three months, in late spring, in a floating hydroponic raft system with four different nutrient solutions: a standard nutrient solution (0g/L of NaCl) for leaf vegetables; a salinized standard nutrient solution (25 g/L of NaCl); and two salinized artificial effluents (25 g/L of synthetic sea salt), one with the same mineral content of a real sea bream aquaculture effluent and the other with the same mineral content of the standard solution. In both accessions, an optimal mineral content and the addition of salt in the nutrient solution were essential for high total fresh biomass production, while the total dry mass content was not significantly influenced by the treatments. Regarding nutraceutical parameters, in both experiments, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, phenols and nitrates showed a similar trend, with their content decreasing in salinized nutrient solutions compared to the non-salinized treatment. However, a higher total chlorophylls content was recorded in the fresh shoots grown in the non-salinized standard solution, but only for the Galanchio accession. The results show the feasibility of cultivating wild accessions of S. perennans using effluent from saline aquaculture systems. Furthermore, the mineral composition of the effluent is crucial to a high-quality product.

Apple is a unique fruit, characterized by excellent nutritional properties and good postharvest properties. Following the harvesting process, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the fruit and ensure that its nutritional properties remain largely unchanged for an extended period, or at least to minimize any alterations. The postharvest quality of apples is significantly affected by the conditions under which they are cultivated, as well as by the management practices that are implemented preharvest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of growing conditions on the postharvest quality of apples and the quality of the fruit during storage. Eight distinct combinations of growth control techniques, including manual pruning, mechanical pruning, spraying, and trunk cutting, were selected for this experiment. The experiment was carried out in an experimental intensive orchard in Lithuania, (55°60’ N, 23°48’ E). Apples (Malus Domestica Borkh.) for the experiment were collected from fully grown trees. The collected apples were stored and placed in boxes in a temperature-controlled (temperature 4±2˚C degrees) storage facility for 6 months, after which the postharvest quality and any quality changes in the apples were evaluated. It was observed that the lowest incidence of apples being affected by rot resulted from a combination of mechanized and manual pruning techniques, with a recorded damage rate of 20 percent. Furthermore, these apples demonstrated the highest levels of soluble sugars during storage, with their sucrose levels increasing by more than threefold due to the decomposition of starch. Conversely, the highest proportion of rotten apples, at 40 percent, was noted following trunk cutting with the aim of growth regulation. This method also led to the greatest loss of moisture and the lowest accumulation of sugars. Combining manual pruning with mechanized pruning allows for the highest quality of fruit, which can be maintained with minimal losses during storage. The experiment's results indicate that proper growth control techniques can enhance the postharvest quality of apples without the need for additional tools.

Background/Introduction: Sustainable disease management in horticultural crops, particularly root vegetables, faces significant challenges due to the dependence on synthetic fungicides. Nanotechnology presents promising applications in agriculture, offering solutions to increase crop production while reducing environmental impact. Nanocarriers (NCs) enable the efficient transport of biologically active molecules, minimizing the required amount of bioactive compounds and allowing for controlled release over time. However, the integration of biorational products with nanotechnology for root crop protection remains largely unexplored.

Goals: This study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan-based NCs loaded with biorational compounds from Dyer's madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) and cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC.) extracts for the sustainable control of major root crop pathogens.

Methodology: The research encompassed laboratory experiments, controlled environment in vivo tests, and field studies. In vitro experiments evaluated efficacy against Botrytis cinerea Pers., Cercospora beticola Sacc., Rhizoctonia solani J.G.Kühn, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. Artificial inoculation in vivo trials were conducted on sugar beet and carrot plants under controlled conditions. Field validation was performed during the 2024 growing season at AIMCRA's (Asociación de Investigación para la Mejora del Cultivo de la Remolacha Azucarera) testing plots in Villafranca de Duero (Valladolid, Spain), specifically focusing on Cercospora beticola control.

Results: Laboratory studies demonstrated significant mycelial growth inhibition, with effective concentrations ranging from 187.5 to 375 µg/mL for R. tinctorum-loaded NCs and 187.5 to 500 µg/mL for U. tomentosa-loaded NCs. Controlled environment trials achieved complete plant protection at doses between 187.5 and 500 µg/mL, varying by pathogen. Field trials showed superior control of C. beticola compared to other non-synthetic fungicides, with no observed phytotoxicity symptoms.

Conclusions: The developed biorational-loaded nanocarriers demonstrate significant potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional fungicides in root crop production. This approach offers an effective pathway for reducing synthetic chemical inputs while maintaining robust crop protection, particularly for sugar beet disease management.

Background: Sweet corn is a vegetable that is being increasingly cultivated in the world because of its nutritional value and wide application. Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the influence of different crop establishment methods (direct seeding and transplanting) and genotypes (Sweet Nugget and 255 DDST) on the yield components of sweet corn under greenhouse conditions. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in 2024 in a protected area (greenhouse with dimensions 41x8x3.5 m) at an altitude of 225 m (43°05’38.31” N, 21 °96’77.54” E) in the village of Bogojevce, near Leskovac, southern Serbia. Sowing was carried out on May 18, 2024, with a spacing of 70 cm between rows, 20 cm between rows within the strip, and 20 cm between plants. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 and Minitab (Trial version). ANOVA and LSD tests evaluated factor effects at p<0.05 and p<0.01, while Pearson’s correlation analyzed trait relationships. Results: The results of this study show that the investigated factors had a significant impact on yield components. Ahigher average ear weight (160.08 g) was achieved in the 255 DDST hybrid, while in the Sweet Nugget hybrid, it was 136.50 g. Transplantation has an advantage over direct sowing, especially regarding ear length and diameter. In the hybrid Sweet Nugget, an average ear length of 21.68 cm and a diameter of 3.61 cm were measured, while in the hybrid 255 DDST, a length of 20.81 cm and a diameter of 3.61 cm were obtained. Statistical analysis showed that the method of sowing and the interaction method of sowing x genotype had a significant effect on the length and diameter of the ear, while the genotype did not significantly affect the length of the ear. A strong and positive correlation was found between the total mass of the piston and the length of the piston (r=0.63**), and the total mass of the piston and the diameter of the piston (r=0.60**), while a negative correlation was recorded between the total mass of the piston and randman (r=-0.47**). Conclusion: It was concluded that transplantation is a more efficient way of establishing crops in greenhouse production conditions, which is reflected in higher values ​​of yield components. These results provide important information for the optimization of sweet corn production under sheltered conditions.

Introduction: The production of ornamental container plants in peat-free substrates is essential for advancing sustainable horticulture, mitigating environmental impacts, and preserving valuable peatland ecosystems.

Goals: This study aimed to investigate the potential of growing Tagetes erecta ‘Antiqua Yellow’ in three different commercially available substrates: (1) a substrate with a 20% reduced peat content (P1), (2) a peat-free substrate with perlite (P2), and (3) a peat-free substrate based on wood industry waste (P3).

Methodology: The experiment was conducted from March 21 to May 30, 2024, in experimental greenhouses at the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. Each treatment included four replicates of 25 plants grown on cultivation benches at a temperature of 18°C ±2°C during the day and 16°C ±2°C at night. After ten weeks of planting Tagetes erecta ‘Antiqua Yellow’ seedlings in the P9 pots (0.5 dm³), plant growth and development were assessed. The control group consisted of plants grown in a standard 100% peat substrate (PK). All tested substrates were enriched with dried and grounded mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) fruiting bodies (2.5% vol.) to be assessed as a potential biostimulator.

Results: The tallest plants were observed in the P1 substrate, while those grown in PK, P2, and P3 were approximately 2 cm shorter. The addition of the mushroom-based stimulator inhibited plant height but enhanced branching, although no substrate outperformed the control (PK), which demonstrated the highest tillering. Flower buds appeared fastest in the P3 substrate; however, all substrates exhibited visible flower buds by the third week. The development of flower buds to full bloom occurred most rapidly in peat-free substrates (P2 and P3) enriched with dried mushrooms. The best physiological parameters were observed in marigold leaves grown in the control substrate (PK), including chlorophyll fluorescence, SPAD readings, and photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids).

Conclusions: While peat-free substrates demonstrated potential for supporting marigold growth and flowering, none matched the physiological performance or overall quality of plants grown in 100% peat. Future research should focus on refining alternative substrates to bridge this performance gap, contributing to sustainable horticulture practices.

Diverse agro-climatic conditions in India provide an optimal environment for cultivating ornamental crops, including Ixora coccinea (West Indian Jasmine). This evergreen shrub, known for its striking year-round bloom clusters, holds significant commercial, ornamental, and ecological value. Despite its promise as a high-value loose-flower crop, there is a lack of research focused on optimizing its cultivation practices like spacing, irrigation, and nutrient requirements, particularly for micronutrient management for enhancing flower yield and quality. This study investigates the impact of foliar-applied micronutrients on Ixora's flowering, physiological, and post-harvest parameters from 2021 to 2022 at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The study evaluated four Ixora varieties (Red, Pink, Orange, and Yellow) under five foliar micronutrient treatments, including FeSO₄, ZnSO₄, and boric acid, applied at monthly intervals. A Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) was used to assess the varietal and treatment-specific responses systematically. The results showed significant improvement in floral and post-harvest traits across all the treatments. Among the varieties, Pink (V₂) demonstrated the best performance, with a flower bud length of 5.15 cm, bud width of 0.38 cm, and corolla tube length of 3.73 cm. This variety also exhibited the longest shelf life, lasting 5.20 days under ambient conditions and 6.21 days under refrigerated conditions. The interaction between the pink variety (V₂) and the foliar treatment of NPK + FeSO₄ (0.5%) + ZnSO₄ (0.5%) + boric acid (0.2%) (V₂ × T₄) produced optimal results, with a flower bud length of 5.44 cm, bud width of 0.44 cm, corolla tube length of 3.95 cm, and an extended shelf life of 6.09 days at room temperature and 7.13 days under refrigerated conditions. Foliar micronutrient applications significantly improved the nutrient uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, and also the overall flower quality. This study highlights the importance of strategic micronutrient management in enhancing the yield, quality, and profitability of Ixora flowers, offering promising opportunities for empowering small and marginal farmers and advancing India's floriculture sector.