LED lighting has been increasingly used in vertical farming as a sustainable alternative to HPS (High-Pressure Sodium), offering benefits like enhanced plant growth, improved shelf-life, and a better nutritional quality of horticultural products at lower costs. Optimized light treatments can increase key metabolites, such as vitamins and bioactive compounds. Pulsed LED lighting, delivering high-intensity light with lower energy consumption, has shown promising effects. By adjusting the duty cycle, it is possible to achieve high production while saving energy. This study investigated the effects of pulsed LED light on two lettuce cultivars, green and red (Lactuca sativa L., var. “Multifoglia”), over a 48-day growing cycle. Two duty cycles were compared, 50% (D50) and 25% (D25), both at 1000 Hz frequency and a photoperiod of 16 hours, using a spectrum of 82% red, 11% green, and 6% blue lights. PPFD in the two chambers was measured: in D50, it was 122 µmol m^-2s^-1, while in D25, it was 71 µmol m^-2s^-1. A greenhouse with natural light during the autumn season served as the control. After harvest, the quality was evaluated over a period of 10 days at 4°C. Analyses of various physiological and biochemical parameters were conducted. The results showed that at harvest the red-leaf cultivar had the highest fresh weight compared with the green lettuce. Leaf pigments such as total chlorophyll and carotenoids were higher under the D25 treatment in both cultivars. Nitrate concentration was also higher in pulsed treatments compared to control plants in the greenhouse but remained under the EU limits (4000 mg kg^-1 FW). The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (F_V/F_M) showed that plants under pulsed lighting were less stressed and showed better light use efficiency compared to the greenhouse conditions. The green lettuce showed better leaf performance. The effect of pulsed light was also observed during the postharvest period. Ethylene and CO₂ production, particularly after 7 days of cold storage, were significantly reduced under the D25 treatment. Considering energy saving, D25 reduced electric consumption by 34% compared with D50.

This study highlights the effectiveness of pulsed LED lighting, especially the D25 treatment, in improving growth, physiological traits, and energy efficiency in lettuce cultivars. Further analysis of secondary metabolites will be carried out to better understand plant responses and maximize the potential of these treatments.

Background/Introduction

In recent decades, the scientific community, in collaboration with private companies, has proposed some technological innovations to improve the quality of agricultural products and make agriculture more sustainable, leading to a significant reduction in the use of fertilizers. Among these, biostimulants represent a promising innovation in agriculture. Protein hydrolysates are a category of biostimulants obtained through the hydrolysis of protein-rich biomass. Enzymatic hydrolysis, which is based on the use of proteases, is a viable alternative to chemical hydrolysis because it can be performed under mild conditions, avoiding side reactions without decreasing the nutritional value of the protein source.

Goals

The objective of this work is to examine the effects of two soy protein hydrolysates, namely SPH A and SPH B, on lettuce (Lactuca sativa, var. Batavia Canasta green) under no stress and in conditions of reduced NPK nutrition, in terms of both yield and other parameters.

Methodology

Lettuce plants were grown in an experimental greenhouse, under monitored conditions (25 ± 3 °C, 16 h photoperiod). The first group of plants (thesis 1, standard fertilization, 5 replicates) received complete fertilization (100% N). In the second group, mineral fertilization was reduced to 50% N (thesis 2, reduced fertilization, 5 replicates); the third and fourth groups of plants with 50% N fertilization received SPH A and SPH B, respectively. The nutrients used for fertilization were as follows: Ca(NO₃)₂, NH₄NO₃, K₃PO₄ and K₂SO₄. Destructive analyses were performed, such as total fresh biomass, chlorophylls a+b and carotenoids, the phenol index and anthocyanin, nitrate content, and total and reducing sugars.

Results

Significant differences between the control and stress plants were observed in lettuce yield. Moreover, yields obtained after treatments with SPH A and SPH B were slightly higher (+14% and +17%, respectively) with respect to the stress conditions. The results obtained for chlorophyll a+b, carotenoids and total sugar were not statistically significant. However, plants grown under optimal fertilization conditions showed the highest nitrate levels, while stress resulted in a significant drop regardless of whether treatment A or B was applied.

Conclusions

These results confirm that biostimulants cannot fully replace fertilizers but could be helpful in decreasing the quantity of mineral nutrition or aiding in nutrient deficiency. However, to achieve this goal, a thorough investigation is necessary in order to define not only the NPK uptake for each cultivar but also the application time and dose of protein hydrolysate for each crop and the environmental conditions.

Red Delicious (RD) apples benefit from low oxygen storages, that delay ripening allowing for a better maintenance of fruit quality. However, RD is sensitivity to such conditions and often results in an excessive accumulation of ethanol and other off flavors, as well as the onset of storage disorders, leading to unmarketability and important postharvest losses. To mitigate these effects, dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) storage has been adopted particularly for pome fruits. DCA uses extremely low oxygen levels that are adjusted based on the fruit's physiological responses. These conditions induce modulations in both fundamental and specialized metabolisms. To investigate these adaptations, RD apples stored under different CA protocols (normoxia; static 0.3% and 0.8% oxygen; dynamic oxygen modulation from 0.3 to 0.8%) under cold storage at 1 °C. Responses were evaluated for peel and pulp tissues separately focusing on the molecular and metabolic adaptations. For this aim, transcriptomics analysis using both RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and RT-qPCR in addition to metabolomics analysis involving VOCs, polyphenols, and primary metabolites were conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the fruit status. Results confirmed the marked induction of ethanol and subsequent accumulation of ethyl esters and alanine under static 0.3% conditions. Common and tissue-specific responses between peel and pulp have been identified. Both tissues accumulated non-ethyl esters under normoxia, fermentation-related VOCs under static CA conditions, and amino acids like valine and lysine under DCA, along with the retention of higher firmness levels and absence of storage disorders. Among tissue-specific responses, polyphenols appeared to differentially accumulate at higher levels in the pulp under DCA and in the peel under normoxia. Transcriptomics analysis confirmed and aligned the metabolomic findings and highlighted the involvement of ERFs transcription factors in response of apple fruit to different levels of low oxygen stress.

The study provided insight into the metabolic and molecular responses of RD apples to DCA protocols, helping to clarify and deepen the understanding of both common and tissue-specific responses of apple pulp and peel tissues.

The Puglia region is exceptionally rich in agro-biodiversity, showcasing how local vegetable varieties can continue to interact with modern horticulture. Unfortunately, the genetic diversity of vegetable crops in this region has declined due to factors such as rural abandonment, an aging farming population, and the loss of generational knowledge transfer.

This article summarizes the objectives, methodologies, and outcomes of the “Biodiversity of Puglia’s Vegetable Crops (BiodiverSO)” projects. These integrated initiatives, funded by the Puglia Regional Administration under the Rural Development Program, aim to recover, characterize, conserve, and enhance local vegetable varieties.

During the first project edition (2013–2018), activities were organized into eight work packages. For illustrative—yet incomplete—purposes, significant achievements include the recognition and promotion of the “Carota di Polignano” (Daucus carota L.), a local carrot variety producing yellow, purple, and orange roots within the same field. Additionally, eight local varieties of globe artichoke were sanitized of viruses such as artichoke Italian latent virus (AILV), artichoke latent virus (ArLV), and tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) using meristem-tip culture and in vitro thermotherapy.

The second project edition (2023–2025) expanded activities to ten work packages, along with two additional actions focused on dissemination and information exchange. Notable progress was made with the “Scopatizzo” (Cucumis melo L.), an unripe melon used similarly to cucumbers. In hydroponic cultivation, this variety yielded 5.3 kg/plant (26.2 fruits/plant) within 71 days of transplanting. Furthermore, bitter fruits were observed in this variety, a phenomenon previously reported in some local cucumber varieties.

Another important result, by way of example but not of limitation, involved the “Barattiere”, a landrace of unripe melon (C. melo L.). This variety demonstrated resistance to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), showing no detectable disease symptoms and recording very low levels of viral DNA accumulation. Consequently, the “Barattiere” has been proposed as a rootstock for ToLCNDV-susceptible cucurbit genotypes.

For both project editions, a computerized database—the BiodiverSO Management System (BMS)—was developed to ensure accurate and efficient management and processing of project data.

The results underscore that while some local varieties were replaced by modern ones before reaching their full potential, their genetic value remains critical for future crop improvement programs.

In conclusion, the BiodiverSO project serves as a model initiative for the protection and recovery of vegetable varieties at risk of genetic erosion, facilitating the identification and valorization of Puglia’s diverse plant germplasm.

The ongoing climate change imposes abiotic stresses on the agricultural sector, pushing towards the search for multifunctional plant species which are not only capable of coping with stress but also have high nutritional and ornamental values. The PRIN-NATIVASA project for the Italian floristry sector focusses on selecting new native Australian and South African species resistant to environmental challenges and creating opportunities to develop sustainable ornamental commodities. In these regions, native bushy species are considered the main source of indigenous food sustenance for their high nutraceutical value and their adaptability to drought and arid environments. Bulbine frutescens, originally from South Africa, represents a good example of an edible plant rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a powerful medicinal plant due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. This plant exhibits also remarkable resilience, thriving in harsh environments with rapid growth and exceptional drought tolerance due to its succulent leaves. This study investigates the shelf-life response of B. frutescens during post-production, specifically addressing ethylene sensitivity and the impact of chemical treatments on maintaining quality. Plants were subjected to simulated transportation (dark conditions for one week at room temperature), followed by a retail phase (low light intensity for one week). Pre-treatments with melatonin (100 µmol) and 1-MCP (10 ppm) were conducted. Ethylene sensitivity was evaluated in plants exposed for 24h to ethylene (10 ppm) and were compared to control in light conditions. Physiological and biochemical analyses were conducted, measuring ethylene and CO₂ production, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and visual quality. The results showed that the 1-MCP and melatonin treatments were effective in maintaining plant quality by keeping chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and the Chla/Chlb ratio high after the transport period (in the dark), in addition to lower values of MDA and gases production. On the other hand, B. frutescens showed minimal sensitivity to exogenous ethylene treatment, as ethylene and CO₂ production, along with other physiological parameters, remained comparable to untreated control plants kept under light.

This study emphasizes the resilience of B. frutescens to post-production stresses and highlights the potential of 1-MCP and melatonin to further enhance its marketability as a novel ornamental species. Future studies will focus on evaluating and studying other native potential candidates with superior post-production performance, supporting the development of sustainable, climate-resilient ornamental commodities.

The increase in inappropriate agricultural practices and irrigation with low-quality water has led to a rise in the amount of soil with high salt concentrations. Salinity is a type of abiotic stress that significantly affects the growth and development of crops, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), which is one of the most consumed agricultural products worldwide. One way to mitigate the problems caused by salinity can be the use of biostimulants. Bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites, such us phenolic acids, glycosides, and vitamins mean that the horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense L.) can have a biostimulant effect on crops. Also, it accumulates large amounts of Si, which is beneficial for plant growth, the photosynthetic rate, and can help to alleviate the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Equisetum arvense applied to tomato plants under saline stress conditions. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse where tomato plants were grown in hydroponics under controlled conditions. First, macronutrients and micronutrients, silicon and phenolic compounds, were extracted through magnetic stirring, and then, the E. arvense extract (EA-E) obtained was applied via foliar feeding to tomato plants to test its efficacy. Positive results were observed after spraying the extract (EA-E). The treatment with the extract (EA-E) was established according to the concentration of phenolic compounds and silicon. It induced an increase in biomass production and chlorophyll synthesis; fresh weight increased by 24% compared to the saline control (SC); and the chlorophyll concentration reached the values of the normal control (NC). In terms of oxidative stress, EA-E was also effective; MDA and H₂O₂ concentrations were reduced by 57% and 29% and the proline concentration decreased by 23% compared with the saline control (SC). These results show the effectiveness of E. arvense extracts (EA-Es) in reducing the effects of salinity on tomato plants under the conditions of this study. For tomato, Equisetum arvense, under salt stress, was used as the biostimulant in this study.

Lacto-fermentation can be used to preserve chili pepper after harvesting. It extends the shelf life of fruit. Additionally, lacto-fermented products can be characterized by health-promoting properties.

The main objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of image parameters of the flesh of chili pepper for the estimation of the changes in the content of chemical compounds in samples during spontaneous fermentation. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing changes in the image parameters of the flesh and the content of chemical compounds of chili pepper after specified fermentation periods, determining the correlations between the image parameters and chemical properties of samples, and setting the regression equations to assess the chemical properties of chili pepper using image textures.

The raw material consisted of the chili pepper belonging to two cultivars, ‘Cyklon’ and ‘Picasso’. The spontaneous lacto-fermentation of whole fruit was carried out using mustard seeds, black pepper, bay leaves, allspice, and 3.5% brine. For raw material and samples after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days of the process, image parameters from the images acquired using a flatbed scanner and chemical properties analyzed by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) were determined. Image processing was performed using MaZda 4.7 software (Łódź University of Technology, Institute of Electronics, Łódź, Poland). Models to classify the raw material and samples after specific periods of lacto-fermentation were developed using MATLABR2024a (MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA, USA). The differences in means of the analyzed parameters between fresh and lacto-fermented samples, linear correlations, and regression equations were determined using STATISTICA 13.1 (Dell Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA, StatSoft Polska, Kraków, Poland).

The developed models and mean comparison indicated significant changes in the values ​​of selected image textures after the first 7 days of the process, and after the following periods, smaller changes occurred. In the case of samples of both cultivars, fermentation influenced a statistically significant decrease in the content of L-ascorbic acid, glucose, fructose, and total sugars as the processing time increased. For the ‘Cyklon’ cultivar, the strongest correlations were found between total sugars and image texture RS5SV5SumAverg (R=0.995) and fructose and RS5SV5SumAverg (R=0.994). In the case of ‘Picasso’, the strongest correlations were between fructose and GS5SN1SumEntrp (R=-0.997), total sugars and GS5SN1SumEntrp (R=-0.993), and L-ascorbic acid and SSGKurtosis (R=0.993). For both chili pepper cultivars, regression equations and high coefficients of determination were determined.

The water footprint is an environmental sustainability indicator gaining increasing importance for certifications and labels in agricultural production. Processed tomatoes require considerable amounts of water, and existing studies on water footprint present methodological uncertainties, often failing to account for the impact of different calculation strategies for water requirements. Furthermore, the growing challenges of water scarcity demand smart and innovative irrigation solutions. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the calculation method and water requirement return strategy on the water footprint of processed tomatoes. This study was conducted during the spring–summer periods of 2022, 2023, and 2024 in two different coastal areas of Sicily. The processed tomato variety tested was Tayson F1 (Nunhems®). Water requirements were estimated using the FAO's CROPWAT 8.0 model, calibrated and validated for field data, as well as moisture (TEROS 12) and matric potential (TEROS 21) sensors placed in the soil. Additionally, two different irrigation strategies were evaluated for each of the two-water requirement return methods: full restoration of crop water requirements (FULL: 100% CWR) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI: 70% CWR from transplanting to first flower emission; 100% CWR from first flower emission to fruit enlargement; 70% CWR from fruit enlargement to harvest). The CWR values, obtained for each calculation method and irrigation strategy, were used to calculate the total water footprint according to the guidelines of the Water Footprint Assessment Manual. Specifically, the CROPWAT 8.0 model overestimated the CWR by approximately 50 mm compared to the moisture sensors, resulting in an increase in all components of the water footprint. The results suggest not only inconsistencies in the classification of tomato production systems based on water footprint but also recommend the development and broader implementation of smart systems for determining CWR. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential to mitigate water scarcity challenges. Adopting a smart integrated approach becomes imperative for accelerating water security in sustainable agriculture, ensuring resilient and efficient water supply for future agricultural demands.

Optimising light spectra is critical for enhancing plant growth, physiological efficiency, and reproductive success in controlled environment agriculture. This study investigates the effects of red–blue (RB) and red–blue–green (RBG) LED light treatments on the growth, physiological responses, flowering, and fruiting of Fragaria × ananassa cv. Festival (Festival strawberry). Plants grown under RB light exhibited significantly enhanced vegetative growth compared to those under RBG. Specifically, RB light treatment resulted in taller plants (25.30 cm) with more petioles (12.28), outperforming RBG (22.80 cm and 7.99, respectively). Physiological efficiency, indicated by chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), was also superior under RB (0.78) than under RBG (0.76). These findings demonstrate the pronounced effect of RB light in enhancing vegetative parameters. Reproductive development was profoundly influenced by light spectra. RB light significantly accelerated flowering, with plants flowering in 53.57 days, compared to the delayed response under RBG (102.25 days). Fruit yield was substantially higher under RB, with an average of 7.3 fruits per plant, compared to only 2.0 fruits per plant under RBG. Interestingly, fruit quality attributes, including fruit length, weight, and soluble solids concentration (Brix), were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of green light in the RBG spectrum. These results suggest that green light does not provide a measurable advantage for improving fruit quality, further highlighting the effectiveness of RB light in driving key growth and reproductive traits. Heatmap analysis visually confirmed RB light’s superior ability to promote growth, early flowering, and reproductive output, while RBG light treatment exhibited limited benefits, often diminishing the effects of red and blue light. These findings underline the critical importance of red–blue light combinations in optimising plant productivity, particularly during the reproductive stage, in controlled environment systems such as vertical farms and plant factories. Future studies should explore fine-tuning spectral ratios and light intensities to further maximise productivity, resource efficiency, and crop quality, paving the way for sustainable horticultural practices and enhanced food security.

Cold plasma technology is an innovative tool with diverse applications, ranging from the food and agriculture industry to medicine and materials science. One of the most notable uses of cold plasma and plasma-activated water (PAW) in agriculture and plant sciences is the treatment of seeds and the enhancement of plant nutrition, due to the activity of the highly reactive species present in it. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of PAW on the growth of barley and canola microgreens. PAW was generated by injecting plasma reactive species into distilled water using a plasma jet that operated with air as the feed gas. Pre-germinated barley and canola seedlings treated with PAW were compared to those treated with Hoagland's nutrient solution based on several physiological and growth parameters. Root diameter, root surface area, root length, and root volume were measured using WinRHIZO software. Additionally, SPAD (Soil-plant Analysis Development) and LEF (Linear Electron Flow) were assessed using PhotosynQ and Multispeq V2.0. The results indicated no significant differences between PAW and Hoagland’s solution in terms of growth characteristics for both plant systems. For barley, Hoagland’s solution resulted in higher mean values for root length, root surface area, and light intensity, while PAW showed superior values for root volume, root diameter, and SPAD measurements. When Hoagland’s solution was treated with the plasma jet, it yielded higher mean values for root length, root surface area, and light intensity compared to both the standard Hoagland’s solution and PAW. In the case of canola, Hoagland’s solution exhibited higher mean values for root length, root surface area, root volume, SPAD, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values. In conclusion, for enhanced growth performance in barley, the use of plasma jet is recommended, while Hoagland’s solution is preferable for canola samples. Since no significant difference was found between PAW and Hoagland’s solution, PAW can be considered an alternative to Hoagland’s solution; however, further studies on the effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) on plant growth are needed.