The selection of vigorous, disease-resistant tomato rootstocks with high compatibility with cultivated scions is an important objective in tomato breeding.

This study aimed to assess the compatibility between experimental rootstocks and cultivated tomato varieties using in vitro micrografting techniques. The rootstocks included two interspecific hybrids, BK-88 (T-5 × Solanum habrochaites) and BK-96 (K-7311 × S. habrochaites). The scions were the Ukrainian tomato varieties Smakolyk, Rozheve sertse, Yantarny bogatyr, and Udavchyk. Sterilized seeds were germinated on hormone-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and 14-day-old seedlings were used for grafting according to a developed in vitro micrografting protocol. Grafted plants were cultivated for three weeks in 250 ml jars on fresh agar-solidified MS medium. Controls included ungrafted plants (control 1) and self-grafted plants (control 2) for each scion variety. The percentage of viable grafts, shoot height, leaf number, and root length were evaluated. Graft union formation occurred on average within 10–14 days. The mean survival rate of grafted plants ranged from 94% to 97%, comparable to the self-grafted control. The lowest survival (94%) was observed for the combination Yantarny bogatyr/BK-88. In all treatments, grafted plants showed slightly lower biometric values than ungrafted controls, but differences were not statistically significant. The combination Rozheve sertse/BK-96 exhibited the highest relative performance (94% of control shoot height, 99% leaf number, and 95% root length). Between the two tested rootstocks, BK-96 showed slightly higher grafting efficiency, although differences between variants were not statistically significant.

These results indicate a high level of physiological compatibility between the tested interspecific hybrids and cultivated tomato varieties, supporting their potential use as rootstocks in breeding programs.

Increasing restrictions on synthetic fungicides and pathogen resistance necessitate eco-friendly alternatives. This research investigated the antimicrobial potential of specialized metabolites from Capsicum chinense 'Bhut Jolokia', examining how genetic mutations affecting pungency influence the overall phytochemical profile and biological activity against economically important soil-borne pathogens. Hydromethanolic extracts were prepared from the pungent cv. C-449 (capsaicinoid-rich) and its non-pungent mutant C-449_mutant (capsinoid-rich). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to distinguish chemical profiles between metabolite extracts. Antifungal screening utilized standardized agar dilution techniques against six major horticultural pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium equiseti, Macrophomina phaseolina, Neocosmospora falciformis, N. keratoplastica, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). Additionally, ex situ protective assays were conducted on cucumber slices artificially inoculated with S. sclerotiorum to validate real-world efficacy. GC-MS revealed that C-449 extract was dominated by capsaicinoids (30.64%: capsaicin 19.94%, dihydrocapsaicin 10.70%) and fatty acids (20.30%). C-449_mutant lacked intact capsinoids, showing degradation products (hydrolysis: e.g., 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid; thermolysis: e.g., guaiacols) and fatty acids (24.74%). Both extracts demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity, with the capsaicinoid-rich extract achieving superior pathogen control (complete inhibition at 250-750 μg/mL) compared to the capsinoid variant (375-1000 μg/mL). S. sclerotiorum showed the highest sensitivity while N. keratoplastica exhibited the greatest resistance. Both natural extracts outperformed azoxystrobin and fosetyl-Al in comparative assessments. Given its commercial viability advantages (eliminating worker protection concerns and crop pungency risks), the non-pungent extract was selected for ex situ validation. In cucumber slice assays, it provided complete protection against S. sclerotiorum at 1125 μg/mL, while lower concentrations failed to prevent colonization. This study establishes C. chinense extracts, especially the low-pungency variant, as viable candidates for sustainable disease management, addressing both efficacy and critical application constraints for modern horticulture.

Dry root rots caused by Fusarium culmorum are an increasing constraint to wheat production in Moroccan semi-arid regions. Wild relatives such as Aegilops tauschii and Triticum dicoccoides represent valuable sources of resistance. Developing a reliable screening method is crucial for identifying promising breeding lines. Six accessions from each wild species were evaluated under controlled conditions using a split-plot design with three replications, where soil type (sterilized vs. natural) was assigned to main plots and inoculum type (organic vs. spore suspension) to subplots. For each accession in each treatment, one pot containing five plants was established per block. Plants were inoculated at the two-leaf stage after vernalization, and disease severity was assessed at flowering. Root and internode infection, spike number, dry biomass, and plant height were measured to integrate both pathological and agronomic responses. Results showed that methodological choices strongly influenced the ability to discriminate between resistant and susceptible lines. Internode assessment was the most sensitive criterion, revealing clear genetic variability both within and between species. Suspension inoculum consistently generated higher and more uniform disease pressure than organic inoculum. At the same time, soil type influenced resistance expression differently across species: in A. tauschii, non-sterilized soil amplified root severity, whereas in T. dicoccoides responses were stable across soil types. Agronomic traits further supported the approach. In A. tauschii, spike number depended on genotype × inoculum and genotype × soil interactions, while in T. dicoccoides it was largely genotype-dependent. Biomass also varied with genotype × inoculum interactions. Plant height exhibited the most complex pattern: in A. tauschii, it was primarily driven by genotype × inoculum interactions, whereas in T. dicoccoides, it was influenced by the combined effects of genotype, soil type, and inoculum. Overall, combining suspension inoculum, non-sterilized soil, and internode evaluation provides a robust screening method for identifying resistant germplasm in wheat improvement programs.

Rootstock vigor is strongly influenced by environmental conditions during the early growth phase. Light intensity plays a critical role in determining the vigor and physiological performance of plants under controlled environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light intensity on the growth and root system of two tomato rootstocks. The present study evaluated the biometric responses of two commercial tomato rootstocks, Auroch and Ficus, to three light intensities, i.e., 150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and 350 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Biometric parameters, including plant height, root length, stem diameter, leaf area, and fresh biomass, were measured and analyzed statistically. The results indicated that light intensity had a significant effect (p value < 0.05) on all growth parameters. The tomato rootstock Auroch performed best at 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, where leaf area expanded to 118 cm² compared with 41 cm² at 150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and shoot biomass increased from 1.0 g to 3.7 g. In contrast, Ficus responded more positively at 350 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, where root biomass increased from 0.19 g at 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ to 0.65 g and root length exceeded 25 cm, compared with 11.7 cm at 150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The initial findings indicate that light intensities exert a differential effect on tomato rootstock growth. Auroch favored moderate irradiance for balanced shoot and leaf development, whereas Ficus performed optimally under elevated irradiance with stronger root growth. These findings refine our understanding of tailoring light management strategies for different rootstocks to improve seedling quality and sustainable tomato production.

Papaya ringspot disease, caused by papaya ringspot virus P (PRSV-P), is restricting the commercial cultivation of papaya worldwide. Several measures have been taken to control the disease, including the application of aphicides, identification of host plant resistance, and the use of transgenics. However, only genetically engineered papayas carrying the viral coat protein have been found to effectively control the disease. Transgenic papayas are not cultivated worldwide due to ethical regulations. Assessing the diverse papaya germplasm for resistance to PRSV-P could be a suitable alternative. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess PRSV resistance in 79 accessions, including commercial hybrids/ varieties and wild accessions. To identify novel resistant sources, the accessions were mechanically inoculated with PRSV under controlled conditions. The inoculated plants were continuously monitored for the appearance of PRSV-like symptoms and scored for disease severity on a scale of 0 to 5. Additionally, PRSV-P infection was confirmed by performing RT-PCR with coat protein-specific primers. The presence of the ~900 bp amplicon confirmed PRSV-P infection in the inoculated plants. Among all the accessions tested, only two accessions, HCAR 46 (Vasconcellea pubescens) and HCAR 177 (V. stipulate), did not show any symptoms. All Carica papaya accessions were susceptible to PRSV-P, whereas only Vasconcellea sp. showed resistance. The PRSV-resistant genotype identified in the present study could be used in breeding programs to breed PRSV-resistant cultivars.

As consumer interest in functional foods increases, so does the demand for nutrient-dense and visually appealing vegetables. Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla), recognized for its colorful petioles and nutritional richness, stands as a promising candidate. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition of baby leafy greens from four Swiss chard varieties (white, yellow, pink, and orange) cultivated using a soilless system under semi-controlled indoor conditions. Plants were grown in a walk-in growth chamber equipped with LED lighting. Seeds were sown in vermiculite-filled trays, kept in darkness for four days to induce germination, and irrigated with a 3:1:6 NPK nutrient solution. Seven days after sowing, uniform and healthy seedlings from each variety were transplanted into individual rockwool cubes and cultivated under a 14/10 h light/dark photoperiod, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 °C and relative humidity around 60%. After 27 days of growth post-transplantation, baby leafy greens were harvested for phytochemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In total, up to 11 phenolic compounds, 4 betalains, and 10 saponins were identified among the different varieties. Pink Swiss chard baby greens exhibited the highest phenolic compound content (12.15 mg/g dw). The white variety was the only one in which betalains were detected (1.99 mg/g dw), comprising one betacyanin and three betaxanthins. The yellow variety presented the highest saponin concentrations (911.1 µg/g dw). These findings reveal distinct phytochemical profiles among Swiss chard baby leaf varieties, emphasizing their chemical diversity and supporting their potential as functional foods rich in bioactive compounds.

The quinoa crop (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) has gained global relevance due to its nutritional profile and adaptability to diverse agroecological zones. However, yield potential remains constrained by weed pressure and the lack of selective herbicides registered for quinoa. This research aimed to develop herbicide-tolerant varieties through chemical mutagenesis using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). In the first phase, three varieties (Nieves, Chucao, and Pincoya) were exposed to EMS at varying concentrations to identify the optimal mutagenic dose. A 2.5% EMS concentration was selected based on median lethal dose analysis, with Pincoya showing suitable sensitivity. Subsequently, seven post-emergent herbicides were applied to assess phytotoxicity and identify tolerant mutants. Survival rates ranged from 0.25% to 17.8%, with partial tolerance observed for sulfonylureas and photosystem II inhibitors.

In the second phase, 7 M1 lines derived from EMS-treated Pincoya plants were evaluated for the phenotypic behavior of herbicide tolerance. The herbicides applied according to their active ingredient were bentazon (Basagran®), phenmedipham, desmedipham, ethofumesate (Betanal expert®), fomesafen (Flex®), triflusulfuron-methyl (Safari®), and lenacil (Venzar®), representing diverse modes of action. Survival and visual toxicity were assessed 7, 14, 21, 30, and 90 days post-application, revealing differential responses among lines and suggesting heritable mutations conferring partial tolerance.

These approaches demonstrate the potential of EMS mutagenesis to generate heritable herbicide tolerance in quinoa, offering a viable pathway for integrating chemical weed control into sustainable production systems. Molecular validation and field trials are currently underway to confirm genetic stability and agronomic performance.

Waterlogging is a major abiotic stress affecting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity worldwide, yet the dynamics of micronutrient accumulation and redistribution under this stress remain poorly understood. This study evaluated Fe, Mn, and Al concentrations in green and senescent leaves of 23 bread wheat genotypes exposed to 14 days of waterlogging at the tillering stage. Responses to waterlogging were compared across Portuguese landraces, Italian-derived varieties, CIMMYT-derived lines, advanced Portuguese breeding lines, and Australian varieties, allowing a broad comparison of genetic pools. Leaf samples were collected at the end of the stress period and at 7 and 14 days after stress release, under well-drained conditions. Micronutrient concentrations were measured in dried tissues using X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

Results highlighted both leaf stage– and genotype-dependent responses. In green leaves, Fe concentrations showed minor changes, whereas senescent leaves exhibited consistent Fe increases across genotypes, both under stress and throughout the recovery phase. Waterlogging further promoted transient accumulation of Mn and Al in green leaves, whereas more pronounced and frequent accumulations were observed in senescent leaves. Taken together, these findings indicate that waterlogging triggers micronutrient remobilization and accumulation that are age-dependent. Such differential partitioning between green and senescent leaves may influence the timing of leaf senescence and the capacity of wheat plants to recover following stress release, offering new insights into genotype-specific resilience mechanisms.

Drought–salinity stress poses a significant threat to agriculture, negatively impacting the growth and productivity of vital crops like chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). This study investigated the efficacy of biochar as a soil amendment to alleviate these concurrent stresses. In a controlled pot experiment, chickpea plants were subjected to two main conditions: a control (75% field capacity), and combined salinity–drought stress (150 mM NaCl at 35% field capacity). Each condition was tested with and without biochar soil amendment. Key morphological traits, photosynthetic activity, and biochemical stress indicators were assessed in chickpea plants.

Combined drought–salinity stress severely impaired plant growth. However, the application of biochar significantly mitigated these adverse effects, leading to a substantial recovery in key morphological traits, including a 56% increase in shoot biomass and an 87% improvement in root development compared to untreated stressed plants. Under drought–salinity stress, photosynthetic parameters and the integrity of chloroplast structure were compromised. The application of biochar significantly mitigated these damages by restoring photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, biochar amendment effectively reduced oxidative stress markers, decreasing malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels by 37% and 45%, respectively, compared to the control. Correspondingly, the activities of crucial antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, which were suppressed by stress, were significantly enhanced following biochar treatment.

This study highlights the beneficial effects of biochar under drought–salinity stresses, which could be used in the management of chickpea cultivation in drought- and salinity-prone regions.

The postharvest longevity of cut hydrangea flowers is a critical determinant of their commercial value, which is largely influenced by cultivar-specific physiological and anatomical traits. This study evaluated the vase life and sepal anatomical characteristics of eight cut hydrangea cultivars (‘Royal Anastasia’, ‘Royal Benefit’, ‘Royal King’, ‘Royal Opera’, ‘Royal Palace’, ‘Royal Parade’, ‘Royal Princess’, and ‘Royal Surprise’). Vase life was assessed at both fresh and antique/classic stages, while sepal traits, including total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, epidermal and stomatal densities, stomatal area, and stomatal index, were quantified. Significant differences were observed among cultivars. ‘Royal Princess’ and ‘Royal Surprise’ exhibited the longest overall vase life (22.7 and 21.7 days, respectively), while ‘Royal Parade’ also maintained extended vase longevity (20.9 days). In contrast, ‘Royal Benefit’ had the shortest vase life (10.6 days). Higher total soluble sugar and reducing sugar contents were strongly associated with prolonged vase life, with ‘Royal Palace’ recording the highest mean soluble sugar (236.01 mg g⁻¹ FW) and reducing sugar (203.12 mg g⁻¹ FW) levels. Sepal anatomical features also varied significantly: ‘Royal King’ and ‘Royal Princess’ had the largest stomatal areas (441.56 and 445.31 μm², respectively), while ‘Royal Anastasia’ showed the highest stomatal (37.27 mm⁻²) and epidermal (690.24 mm⁻²) cell densities. ‘Royal Surprise’ recorded the highest stomatal index (7.24%). Overall, extended vase life was closely linked to high sugar content and favourable sepal anatomical traits, suggesting that these parameters can serve as indicators for selecting hydrangea cultivars with superior postharvest performance.