Article
Plant Sciences
Alessio V. V. Tallarita, Lorenzo Vecchietti, Nadezhda A. A. Golubkina, Agnieszka Sekara, Eugenio Cozzolino, Massimo Mirabella, Antonio Cuciniello, Roberto Maiello, Vincenzo Cenvinzo, Pasquale Lombardi, Gianluca Caruso
Summary: Biostimulants, specifically protein hydrolysate (PH), have a significant impact on tomato yield, quality, and elemental composition. The study found that the number of biostimulant applications and soil electrical conductivity influenced fruit yield, dry residue, Brixo, and antioxidant status of tomatoes. PH treatment showed a higher beneficial effect on fruit antioxidant status in winter compared to summer. Furthermore, PH affected the concentration of mineral elements in the tomato plants, with some elements increasing and others decreasing depending on the treatment.
Article
Horticulture
Pedro Henrique Gorni, Gustavo Rios de Lima, Lucia Maria de Oliveira Pereira, Kamille Daleck Spera, Allan de Marcos Lapaz, Ana Claudia Pacheco
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of foliar spray of rutin on tomato plants. The results showed that rutin can improve the photosynthetic performance and metabolism of tomato plants, leading to improved growth parameters and fruit yield. Additionally, rutin application also increased the concentration of secondary compounds in tomato fruits, enhancing their antioxidant capacity.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Maria Concepcion Ayuso-Yuste, Francisco Gonzalez-Cebrino, Mercedes Lozano-Ruiz, Ana Maria Fernandez-Leon, Maria Josefa Bernalte-Garcia
Summary: This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters, functional properties, and sensory characteristics of five traditional tomato varieties at different ripening stages. The traditional varieties showed higher levels of lycopene and vitamin C compared to the commercial hybrid. Among the traditional varieties, one particular variety stood out for its high levels of total soluble solids, vitamin C, and total antioxidant activity. These traditional varieties can be a viable alternative to satisfy consumer demand for organic produce.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lorena Martinez-Zamora, Noelia Castillejo, Francisco Artes-Hernandez
Summary: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of visible spectrum LED lighting on the quality and bioactive compounds of Kumato(R) cherry tomatoes during shelf-life. The tomatoes were stored under different LED lights and darkness. The results showed that illumination with blue + red LED or blue LED enhanced the content of bioactive compounds, while green + red and green + far-red LED also stimulated the biosynthesis of certain compounds.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Weixuan Wang, Chenglong Zhang, Wenlong Zheng, Haofeng Lv, Junliang Li, Bin Liang, Weiwei Zhou
Summary: This study found that seed priming with pig blood protein hydrolysate can enhance tomato seed germination and seedling growth under drought conditions. This is achieved through regulation of reserve mobilization, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant mechanism.
PLANT CELL REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kangqi Sang, Junjie Li, Xiangjie Qian, Jingquan Yu, Yanhong Zhou, Xiaojian Xia
Summary: Brassinosteroids play critical roles in fruit ripening, and ethylene signaling regulates BR synthesis and signaling through AP2a mediation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Imane Naboulsi, Reda Ben Mrid, Abdelhamid Ennoury, Zakia Zouaoui, Mohamed Nhiri, Widad Ben Bakrim, Abdelaziz Yasri, Aziz Aboulmouhajir
Summary: The study found that Crataegus oxyacantha extract as a biostimulant has a significant improvement effect on tomato plants under salt stress. The application of C. oxyacantha extract promotes plant growth and photosynthesis, increases the content of soluble sugars and amino acids, and reduces the damage of salt stress to plants. In addition, C. oxyacantha extract also enhances the activities of antioxidant enzymes, helping plants cope with stress.
Article
Horticulture
Evangelia Georgaki, Kallimachos Nifakos, Anastasios Kotsiras, Dimitrios Fanourakis, George Tsaniklidis, Costas Delis, Ioakim K. Spiliopoulos
Summary: The study evaluates the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of different tomato germplasm varieties, including small-fruit and large-fruit, at two maturity stages. Small-fruit varieties tend to have higher fat and ascorbic acid content, as well as hydrophilic antioxidant activity. Lycopene content and lipophilic antioxidant activity are significantly higher at the red ripe stage. This study highlights the importance of reintroducing germplasm varieties in breeding programs and the quality of local varieties.
Article
Agronomy
Seunghyun Choi, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Hye-Ji Kim
Summary: The study found that root drenching plant-derived protein hydrolysates can effectively increase the yield and quality of lettuce and tomatoes, regardless of the nitrogen fertilizer levels applied. Root drenching also improved photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, antioxidant activity, and overall plant growth.
Article
Agronomy
Cristina Sudiro, Federico Guglielmi, Marie Hochart, Biancamaria Senizza, Leilei Zhang, Luigi Lucini, Adriano Altissimo
Summary: Biostimulants can enhance tomato's ability to cope with drought stress by reprogramming secondary metabolism and modulating phytohormones profile. Several mechanisms, such as the preservation of photosynthetic machinery and modulation of chlorophyll synthesis, were identified.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nieves Baenas, Celia Iniesta, Rocio Gonzalez-Barrio, Vanesa Nunez-Gomez, Maria Jesus Periago, Francisco Javier Garcia-Alonso
Summary: The study demonstrates that LED light treatment during refrigerated storage of green tomatoes can increase carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity without compromising quality parameters. UV treatments, on the other hand, do not significantly affect carotenoid content. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact on sensory attributes and consumer acceptance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eryka Oliveira de Andrades, Joao Marcos Antonio Rodrigues da Costa, Francisco Edmar Moreira de Lima Neto, Alyne Rodrigues de Araujo, Fabio de Oliveira Silva Ribeiro, Andreanne Gomes Vasconcelos, Antonia Carla de Jesus Oliveira, Jose Lamartine Soares Sobrinho, Miguel Peixoto de Almeida, Ana P. Carvalho, Jhones Nascimento Dias, Ingrid Gracielle Martins Silva, Patricia Albuquerque, Ildinete Silva Pereira, Doralina do Amaral Rabello, Adriany das Gracas Nascimento Amorim, Jose Roberto de Souza de Almeida Leite, Durcilene Alves da Silva
Summary: This study developed fucan-coated nanoparticles for the stabilization of lycopene, showing good stability and antioxidant activity, significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, no impact on keratinocytes, and non-toxic effects in both in vitro and in vivo models.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Hee Ju Lee, Jin Hyoung Lee, Seunghwan Wi, Yoonah Jang, Sewoong An, Chang Keun Choi, Seonghoe Jang
Summary: The research reveals that pretreatment with glutamic acid can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, increase antioxidant enzyme activity, and alter gene expression levels in tomato plants under low temperature stress, leading to alleviation of oxidative damage.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Wendy L. Zellner
Summary: The study found that silicon absorption in tomato plants varies among different cultivars, with root concentrations significantly higher than leaves. Although some cultivars showed differences in other element concentrations in roots and leaves with silicon treatment, most macronutrients and micronutrients were unaffected.
Article
Agronomy
Otilia Cristina Murariu, Creola Brezeanu, Carmenica Doina Jitareanu, Teodor Robu, Liviu Mihai Irimia, Alina Elena Trofin, Lorena-Diana Popa, Vasile Stoleru, Florin Murariu, Petre Marian Brezeanu
Summary: This study aimed to promote healthy and balanced lifestyle through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, comparing the effects of field vs. plastic tunnel growing systems on organic improved tomato genotypes. Results showed higher values of ascorbic acid in field-cultivated tomatoes, while beta-carotene and lycopene content were higher in genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were observed in most parameters between cultivation conditions, highlighting the importance of selecting genotypes that respond positively to organic cultivation in terms of antioxidant compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ida Di Mola, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael, Mauro Mori
Summary: The results of this study provide valuable insights into the response of Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. plants to salinity stress and biostimulant application. The findings highlight the importance of considering growing conditions and cropping periods when applying biostimulants under salinity stress. The effect of biostimulants on antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds, mineral profile, and nitrate content depends on the combination of factors.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Francesco Cristofano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youry Pii, Luigi Lucini, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Salinity is a critical issue for water and soil, and using biostimulants is an effective strategy to protect crops from yield losses caused by salinity. The research shows that protein hydrolysate biostimulants have positive effects on yield and photosynthetic performance, and their effectiveness is dependent on the source material.
Article
Plant Sciences
Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Lorena Vultaggio, Nicolo Iacuzzi, Salvatore La Bella, Claudio De Pasquale, Youssef Rouphael, Georgia Ntatsi, Giuseppe Virga, Leo Sabatino
Summary: The horticultural sector is looking for innovative and sustainable agronomic practices to improve yield and product quality. Plant biofortification, specifically with iodine, is recognized as a valuable technique in enhancing microelement concentrations in plants. In this study, a seaweed extract-based biostimulant (SwE) and different levels of iodine were applied to tunnel-grown Savana strawberries, resulting in improved growth, yield, fruit quality, and nutrient content. The combination of SwE application and iodine biofortification increased the strawberry yield and quality, as well as enhanced the plant's nutritional status and iodine tolerance.
Article
Agronomy
Shravan Manbhar Haldhar, Mukesh Kumar Berwal, Rakesh Bhargava, Pyare Lal Saroj, Ramesh Kumar, Jagan Singh Gora, Dilip Kumar Samadia, Dhurendra Singh, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael, Pradeep Kumar
Summary: Citrullus colocynthis L. is a wild watermelon that naturally grows in arid regions and has non-edible fruits with therapeutic and nutraceutical value. A botanical pesticide formulation called Thar Jaivik 41 EC has been developed from C. colocynthis and has shown effective insecticidal properties. It is safe for plants and can benefit farmers and consumers.
Article
Agronomy
Lorena Vultaggio, Leo Sabatino, Youssef Rouphael, Claudio De Pasquale, Salvatore La Bella, Beppe Benedetto Consentino
Summary: The study found that the use of LPE (Lysophosphatidylethanolamine) as a growth regulator can improve the yield and quality of strawberry plants. The plants treated with LPE in two consecutive cultivation cycles showed the highest yield and best quality. LPE treatment also enhanced the antioxidant activity, firmness, soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanins of strawberries.
Article
Agronomy
Roberta Paradiso, Ida Di Mola, Eugenio Cozzolino, Lucia Ottaiano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael, Mauro Mori
Summary: The quality of greenhouse wild rocket is influenced by light environment and nitrogen fertilization. The effects of two cover materials (a diffuse light film and a traditional clear film) and three nitrogen regimes, in combination with a biostimulant, on the nutrient composition and antioxidant properties of rocket plants were investigated. The results showed that the leaf concentration of minerals was higher under the diffuse light film, and nitrogen supply and biostimulant enhanced mineral uptake. The diffuse light film had higher hydrophilic antioxidant activity in some harvests, while nitrogen fertilization reduced phenols and ascorbic acid content.
Review
Plant Sciences
Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Danish Mushtaq Khanday, Pradeep Kumar, Isha Magotra, Sadiya M. Choudhary, Rafia Kosser, Raviraj Kalunke, Maria Giordano, Giandomenico Corrado, Youssef Rouphael, Sudhakar Pandey
Summary: Drought has detrimental effects on agricultural productivity and crop growth by limiting water and nutrient availability. CRISPR technology offers opportunities for studying and improving drought tolerance in crops.
Article
Plant Sciences
Antonio Pannico, Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli, Silvia Rita Stazi, Matteo Giaccone, Raffaele Romano, Youssef Rouphael, Chiara Cirillo
Summary: Foliar nutrition is used globally to address microelement deficiencies and optimize yield performances, but it can also positively impact hazelnut nut quality and kernel composition. Recent studies emphasize the importance of managing not only micronutrients, but also major components like nitrogen for sustainable orchard nutrition. In our research, various foliar fertilizers were tested to understand their effectiveness in supporting hazelnut productivity and improving nut and kernel quality. The results showed that foliar fertilization influenced tree growth, increased kernel weight, and reduced blank incidence compared to the control. Treatment differences were also observed in fat, protein, and carbohydrate concentration, with fertilized treatments showing higher fat concentrations and total polyphenol content. The composition of oil in the kernels was also improved through foliar fertilization, although the response of fatty acid composition to nutrient spray varied. Oleic acid concentration increased while palmitic acid concentration decreased in fertilized plants. Additionally, CD and B trees exhibited a higher ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids compared to untreated trees. Finally, foliar spraying improved lipid stability by increasing total polyphenol concentration.
Article
Plant Sciences
Michele Ciriello, Valerio Cirillo, Luigi Formisano, Stefania De Pascale, Raffaele Romano, Giovanna Marta Fusco, Rosalinda Nicastro, Petronia Carillo, Marios C. Kyriacou, Georgios A. Soteriou, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: This study investigated the effects of salt stress on yield, secondary metabolite concentration, antioxidant activity, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) composition of three basil cultivars. The results showed that salt stress significantly reduced yield in Italiano Classico and Dark Opal, but not in Purple Ruffles. Salt stress also increased beta-carotene and lutein concentrations, antioxidant activity, and altered VOCs composition.
Article
Plant Sciences
Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli, Lucia Vanacore, Youssef Rouphael, Antonio Luca Langellotti, Paolo Masi, Stefania De Pascale, Chiara Cirillo
Summary: Basil crops are highly valued for their unique flavor and global appeal. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, are commonly used for basil production. This study evaluated the eco-physiological and productive performance of Genovese basil grown in hydroponic and aquaponic systems. The results showed that aquaponics had higher dry biomass and nutrient content, suggesting its potential for sustainable basil production.
Review
Plant Sciences
Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Pradeep Kumar, Sadiya M. M. Choudhary, Hira Singh, Komal Adab, Rafia Kosser, Isha Magotra, Ranjeet Ranjan Kumar, Monika Singh, Rajni Sharma, Giandomenico Corrado, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide that enhances plant tolerance to stress. It counteracts free radicals and detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated under unfavorable conditions. GSH also acts as a cellular signal and interacts with phytohormones to modulate acclimatation and tolerance to abiotic stress in crops.
Article
Horticulture
Christophe El-Nakhel, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Ida Di Mola, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Youssef Rouphael, Mauro Mori
Summary: Nowadays, biostimulant application is a sustainable practice with which to reduce inputs while maintaining crop yield and quality. Furthermore, the successive harvesting technique is also adopted to increase overall yield and reduce production costs in leafy vegetables.
Review
Horticulture
Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Michele Ciriello, Leo Sabatino, Lorena Vultaggio, Sara Baldassano, Sonya Vasto, Youssef Rouphael, Salvatore La Bella, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been important sources of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds in the produce. This review discusses the latest findings on agronomic biofortification, focusing on increasing the concentration of crucial minerals in edible portions of vegetables. The effects on human health and the influence of other compounds were also analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chrystalla Antoniou, Marios C. Kyriacou, Angelos C. Kyratzis, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Chromatic variation in carob flour is influenced by altitude and genetic background, with higher altitudes and grafted trees producing lighter-colored flours with higher antioxidant potential and phenolic compounds. The presence of certain volatile organic compounds is also correlated with flour color. L* value can serve as a reliable indicator for assessing key compositional attributes in carob flours.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Giordano, Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Marios C. Kyriacou, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: The success of space missions and colonization of extraterrestrial environments require ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and independence from terrestrial resources. Microgreens, such as tatsoi, coriander, green basil, and purple basil, can provide a balanced diet and improve the overall nutraceutical profile of astronaut meals. The addition of potassium iodide (KI) at different concentrations increased the level of iodine (I) in the microgreens, resulting in improved antioxidant activity and increased concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids.