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
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
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.
Review
Agronomy
Keiji Jindo, Albartus Evenhuis, Corne Kempenaar, Claudia Pombo Sudre, Xiaoxiu Zhan, Misghina Goitom Teklu, Geert Kessel
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the EB disease and recent scientific advances to control it, including forecasting models for pesticide application, modern breeding technology, and precision agriculture. Versatile management practices and the potential for novel research are discussed to implement integrated pest management systems for ecofriendly farming.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Adrian Alejandro Espinosa-Anton, Juan Francisco Zamora-Natera, Patricia Zarazua-Villasenor, Fernando Santacruz-Ruvalcaba, Carla Vanessa Sanchez-Hernandez, Edith aguila Alcantara, Martha Isabel Torres-Moran, Ana Paulina Velasco-Ramirez, Rosalba Mireya Hernandez-Herrera
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of seaweed powder improves substrate properties and promotes plant growth. Seaweed extract also has a positive effect on root development, mineral content, and soil microbes. This research highlights the agricultural potential of Ulva ohnoi powder as an alternative supplement that supports nutrition and promotes vegetative growth in soilless horticultural systems.
Article
Agronomy
Alessandra Moncada, Filippo Vetrano, Alessandro Esposito, Alessandro Miceli
Summary: Ecklonia maxima and its commercial biostimulants contain plant growth regulators that stimulate growth in lettuce and tomato seedlings. Natural and synthetic auxins can promote lettuce seedling growth, with a stronger effect observed when using E. maxima extract. E. maxima extract also improves tomato seedling growth.
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
Plant Sciences
Victor Hugo Carbajal-Vazquez, Fernando Carlos Gomez-Merino, Ernesto Gabriel Alcantar-Gonzalez, Prometeo Sanchez-Garcia, Libia Iris Trejo-Tellez
Summary: Global climate change affects agriculture and exacerbates the impact of environmental stress factors such as soil salinity. This study found that titanium can improve the performance of plants facing saline soils, enhancing antioxidant activity and nutrition levels in seedlings.
Article
Plant Sciences
Giovanna Marta Fusco, Andrea Burato, Alfonso Pentangelo, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Rosalinda Nicastro, Petronia Carillo, Mario Parisi
Summary: In a two-year field experiment in southern Italy, three commercial microbial-based biostimulants were applied to a processing tomato crop. The study assessed the effects of the growing season and microbial treatments on yield, technological traits, and functional quality of the tomato fruits. The results showed that the microbial treatments enhanced the soluble solids content and various amino acids and proteins in the tomato fruits, but did not have a significant effect on yield and other components.
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
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Augustina Odediran, Jianmei Yu, Sanjun Gu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different covering layers and plastic mulch on the quality of ripe tomatoes. The results show that double-layer covering had a slight impact on tomato color but did not affect the overall quality. The effects of different covering layers and plastic mulch on tomato acidity, soluble solids, and lycopene content were found to be complex.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Mateusz Wala, Monika Skwarek-Fadecka, Jeremi Kolodziejek, Janusz Mazur, Magdalena Lason-Rydel, Malgorzata Krepska
Summary: The study showed that excessive supplementation of Fe-HBED can negatively impact the elemental status of tomato fruit pericarp, but does not strongly interfere with the metabolism of amino acids and other secondary metabolites. Additionally, Fe supplementation significantly increases xanthophylls and beta-carotene contents in tomato fruits.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Victor de Souza Almeida, Ednangelo D. Pereira, Ronaldo S. Gomes, Nathalia M. de Araujo, Rolando I. C. Caballero, Higor da Costa Ximenes de Souza, Cleverson Freitas de Almeida, Derly Jose Henriques da Silva
Summary: Tomatoes have important nutritional benefits due to their chemical composition, including vitamin C, lycopene, and flavonoids, which provide significant antioxidant properties. The cultivation system, growing season, and environment can affect the antioxidant function and carotenoid levels in tomatoes. This study evaluated the Vicosa cultivation system and its impact on the nutritional aspects of tomatoes. The results showed that field cultivation increased lycopene content, as well as the levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the fruits.
NOTULAE BOTANICAE HORTI AGROBOTANICI CLUJ-NAPOCA
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Raphael Ofoe, Lokanadha R. Gunupuru, Dengge Qin, Raymond H. Thomas, Lord Abbey
Summary: This study investigated the biostimulatory effect of pyroligneous acid (PA) on tomato plant growth and fruit quality. The results showed that moderate concentrations of PA treatment significantly increased tomato yield and fruit quality. However, high concentrations of PA had negative effects on plant growth and yield, but improved fruit juice quality and some nutritional contents.
Article
Horticulture
Victor D'Amico-Damiao, Rafael Ferreira Barreto, Luis Felipe de Oliveira Garcia, John Silva Porto, Renato de Mello Prado, Rogerio Falleiros Carvalho
Summary: The study revealed the important role of the blue light photoreceptor cry1a in tomato nutrient stress responses, particularly in mediating growth and development of stressed plants through changes in plant growth and oxidative stress, as well as the nutrient contents and efficiencies of transport use.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
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
Agronomy
Mariateresa Cardarelli, Antonio El Chami, Paola Iovieno, Youssef Rouphael, Paolo Bonini, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: The effects of three organic fertilizers on greenhouse lettuce were assessed in terms of morpho-physiological and agronomic traits as well as soil enzyme activity. Results showed that organic fertilizers increased lettuce yield and resistance to soil salinity, with vinasse-based fertilizer being the most suitable. It was also found that organic fertilizers reduced the concentration of toxic heavy metals in lettuce and enhanced soil enzyme activity.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sara Rajabi Hamedani, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youssef Rouphael, Paolo Bonini, Andrea Colantoni, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: In response to the environmental consequences of fertiliser production, organic biofertilisers are being promoted to maximize resource use and align with circular economy principles. This study focuses on the environmental performance of two iron-based fertilisers (Fe-biochelate and Fe-EDDHA) through life cycle assessment. The results show that Fe-biochelate has lower impacts on global warming, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and fossil resource scarcity compared to Fe-EDDHA, making it a more eco-friendly alternative.
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
Horticulture
Antonio El Chami, Raffaele Cortignani, Davide Dell'Unto, Roberto Mariotti, Piero Santelli, Roberto Ruggeri, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli
Summary: Water management is crucial for optimizing fruit quality and yield in processing tomatoes, which are influenced by environmental factors such as soil, temperature, and precipitation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor in determining irrigation levels for maximizing marketable yield, fruit quality, and economic profit of processing tomatoes. The results showed that controlling drip irrigation levels based on soil moisture sensor readings improved total yield, marketable yield, fruit quality, and economic benefits.
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.
Article
Horticulture
Beatriz H. Paschoalinotto, Nikolaos Polyzos, Maria Compocholi, Youssef Rouphael, Alexios Alexopoulos, Maria Ines Dias, Lillian Barros, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: This study evaluated the response of S. hispanicus plants to different fertilization regimes and found that high phosphorus and potassium fertilization increased plant yield, while low phosphorus and potassium fertilization improved the chemical composition of the plants.
Article
Horticulture
Alexios A. Alexopoulos, Anna Assimakopoulou, Panagiotis Panagopoulos, Maria Bakea, Nikolina Vidalis, Ioannis C. Karapanos, Youssef Rouphael, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: This study tested the effect of salinity on plant growth, nutritional composition, and quality features of Hedypnois cretica and Urospermum picroides. The results showed that high salinity severely decreased the fresh yield and mineral profile of leaves and roots of both species. However, leaf pigments and total phenolic compounds content were not significantly affected by salinity. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity increased with increasing salinity in most cases, while free proline content increased and nitrates' content decreased. It was concluded that tailor-made nutrient solutions could allow the cultivation of tolerant species with low-quality irrigation water.