Horticultural Science - In Press
The influence of LED light on the development and antioxidant status of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) microgreensOriginal Paper
Suzana Pavlović, Zdenka Girek, Jelena Damnjanović, Svetlana Roljević Nikolić, Dragana Stevanović, Milan Ugrinović
The aim of the research was to examine the influence of different light treatments on the growth, phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of broccoli microgreens. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under LED cold white, red and blue light and under fluorescent cold white light (control). The results showed that white and blue light treatments were the best for microgreen growth. Higher concentration of pigments was recorded in plants grown under LED light compared to those grown under FL light. Content of phenols and flavonoids had positive and significant correlation with DPPH antioxidative capacity (r=0.66** and r=0.90** respectively). Based on the PCA results, it can be concluded that the traits TPC, TCC, Chl A+B make up the largest share of variability in the obtained results and that the red light conditions were the most unfavorable for the content of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant potential.
Investigating the effects of ethphon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) on Persian walnutOriginal Paper
Reza Khosravi Zanjani, Majid Abdouss, Mohsen Mohammadi
Walnut orchards in Iran encounter two significant challenges, namely dark kernels and uneven ripening of the fruit. In order to address these issues, the research here is conducted to investigate the impact of ethephon on walnut ripening. The study followed a randomized complete block design with three replicates and nine treatments. Parameters such as fruit maturity, kernel quality, and dry matter percentage were evaluated. The findings revealed that the highest quality kernel was obtained when harvested on Aug 22nd, which is approximately three to four weeks prior to the normal harvest time. As the regular harvest time approached, the quality of the kernel diminished. To maintain nuts quality and facilitate the peeling of the green hull around Aug 22nd, a concentration of 1920 ppm of ethephon proved effective. Furthermore, for fruits harvested between Aug 31st and Sept 9th, the application of 1920 ppm of ethephon exhibited a positive influence on kernel quality. Consequently, the combination of early harvesting and the utilization of ethephon yielded the whitest walnut kernels.
Endophytic Streptomyces extend the vase life of Gerbera jamesonii L. by modulating antioxidant system and suppressing bacterial growthOriginal Paper
Xi Wei, Wen Lin, Ying Li, Muhammad Imran Ghani, Xiaojing Hu, Xiaoyulong Chen
Gerbera flowers are the best-selling cut flowers worldwide owing to their attractive appearance. Nevertheless, one significant challenge for gerbera flowers is their relatively short vase life. Commercially, synthetic chemicals are used to prolong the vase life of flowers; however, they are not environmentally friendly, posing sustainability concerns. Therefore, we used different concentrations of the biocontrol spore suspension of Streptomyces exfoliatus FT05W and evaluated their effect on vase life, bacterial population, and different morphology and physiological indices of gerbera cut flowers, with the objective of determining the optimal concentration for maximum efficiency. The results revealed that all spore suspensions of S. exfoliatus FT05W (1×106 CFU/mL-1) significantly extended vase life and were 4 days longer than that of the control. S. exfoliatus FT05W treatment also increased bottle life extension days, flower diameter, and frsh weight, and maintained water balance. In addition, it decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and relative electricalyte leakage (REL), leading to decreased oxidative stress. Streptomyces exfoliatus FT05W significantly increased antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), peroxidase activity (POD), soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein (SP), compared to the control. Furthermore, it can effectively inhibit bacterial proliferation, resulting in a decline in colonies and a significant delay in the flower aging process. The beneficial impacts of S. exfoliatus FT05W were most pronounced at a concentration of (1×106 CFU/mL-1). The findings of this research suggest that S. exfoliatus FT05W has great potential as a bio-fertilizer for cut flowers, as it is capable of addressing the challenges associated with flower cultivation.
Comprehensive protection of tomato photosystem under cold stress by Streptomyces sp. TOR3209Original Paper
Jia Ma, Jieli Peng, Nan Jia, Xu Wang, Yuxi He, Entao Wang, Dong Hu, Zhanwu Wang
The plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Streptomyces sp. TOR3209 induces plant tolerance in a wide range of stress conditions. However, the protection of photosystem under cold stress has not been fully understood. Here we reported that the photochemistry activity of photosystem II (PSII) was increased in tomato plants receiving TOR3209 treatment, including the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), PSII operating efficiency (ΦPSII), PSII maximum efficiency (Fv’/Fm’), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Microscopic study revealed that the integrity of chloroplast structure was greatly improved by TOR3209, which was damaged at low temperature. Moreover, TOR3209 treatment resulted in good protection on leaf stomatal and guard cell size. In response to TOR3209 treatment, the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and stomatal limitation values (Ls) were decreased while the mesophyll conductance (gm) and chloroplast CO2 concentration (Cc) were increased. The carotenoid content in TOR3209-treated tomato was accumulated at a higher level, which was involved in photoprotection and biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), as well as the increased amounts of ABA in the leaves were subsequently verified in the plants treated with TOR3209. These results demonstrated that TOR3209 treatment comprehensively protected tomato photosynthesis at low temperature.
Inter-specific cucurbitaceous rootstock enhances plant growth, photosynthetic, root architecture and yield traits in grafted cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)Original Paper
Anant Bahadur, Anish Kumar Singh, Sapana Yadav, Rajeev Kumar, Hare Krishna, Tusar Kanti Behera
In the recent pasts, grafting has emerged as an efficient and an alternative tool to the relatively slow conventional breeding methods with aim to increasing tolerance to abiotic stresses, soil pathogens, yield, and quality attributes in fruit vegetables. In the present investigation, six inter-specific cucurbitaceous rootstocks viz., sponge gourd (SG), ridge gourd (RG), ash gourd (AG), bottle gourd (BG) and Summerfit (SF, an inter-specific hybrid of snap melon x acidulus melon) were evaluated for cucumber (C) cv. Kashi Nutan. Experimental findings revealed that cucumber grafted on inter-specific SF registered the maximum vine length (269.0 cm), number of branches (6.3) and dry matter production (183.91 g/plant) than self-rooted control. Photosynthetic parameters such as, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and chlorophyll fluorescence yield of PS II (Fv/Fm) of cucumber leaves were also higher over Summerfit rootstock. In comparison to self-rooted plant, cucumber on SF noticed 72.3%, 36.9% and 80.9% higher number of fruits, fruit weight and fruit yields, respectively. SF rootstock noticed an increase of 44.54% in total root length (TRL), 77.11% in root volume and 27.25% in average root diameter over self-rooted cucumber.
Effect of harvest time on total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacities of two grape varieties from Trebinje vineyard areaOriginal Paper
Senad Murtić, Mersija Delić, Milenko Blesić, Fikreta Behmen, Anstasija Anđušić, Fahrudin Topčić
The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of harvest timing on the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, in addition to the total antioxidant capacity in the berries of Žilavka and Vranac varieties grown in the Trebinje vineyard area. Grape samples for both varieties were collected at three distinct points during their ripening. The chosen harvest dates were set 10 days apart, and the optimal date for grape harvesting was determined by assessing the sugar content and titratable acidity present in the grapes. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and total antioxidant activity of grape samples were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, Aluminum chloride method and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with the total antioxidant capacity in the Vranac grape, increased from the first to the second harvest date, but a decline was noted at the third harvest. Žilavka grape exhibited an increase in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as total antioxidant capacity from the first to the second harvest date, with no decrease recorded by the third harvest. As expected, grape of the red grape variety Vranac contained higher levels of phenolics and flavonoids than light-skinned grape variety Žilavka.
Powdery mildew (Erysiphales) on ornamental plants in the Czech RepublicOriginal Paper
Marketa Michutova, Maria Neoralova, Barbora Jilkova, Jana Vichova, Helena Pluhackova, Ivana Safrankova
Ornamental perennials are highly popular and irreplaceable plants commonly used for enhancing public spaces and private gardens. One of the most frequently occurring pathogens is powdery mildew, a parasitic fungus that covers leaves, stems, and flowers with a whitish to light grey mycelium and reproductive structures. It significantly reduces not only the lifespan of plants but also their aesthetic value. A field survey of ornamental plants infected with powdery mildew was conducted during the growing seasons of 2021–2023 in the Czech Republic. Thirty-nine species and cultivars of infected plants from 17 families were collected from botanical gardens, private gardens, and city parks, and 26 species of powdery mildew were identified. The most frequently represented genus was Golovinomyces (13 species and varieties of powdery mildew on 21 plant samples from eight families), followed by five species of the genus Erysiphe on seven plant species from five families, and seven species of the genus Podosphaera on ten plant species from five families. The species Neoërysiphe galeopsidis was identified on a single plant sample. Two new powdery mildew species (Golovinomyces savulescui, Erysiphe knautie) were identified in the Czech Republic, and the host range of several species was clarified. Golovinomyces bolayi was confirmed on Campanula lactiflora and Veronica longifolia, Erysiphe macleaye on Dicentra spectabilis, and Podosphaera xantii on Calendula officinalis, Chrysanthemum sp., Dahlia pinnata, and Gerbera × hybrida.
Somatic embryogenesis and in vitro plant regeneration of Manzano (AAB) and Pelipita (ABB) banana cultivarsOriginal Paper
Adrián José Enríquez-Valencia, Martín Mata-Rosas, Claudia-Anahí Pérez-Torres, Enrique Ibarra-Laclette
Bananas are among the most produced, traded, and consumed fruits globally. The present study aimed to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation by somatic embryogenesis of Manzano and Peliptia cultivars. Immature male flower bud explants were used for embryogenic callus induction. In contrast with Pelipita, the Manzano cultivar showed the highest percentage of embryogenic callus induction. Stereomicroscopic observations of the embryogenic callus revealed various stages of somatic embryos, indicating an asynchronous type of embryogenesis. White translucent pro-embryogenic callus were efficiently used to establish embryogenic cell suspension. The development of different stages in the regeneration process of embryogenic cell suspension was also observed under a stereomicroscope in order to understand their development and structure. Only the embryos in the late coleoptilar stage with an opaque white morphology were selected and transferred to an appropriate media to evaluate the germination percentage. We prove that the germination percent is highly efficient for both cultivars (even higher than 90% when opaque white embryos in the late coleoptilar stage are used). Besides, we also prove that in contrast with 60-day-old embryos, a 10-12 % increase in germination is observed when embryos slightly older (90 days old) are used.
A study on effects of rootstocks on vine balance of 'Cerason' cultivarOriginal Paper
Jiří Tethal, Jiří Sochor, Radek Sotolář, Pavel Pavloušek, Mojmír Baroň, Richard Danko, Magdalena Kapłan, Kamila Klimek
'Cerason' is an interspecific cultivar of grapevine that has been bred and selected in the Czech Republic (2008). The cultivar is a result of crossing cultivars 'Merlan' x 'Fratava' and shows a very promising potential within the framework of fungus-resistant (PIWI) cultivars so that it is really designated for organic wine-making. This paper presents results of an experiment performed with seven selected rootstock cultivars (viz. Kober 125AA, Amos, Börner, CR2, Kober 5BB, K1SO4 and Teleki 5C) and some data about effects of these rootstocks on quantitative variables of the cultivar 'Cerason'. The aim of this study was to choose and specify those rootstock cultivars that would be the most suitable for a given locality. The following traits were monitored and recorded: plant vitality, yielding capacity of individual plants, and number and weight of clusters per vine. The weight of 100 berries was also an important variable. Rootstock cultivars 125AA and 5BB were evaluated as the best ones. Experimental results indicated that also the cultivar CR2 could be a suitable rootstock. The Kober 125AA rootstock also showed the most optimal Ravaz index.
Optimization of seed germination and seedling cultivation conditions for Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Acanthus ilicifolius in plant factoryShort Communication
Jiawen Su, Hongxia Li, Yisong Guo, Lemian Liu, Jianfeng Chen
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Acanthus ilicifolius are key mangrove species, but their populations have declined recently due to human activities. To promote their restoration, this study optimized seed germination and seedling cultivation using the plant factory method. The parameters such as illumination, salinity, temperature and nutrient conditions were examined. Our results showed that suitable illumination, salinity and temperature promoted seed germination of both species. Nutrient addition promoted the germination of B. gymnorrhiza but had little effect on A. ilicifolius. Both species seedlings grew best in short illumination duration and moderate illumination intensity. Although both species can tolerate high salinity, low salinity (0-10‰ for B. gymnorrhiza and 0-5‰ for A. ilicifolius) promoted seedlings growth. High temperature (28-32°C) accelerated the growth of both species seedlings. Nutrient addition enhanced the growth of both species seedlings, especially the addition of Ca2+/Mg2+ and trace elements strongly promoted growth of B. gymnorrhiza seedlings. We obtained optimal conditions for seed germination and seedling growth of both species in plant factory, demonstrating that environmental control significantly enhanced their germination and growth rates. Our findings offer valuable insights for mangrove restoration efficiency and sustainable development of mangrove ecosystems.
Effects of nutrient solutions on growth, yield and quality of yardlong bean plant (Vigna unguiculata Subsp. sesquipedalis L.) grown in hydroponic systemOriginal Paper
Thuy Le Thi, Thao Nguyen Phuong, Van Pham Thi, Oanh Nguyen Thi
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three nutrient solutions (Hoagland, Knop, and Hydro Umat F) on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of hydroponically cultivated yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata Subsp. sesquipedalis L.). Results showed that Hydro Umat F extended the plant lifespan (105.4 days) and flowering time (58.65 days), increased the number of branches per plant, and enhanced leaf SPAD values. Plants grown in Hydro Umat F also exhibited the highest yield, as indicated by the number of flowers per plant (46.12), number of pods per plant (20.81), pod length (54.15 cm), pod weight (20.06 g), and total pod weight per plant (417.45 g). Hoagland solution also promoted plant growth and yield, with a lifespan of 96.74 days, an average of 17.63 pods per plant, pod length of 47.34 cm, pod weight of 17.14 g, and a total yield of 302.17 g/plant. In contrast, Knop solution, containing only six essential nutrients, shortened plant lifespan (76.37 days) and significantly reduced growth and yield of hydroponic yardlong bean. Regarding pod quality, the pods from plants grown in Hydro Umat F had higher vitamin C content (4.12 mg/g), total protein content (3.21 mg/100g), and reducing sugar content (13.06 mg/g) compared to those grown in Hoagland and Knop solutions. The findings suggest that Hydro Umat F is a suitable nutrient solution for hydroponic cultivation of yardlong bean, contributing to increased plant yield and fruit quality.
Trans-polydatin and trans-resveratrol in grape berries grown under organic and conventional production systemsOriginal Paper
Aleksandra Šušnjar, Tomaž Polak, Andrej Živković, Sanja Lazić, Slavica Vuković, Siniša Mitrić, Darko Guljaš, Dragana Bošković, Jelena Ećimović, Dragana Šunjka
Resveratrol and polydatin are stilbenes with notable antioxidant and health benefits, making them important compounds in health promotion, grapevine production, and enology. This study aimed to monitor the trans isomers of these compounds in twelve grape varieties (black and white), grown under organic (OP) and conventional production (CP) systems. A novel HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated, demonstrating sensitivity and reliability for the quantification of the mentioned stilbenes. The method was applied to real samples, enabling the evaluation of the influence of production systems on the presence of analyzed compounds. The research included some of the most widely cultivated domestic and international varieties in the examined region. Obtained results revealed a significant impact of the production system and grape color on resveratrol and polydatin content. OP consistently yielded a higher content of both compounds, compared to CP. Furthermore, black varieties showed higher overall stilbene levels than white ones. Shiraz variety was an exception, with high levels of both compounds under CP. All the obtained findings highlight the role of the production system in enhancing bioactive compound content in grapes. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing viticulture, supporting plant resilience, and improving the nutritional qualities of grape-derived products.
Physiological efficiency of Arabica coffee rootstocks on Robusta scion under different moisture regimesOriginal Paper
Somashekhargouda patil, Yashaswini K P, Yashasvi H R, Jeena Devasia, Senthilkumar M
The nursery study was performed out using various combinations of rootstock scions during for three years (2020-21 to 2022-23) at Central Coffee Research Institute, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka state, India with an objective to improve drought tolerance in robusta coffee. High root biomass, water use efficiency types of arabica tetraploid selections Viz., Sln.6, Sln.9, S.4595 and Sln.5B were used as rootstocks for S.274 and C × R robusta scions along with individual selections as check plants. Randomized block design with three replications were adopted to set up experiment in nursery. The physiological parameters, used as drought tolerance indicators, were recorded in the all the grafted and individual materials before stress. after stress (SMC 9.4%- incipient wilting) and after alleviation of stress (15 days after fully recovery) respectively. The 4th pair of matured leaves on the primary branch of the seedlings was chosen for analyzing gas exchange as well as biochemical parameters. The graft combinations of S.4595/C×R, Sln.9/S.274, Sln.5B/C×R and Sln.6/C×R showed superior performance in all the physiological parameters including, higher relative water content, epicuticular wax content plus gas exchange parameters during after stress, before stress, and after alleviation of the stress respectively. Among the check plants the scion material C×R recorded more gas exchange and biochemical parameters than S.274. The values indicated that the C×R robusta coffee scion on S.4595, Sln.5B and Sln.6 arabica root stocks and S.274 robusta coffee scion on Sln.9 arabica root stock, were found to be suitable to impart drought tolerance by producing superior rootstock scion combinations with high carbon exchange rates and growth.
Development of a hybrid apple population: MAS-Based testing for Vf gene detection and preliminary field evaluation of its scab resistanceOriginal Paper
Georgeta Maria Guzu, Ioan Zagrai, Claudiu Moldovan, Smaranda Doina Roșu-Mareș, Luminița Antonela Zagrai, Anca Maria Chiorean, Mirela Irina Cordea
The apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is one of the most devastating diseases of apples because it drastically affects the aerial parts of the tree. Apple breeding programs frequently aim to develop cultivars exhibiting resistance to scab. Thus, controlled pollinations were performed on apple trees in 2021. The experiment was organized into a hybridization schemes involving six apple cultivars. The scheme consist in: five female genitors (Auriu de Bistrița, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Starkrimson, and Idared) and one male genitor (Florina – donor for the Vf). To quickly identify the Vf gene in the early development stage of progenies, three pairs of primers were used: AM19, AL07, and VFC. The hybrid combinations with the highest percentage of progenies inheriting the Vf gene were: Starkrimson x Florina (59.2%), followed by Jonathan x Florina (57.1%). The hybrids that inherited the Vf gene have been transferred to the field and are being further examined for their resistance against scab infections in the field, in the proximity of a natural source of the inoculum infection pressure.
Modified atmosphere packaging influences germination and seedling growth of the organic coated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedOriginal Paper
Wissanee Pola, Sukanya Aiamla-or
Organic seed coating is an alternative way for supporting sustainable agriculture. Influence of organic coating and storability of seeds using atmosphere controlling technique in cucumber seed is investigated. The seeds were coated with an organic coating formulation and a non-coated seed as a control. All samples were then packed by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) including normal air, 100% N2, and 100% CO2 and stored under ambient condition (30 ± 2 °C) for 8 months. Results found that the organic seed coating did not significantly affect seed germination compared to the non-coated seeds (P>0.05) throughout storage period. Moreover, the coating tended to positively affect seedling growth, including root and shoot lengths, seedling growth rate (SGR), chlorophylls, and total phenolic content (TPC). Moreover, the seeds packed with 100% CO2 represented slightly impact the seedling growth compared to the normal air bag, but this MAP technique tended to increase chlorophyll a and b, as well as the TPC in seedlings. While the seeds packaged with 100% N2 tended to decrease seedling lengths. Therefore, the coated cucumber seed with an organic coating and packed in the 100% CO2 bag can promote the seedling growth parameters during germination and extend seed storability.
Degree of seedbed compaction and response of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under different traffic treatments.Original Paper
Esra Nur Gül, Emine Polat, Engin Özgöz, Naif Geboloğlu
Soil compaction has negative impacts on plant productivity. Degradation of soil structure as a result of soil compaction can inhibit the development of plant roots and make it difficult for plants to take up water and nutrients. This can negatively affect plant growth and productivity. Compaction restricts plant root growth by increasing mechanical resistance, reducing oxygen uptake, and thus reduces crop yields as it inhibits plant development. In this study, the effects of soil compaction due to machinery traffic on the physical structure of soil and morphological characteristics and yield of spinach were investigated in Tokat, where vegetable farming is intensively practiced. In the study, 4 different tractor traffic (C: Zero tractor traffic (control), T1: 1 tractor traffic, T3: 3 tractor traffic, T5: 5 tractor traffic) treatment was used. As the number of traffic increased, the penetration resistance, bulk density and porosity increased, and the lowest volume weight was obtained from the control treatment. Plant weight losses in T1, T3 and T5 treatments compared to the control treatment were 1.92%, 31.09% and 64.64%, respectively. The yield value, which was 62.0 tonnes/ha in C treatment, was determined as 31.8 tonnes/ha in T5 treatment, with a decrease of 48.70%. Proper use of modern agricultural machinery plays an important role in preventing soil compaction and increasing plant productivity.
Short- and long-term effects of elevated CO2 on the growth and nitrogen content of Panax japonicus
Xiao Wang, E Liang, Deyan Li, Xiaohui Song
Panax japonicus (T.Nees) C.A.Mey. is a rare plant that is used in Chinese herbal medicine. To study the effects of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on growth and nitrogen content of P. japonicus, two-year-old P. japonicus seedlings were grown in open-top air chamber under ambient CO2 (aCO2), moderately (e1CO2: 550 ± 15 μmol·mol-1) or substantially (e2CO2: 750 ± 15 μmol·mol-1) elevated CO2. After 27 days, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of e2CO2-treated seedlings was significantly higher (20.09%) than that of seedlings grown under aCO2. However, by day 57, the Pn of e1CO2- and e2CO2-treated seedlings was 12.87% higher and 9.57% lower, respectively, than that of seedlings grown under aCO2. Rubisco activity, growth indices, and photosynthetic pigment, soluble sugar, etc., content levels showed similar trends to those observed for Pn, which suggests that exposure to moderately eCO2 was beneficial for P. japonicus growth, whereas under substantially eCO2, growth were promoted in short-term but inhibited in long-term. When seedlings were exposed to substantially eCO2 for a long-term, the photosynthetic efficiency and nitrogen content were reduced; however, owing to the temporal effect of eCO2 on P. japonicus growth, there was no significant correlation between nitrogen content and Pn of P. japonicus under eCO2.
Effects of application of biostimulants and growth regulators on root traits and analysis of root architecture with machine learning in LiliumOriginal Paper
Ömer Sari
Apart from the roots, the bulb is the most important organ for plant development of the lily plant. In this experiment, the effects of mycorrhizal, vermicompost and promalin applications on the root architecture of Lilium 'Adelante', a bulbous plant, were to be investigated. It was found that the effect of the treatments on root length (12859 cm), root surface area (8 cm3), number of tips (10995), number of forks (35436) and number of crossings (8615) was lower than that of the control. In terms of root volume, the applications of vermicompost (3 cm2) and promalin (3 cm3) were the most effective. The most effective application on root diameter (3.5 mm) was promalin. In conclusion, the effect on mycorrhizal root development was lower than the control but higher than other applications. In addition, machine learning (ML) algorithms, including LR, SMOreg GP and ANN-based MLP, were used in the study. The input variables were evaluated for modelling and predicting root traits. The performance values of the ML algorithms were noted in the following order: LR > SMOreg > GP > MLP. These results have important implications for the prediction of root growth in lily crops.
Exogenous selenium treatment promoted garlic (Allium sativum L.) growth and improved product qualityShort Communication
Chuandong Qi, Jie Zhou, Dan Peng, Qingqing Zhao, Fanghua Wu, Jinping Wu, Fengling Guo
Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body, mainly obtained from daily diet. Producing selenium rich agricultural products through selenium rich cultivation is an important cultivation method. Selenium rich agricultural products can effectively supplement the selenium element needed by the human body in daily life. In this study, we conducted research on selenium rich cultivation techniques for garlic, and different concentrations of sodium selenite solutions were used for garlic field treatment. We tested the related agronomic traits, nutritional indicators, and selenium content of garlic sprouts and garlic bulbs. The yield of garlic sprouts (37.08 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (25.31 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (61.00 μg/kg) and garlic bulbs (2930.00 μg/kg) of T3 treatment (120 mg/L Na2SeO3) were significantly increased, compared with the yield of garlic sprouts (30.66 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (20.90 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (6.33 μg/kg) and garlic bulbs (75.00 μg/kg) of CK. Furthermore, selenium treatment improved the antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in garlic sprouts during winter, and promoted the absorption of soil nutrients by garlic. Taken together, our research indicates that garlic, especially garlic bulbs, had strong selenium rich ability, and selenium rich cultivation techniques could significantly improve the yield and quality of garlic products.
Determination of performance of different banana varieties (Musa spp. AAA) under protected cultivation in terms of morphological, yield and quality characteristicsOriginal Paper
Sabriye Atmaca, Halil İbrahim Yolcu, Gökhan Erdoğan, Hakan Sert, Hamide Gübbük
Recently, protected cultivation of bananas under subtropical conditions has gained popularity due to the impact of global climate change. Several factors influence the yield and quality in banana cultivation. Among these factors, variety plays an important role along with cultural practices. This study aimed to determine the performance of Azman, Bango, Bonus, Grand Nain, Lider, and Paşa banana varieties in terms of morphological and yield characteristics under protected cultivation, as well as to elucidate the relationship between yield and factors affecting yield. The research was conducted between 2020 and 2022 in the Manavgat district of Antalya. The research findings showed that each morphological parameter examined varied significantly. However, the Bango variety exhibited better results in terms of fruit physical characteristics (finger circumference and finger length), bunch weight, and yield per hectare (72 t/ha). Moderate to high-level phenotypic correlations were found between bunch weight and Pseudo stem girth, pseudo stem height, number of fingers, finger weight, finger circumference, and finger length, with values of 0.544, 0.478, 0.326, 0.669, 0.581, and 0.543, respectively. Positive and significant phenotypic correlations were determined between finger length affecting export quality, bunch weight, finger weight, and finger circumference, with values of 0.543, 0.799, and 0.625, respectively. It can be concluded that the Bango variety exhibited better results as compared to other varieties in terms of both yield and quality criteria. Additionally, positive phenotypic correlations were observed between bunch weight (which directly influences yield) and finger length (which affects export quality), as well as various morphological and pomological characteristics.
Determination of yield and biochemical characteristics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) grown in subtropical climate zoneOriginal Paper
Fatma UYSAL BAYAR
Curcuma longa L., which is known as turmeric, is a plant species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric is generally spread in Asian countries. It is used in many sectors, especially in spices. It has been predicted that increasing climatic changes will affect the agricultural crop pattern. To provide an alternative crop for countries with sub-tropical climates such as Turkey, the yield and quality values of turmeric grown under the greenhouse and shade net conditions were determined in the present study. Moreover, morphological traits such as plant height, tillering number, and leaf area were determined. The highest fresh yield (1333.67 kg/plant) was obtained under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, the highest antioxidant value (3.01 IC50 mg/mg DPPH) was obtained under shade net conditions, while the highest total phenolic content (6.88 mg GAE/g) was obtained under greenhouse conditions. Curcumin reached the highest level (1.79%) in greenhouse conditions. While the essential oil ratio varied between 5.22 and 7.32%, ar-turmerone, α- turmerone, and β- turmerone were determined as the main components in the essential oil.
Phenolic and antioxidant assessment of the flowers, stems, leaves, and fruits of Rosa pimpinellifolia and Rosa canina at different growth timeOriginal Paper
Mehmet ÖZ, Onur Tolga OKAN, Cemalettin BALTACI
Natural plants are abundant in their native habitats and are traditionally used to treat a variety of health conditions. Rosa genus stand out as an important species rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant, and phenolic characterization of methanolic extracts obtained from different parts of Rosa canina (R.c.) and Rosa pimpinelifolia (R.p.) collected in 2021 and 2022. Antioxidant activity, values of Rc collected in 2021 and 2022 were found to be between 5102.31-46396.36 mmol Fe(II)/100 g in FRAP, 141.92-377.54 mg AA/kg in TAC, 2.18-24.68 µg/g in DPPH(EC50) and 34.31-75.77 % in DPPH (% inhibition). Antioxidant activity of R.p. collected in 2021 and 2022 ranged from 17258.44-71903.20 mmol Fe(II)/100 g, 271.69-479.19 mg AA/kg, 1.02-8.32 µg/g and 50.98-85.57% for FRAP, TAC, DPPH(EC50) and DPPH (% inhibition), respectively. R.p. extract obtained from flowers, stems, leaves and fruits generally was higher antioxidant activity than R.c. Considering the total identified phenolic compounds achieved from different plant parts of rosehip for both years, the highest values of total phenolic compounds were determined R.c. leaves (222.08 mg/100 g) in 2021 and R.p. leaves (5465.95 mg/100 g) in 2021.
Knowing your enemy before taking the field: a screening of salt and UV-B treatments to boost the biochemical defenses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv “Moneymaker”) plantlets in controlled conditionsOriginal Paper
Maria C. Sciampagna, Alessia Mannucci, Salvatore Limpido, Annamaria Ranieri, Antonella Castagna, Marco Santin
Plants are commonly exposed to different abiotic stress factors that can threaten their growth and development. Abiotic treatments might be used as a tool to increase the tolerance of plants grown in controlled environments before being transplanted in open fields, but this technique needs a careful choice of the stressor dose. We screened several UV-B radiation doses (1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 8 h) and NaCl doses (75 mM, 150 mM, 300 mM), separately, to be employed as preconditioning treatments of tomato plantlets (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv Moneymaker) cultivated in a controlled environment. Biometric parameters and antioxidant compounds were quantified in leaves and roots. Our results showed that the application of mild abiotic treatments such as 75 mM for 14 days or 8 h/day (18.43 kJ m-2) for 7 days to hydroponically grown tomato plantlets can increase the content of foliar total phenolics and flavonoids without inducing strong impairments in the plant growth and development. Interestingly, this work provide evidence that the UV-B radiation, although perceived only by the above-ground organs of the plants, induce some morphological and biochemical changes also in the root system.