Horticultural Science - In Press

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.

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.

Impact of Thinning Level and Timing on Yield, Maturity, and Quality of Merlot Grapevines under the Big T Trellis SystemOriginal Paper

Ilknur Korkutal, Elman Bahar, Gamze Uysal Seckin, Derya Akinci

This study evaluated the effects of cluster thinning on yield and quality of 12-year-old Merlot/41B grapevines over the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 growing seasons. Six phenological stages-Before Flowering, Setting, Bunch Closure, Veraison, Half Maturity, and Before Maturity-and three thinning levels (0%, 25%, and 50%) were assessed. Key parameters included total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), pH, sugar accumulation, maturity indices (TSS/TA, pH² × °Brix), secondary metabolites (total anthocyanins, total tannins, total phenolic content, total polyphenol index), and yield. Cluster thinning significantly enhanced most quality traits, with Veraison emerging as the optimal stage for improving phytochemical composition. The highest TSS was observed at Setting, while maximum total anthocyanins, tannins, TPI, and maturity indices occurred at Veraison under 50% thinning. Sugar accumulation was optimized at 25% thinning. Yield decreased proportionally with thinning intensity, with Control vines producing the highest yield and 50% thinning the lowest. Overall, 25% cluster thinning at Veraison achieved a balance between improved grape quality and commercial yield, providing a practical management strategy for Merlot production.

Investigating the Role of 6-BAP and 2,4-DPA in Enhancing Biochemical Nutrients and Reducing Fruit Drop and Cracking of Litchi cv. BombaiOriginal Paper

Bikash Chandra Sarker, Shams Shaila Islam, Kanij Farhana, M.A. Hakim, Thanet Khomphet

Litchi fruit drop and cracking are major issues that lead to low yields and reduced income for growers in Bangladesh. To address this, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of biochemical nutrients and the ability to reduce fruit cracking and dropping in litchi cv. Bombai under various concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DPA). The study followed a two-factor factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design, using four levels for each growth regulator: control, 20, 30, and 40 ppm 2,4-DPA, and similarly for 6-BAP. Various parameters were measured, including the number of flowers, fruit retention, fruit cracking, moisture content, ash content, acidity, fruit growth, and fruit quality, as well as yield per tree. The results demonstrated that both plant growth regulators, 2,4-DPA and 6-BAP, significantly reduced fruit dropping and cracking while improving the overall quality and nutrient content of the fruits. The retention of fruits was higher with 6-BAP compared to 2,4-DPA. The highest fruit weight, length, diameter, pulp-to-seed ratio, and pulp-to-peel ratio were achieved with the 20 ppm treatments of both 2,4-DPA and 6-BAP. Additionally, fruit quality indicators, including vitamin C, vitamin A, total phenol content, and key mineral nutrients, were significantly enhanced by both growth regulators. Based on the findings, it is recommended that either 20 ppm of 2,4-DPA or 20 ppm of 6-BAP be applied three times at the pea-size, marble-size, and pre-harvest stages after fruit set to enhance fruit quality and reduce cracking in litchi.

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.

Investigation on morphological, photosynthetic traits, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) roots infection in sago palm (Metroxylon sagu rottb.) under saline conditionOriginal Paper

Aidil Azhar

This study investigated the response of sago palms to saline conditions, focusing on their morphological and photosynthetic performance. The photosynthetic traits were evaluated using OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence transient. The plants were exposed to a saline condition of 224 mM NaCl, and their ability to form associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was also assessed. We tested both commercial AMF products, containing spores from multiple genera, and isolated AMF spores from Glomus etunicatum and Glomus grape, to determine their ability to infect sago palm roots under high salt conditions. The results showed that sago palms can maintain efficient photosynthesis even at high salt levels. This is likely due to their ability to prevent excessive salt uptake in shoots and water loss from roots by forming lignin deposits in cell tissues. Furthermore, the study found that sago palm roots can form associations with AMF under saline conditions. These findings indicate that sago palms exhibit tolerance to saline environments, making them a promising crop option for areas with low soil quality where other carbohydrate-producing crops cannot tolerate the conditions

Seasonal changes in Elaeocarpus sylvestris leaf colour and physiologyOriginal Paper

Qingqing Liu, Zhijun Huang, Xiaolong Tian, Zhangwei Tan

In this study, Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Lour.) Poir. leaves were sampled on five dates from autumn to winter and analysed to reveal the factors that cause progressive changes in leaf colour and differences in leaf physiological characteristics. The colour parameters L*, a*, C*, and s* increased significantly, the gloss of E. sylvestris leaves became reddish, and the colour brightness and purity increased. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly with anthocyanin accumulation, and pigment content ratio changes in autumn and winter were the most direct reasons for the reddening of E. sylvestris leaves. The leaf pigment content interacted with the fluorescence and photosynthetic characteristics during the reddening process. The decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents weakened leaf fluorescence, decreased light energy use efficiency, and decreased the net photosynthetic rate. The allocation of light energy from E. sylvestris leaves to regulatory energy dissipation (e.g., photochemical reactions) and heat dissipation pathways was reduced, and the excess excitation energy led to photosystem II photodamage. These findings provide a basis for the garden application of E. sylvestris and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of leaf colouration in colourful plants.

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.

Chilling Requirements of Apple Cultivars: Physiological Insights and Adaptation Strategies in a Changing ClimateReview

Garima Vashisth, Sanjeev Kumar, Ibajanai Kurbah, Nitesh Kumar

Apple cultivars' chill requirements directly affect the break from dormancy to active growth, thus playing a significant role in flowering and fruit set and production. This abstract explores physiological insights and adaptation techniques concerning the chilling requirements of apple cultivars against the backdrop of change in the environment. Chilling hours are the total hours the apple cultivar needs to be exposed to low temperatures to break dormancy. These needs vary highly with the varieties and are intrinsically related to the genetic constitution of the cultivar. These cooling hours must be met in synchronization for bud break and consistent flowering. On the contrary, with the rise in global temperatures and associated uncertainty with climate, the mere normal satisfaction of chilling requirements is being increasingly threatened. Physiologically, the freezing process creates complex hormonal as well as metabolic changes in the bud tissue. In plants that have shifted from a dormant state to active growth, it is the kind of balance of hormones like gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) that is critical. The expression of some of those genes that are linked to chilling accumulation further explains the core biological mechanisms involved in controlling dormancy release. These include low-chill or adaptive apple cultivars, using chemical agents to induce dormancy release, and orchard management practices such as irrigation and shading to "immerse" the trees in those environments where warmer winters might be more common, hence minimizing the impact of warmer winters.

Impact of integrated nutrient management on fruit quality attributes of sapota (Acharas zapota)Original Paper

HEM RAJ MEENA, RAM AVATAR KAUSHIK, CHAITHRA T.S., MEENAKSHI MEENA, SOMASUNDARAM J., KALA S., GULSHAN KUMAR SHARMA, ASHOK KUMAR, SHAKIR ALI, GOPAL LAL MEENA, KULDEEP KUMAR

Indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers are threat to environment coupled with adverse affects on quality of produce and soil health. Integrated nutrient management (INM) can supplement the requirement of the plant for qualitative and quantitative production and reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic, inorganic and biofertilizers on fruit quality of sapota fruits and also to determine the amount required from diverse source of nutrients on fruit quality. A field study was conducted with 11 different treatment combinations, including farm yard manure (FYM), vermicompost, recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and biofertilizers. Among various treatments, application of 2/3 of RDF+10 kg vermicompost + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter per plants recorded higher fruit diameter, fruit length and fruit weight i.e. 5.67 cm, 6.20 cm and 100.17 g respectively. In addition, higher fruit firmness (4.96 kg/cm2) and pulp: seed ratio (93.09) was recorded in the same treatment. Although, biochemical parameters such as total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, TSS/ acid ratio and reducing sugar were recorded in treatments having 750:375:375 g NPK + 50 kg FYM +250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter / plant. The results demonstrated that applying two-thirds of the recommended amount of fertilizers i.e.1000:500:500 g NPK per plant in Sapota cv. Kalipatti enhanced TSS content (9.68%) and fruit weight (13.72 %) over the control.

Eco-physiological attributes of Physalis philadelphica, Physalis angulata and Physalis pubescens in the Valley of MexicoOriginal Paper

Gabriela Berenice Vilchis Granados, Edgar Jesus Morales Rosales, Edgar Javier Morales Morales, Jose Antonio Lopez Sandoval, Ana Patricia Morales Colin

The processes and mechanisms that determine the growth and yield of crops in different environments are necessary to increase agricultural production, since they guide us in the choice of the most appropriate management practices. The aim of the study was to evaluate, during the years 2018, 2019, 2020, the performance of Physalis philadelphica, Physalis angulata and Physalis pubescens as a function of leaf area index, light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency. Research was carried out at the Center of Research and Advanced Studies of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. Results revealed that the environmental conditions of 2018 positively influenced the expression of leaf area index and radiation use efficiency, increasing the average production of Physalis sp. (10.65 t/ha) compared to 2019 (9.67 t/ha) and 2020 (8.13 t/ha). Physalis philadelphica produced the greatest amount of fruit (16.69 t/ha) followed by Physalis angulata (10.46 t/ha) and Physalis pubescens (1.33 t/ha). Genotype × environment interaction in 2018 stimulated the expression of the eco-physiological attributes of Physalis philadelphica achieving a yield of 18.83 t/ha.

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.

Biomass production of Lettuce: Nitrogen Fertilizer and Harvesting Period Effects on Phytochemical composition in Growth Chamber-GrownOriginal Paper

Soran Aziz, Fuad Othman Abdullah, Ayman Al-Qaanehd, Matteo Micuccie

Concern over the potential health benefits of the phytochemical compounds in lettuce has grown as intake of leafy vegetables, especially lettuce, has increased. This study was to investigate the effect periods of harvesting and the different concentration of nitrogen fertilization including low, normal and high (100, 200 and 300 mg/plant) respectively on level of phytochemical compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and chlorophylls in lettuce. The experiment was conducted in the growth chamber at Newcastle University. The plants were randomly designed for 3 treatments with 15 replications. Plants were harvested in three different times. The first harvesting took place after 6 weeks from planting, and the second and third harvesting were done after 7 and 8 weeks from planting respectively. After each harvest, the chlorophyll content and total carotenoids and other phytochemicals were measured by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before and after drying the plants. The plant biomass was higher at normal nitrogen application (200 mg/L) in all periods of harvesting. As well as, significantly increased plant phytochemicals including carotenoids and chlorophylls, while, the composition of phenolic acids and flavonols were not affected such as, higher level of nitrogen fertilizer to the soil has resulted in a higher concentration of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in the lettuce by 154.2%～420.3%, 72.1%～287.9% respectively. Aa well as, that lutein was increased from 209 µg/g dry weight at the first period of harvest to 287 µg/g dry weight at the second period of harvest. Furthermore, total phenolic increased by 25%. The finding of current study showed that plant maturity has positive correlation with plant phytochemicals.

A comparison of seven macadamia cultivars for suitability to the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet in ChinaOriginal Paper

Jifeng Wan, Minghong Zou, Ximei Song, Qian Yang, Hui Zeng, Yang Zhao

The suitability of macadamia for different climates has been shown to affect tree growth and fruit quality. In this study, the differences in tree survival rate after frost injury, tree growth, nut mass, kernel quality and yield of seven macadamia cultivars, namely 'Beaumont' ('HAES695'), 'HVA16' ('A16'), 'Hinde' ('H2'), 'Own Choice' ('O.C.'), 'SSCRI-1', 'SSCRI-2' and 'SSCRI-3' were evaluated for field production in the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet, and the suitability of macadamia cultivars was determined. The results showed that the seven cultivars grew well under the high altitude and high latitude climate conditions of southern Tibet without continuous frost. 'A16' and 'Beaumont' in addition to their reasonable yield, nut mass and kernel quality, had the higher tree survival rate after frost injury. 'A16' and 'Beaumont' were well adapted to the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet, followed by 'O.C.', 'SSCRI-1' and 'SSCRI-2', but 'SSCRI-3' and 'H2' were unsuitable. These results indicated that it is possible to produce macadamia in the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet by planting excellent frost-resistant cultivars, with promising yields and a commercial standard of nut quality.

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.

Effect of the application of phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) as fertiliser on bioactive compounds in microgreensOriginal Paper

SILA BARUT GÖK, FUNDA ÖZDÜVEN, FUNDA ERYILMAZ AÇIKGÖZ, Çetin YAĞCILAR

Bio-fertilization has gained popularity due to its sustainability in agricultural practice. One of the cyanobacterial-based bio-fertilizers is Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) which contains phycocyanin, a blue protein pigment that is abundant in Spirulina sp., that boosts the growth yield and bioactive content of plants. The aim of the current study is to determine the alteration in antioxidant and phenolic content in red cabbage microgreens (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) by treating different organs of the plant with phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis. The phycocyanin application did not significantly affect the phenolic content of the cotyledon leaves. However, soaking with phycocyanin solution significantly affected the phenolic content of seeds. Regarding the antioxidant capacity of the microgreens, no significant effect was detected on the antioxidant activity of the seeds among the phycocyanin concentrations. The phycocyanin application significantly increased antioxidant activity compared to control soaked in deionised water. The results clearly demonstrate that phycocyanin application to seed and cotyledon leaves affected the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of the microgreens. Although there are several studies about the effects of phycocyanin on growth parameters, this study has different perspectives in terms of the method of phycocyanin application and evaluation of the bioactive compounds in microgreens.

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.

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