Quality Of Horticultural Crops Research Articles

Genetic mapping and molecular marker development for white flesh color in tomato.

Fruit color significantly influences the quality of horticultural crops, which affects phytochemical diversity and consumer preferences. Despite its importance, the genetic basis of the white-colored fruit in tomatoes remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that white-fleshed tomato varieties accumulate fewer carotenoids than yellow-fleshed varieties. We developed various segregating populations by hybridizing red, yellow, and white fruit tomato cultivars. Genetic analysis revealed that the white fruit color trait is controlled by a single gene that dominates both red and yellow fruits. Bulk segregant RNA sequencing provided a preliminary map of a 3.17 Mb region on chromosome 3 associated with the white color trait. Based on kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, we narrowed the candidate gene region to 819 kb. Within this region, we identified a 4906-bp sequence absence variation near Phytoene Synthase 1 (SlPSY1) specific to white-colored tomatoes. Genotyping of the progeny and natural populations using a single nucleotide polymorphism adjacent to this absence of variation confirmed its key role in white fruit formation. Collectively, our findings provide insights into white fruit trait formation in tomatoes, enabling tomato breeders to precisely introduce white fruit traits for commercial exploitation.

BrMYB116 transcription factor enhances Cd stress tolerance by activating FIT3 in yeast and Chinese cabbage.

Cd (cadmium) is a highly toxic heavy metal pollutant often present in soil and detrimentally impacting the production and quality of horticultural crops. Cd affects various physiological and biochemical processes in plants, including chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, mineral uptake and accumulation, and hormonal imbalance, leading to cell death. The MYB family of transcription factors plays a significant role in plant response to environmental influences. However, the role of MYB116 in abiotic stress tolerance remains unclear. In this study, we reported that Chinese cabbage transcription factor BrMYB116 enhanced Cd stress tolerance in yeast. The expression level of BrMYB116 was increased by Cd stress in Chinese cabbage. Additionally, yeast cells overexpressing BrMYB116 showed improved Cd stress tolerance and reduced Cd accumulation. Moreover, we found that BrMYB116 interacted with facilitator of iron transport (FIT3) to enhance Cd stress tolerance. ChIP-qPCR results showed that ScFIT3 was activated through specific binding to its promoter. Additionally, the overexpression of ScFIT3 induced Cd stress tolerance and reduced Cd accumulation in yeast and Chinese cabbage. These results suggest new avenues for plant genomic modification to mitigate Cd toxicity and enhance the safety of vegetable production.

Fine Mapping of Candidate Gene Controlling Anthocyanin Biosynthesis for Purple Peel in Solanum melongena L.

Fruit color is an intuitive quality of horticultural crops that can be used as an evaluation criterion for fruit ripening and is an important factor affecting consumers' purchase choices. In this study, a genetic population from the cross of green peel 'Qidong' and purple peel '8 guo' revealed that the purple to green color of eggplant peel is dominant and controlled by a pair of alleles. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA), SNP haplotyping, and fine genetic mapping delimited candidate genes to a 350 kb region of eggplant chromosome 10 flanked by markers KA2381 and CA8828. One ANS gene (EGP22363) was predicted to be a candidate gene based on gene annotation and sequence alignment of the 350-kb region. Sequence analysis revealed that a single base mutation of 'T' to 'C' on the exon green peel, which caused hydrophobicity to become hydrophilic serine, led to a change in the three-level spatial structure. Additionally, EGP22363 was more highly expressed in purple peels than in green peels. Collectively, EGP22363 is a strong candidate gene for anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple eggplant peels. These results provide important information for molecular marker-assisted selection in eggplants, and a basis for analyzing the regulatory pathways responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis in eggplants.

Fulvic acid foliar application: a novel approach enhancing antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)

BackgroundThe global growth of pistachio production has prompted exploration into sustainable agricultural practices, on the application of humic substances such as fulvic acid in enhancing the quality of horticultural crops. The present study was carried out in Qom province, Iran, on 20 years old pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi) trees and investigated the impact of foliar spraying of fulvic acid at varying concentrations (1.5, 3, and 4.5 g L− 1) on the antioxidant and quality properties of pistachio. The different concentrations of fulvic acid were applied at two key stages: at the initiation of pistachio kernel formation (late June) and the development stage of pistachio kernel (late August), as well as at both time points. Following harvest at the horticulturally mature phase, various parameters, including total phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrate content, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity, were assessed.ResultsResults indicated that foliar application of fulvic acid, particularly at 1.5 g L− 1 during both late June and August, effectively increased phenolic compounds (31.8%) and flavonoid content (24.53%). Additionally, this treatment also augmented antioxidant capacity and heightened the activity of catalase (CAT) (37.56%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (63.86%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (76.45%). Conversely, peroxidase (POX) (41.54%) activity was reduced in fulvic acid-treated nuts compared with controls. Moreover, the content of chlorophyll (45%) and carotenoids (46.7%) was enhanced using this organic fertilizer. In terms of mineral elements, the increment was observed in zinc (Zn) (58.23%) and potassium (K) (28.12%) amounts in treated nuts. Additionally, foliar application of fulvic acid led to elevated levels of soluble carbohydrates and proteins in treated nuts.ConclusionsIn the present study, application of fulvic acid resulted in enhancement of antioxidant activity and quality traits of pistachio nut through an increase in total phenol, flavonoids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, K, Zn, and also activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, use of fulvic acid emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the quality and nutritional attributes of pistachios, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop outcomes.

A Review on Organic Manure and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria’s Use in Horticultural Crops

The sustainable and eco-friendly management of horticulture crops has become increasingly imperative in contemporary agricultural practices. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the synergistic utilization of organic manure and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to enhance the growth, yield, and overall health of horticulture crops. Organic manures, derived from natural sources such as compost, animal manure, and green manure, offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, providing essential nutrients while promoting soil fertility and structure. PGPR can affect on plant growth by production and releases secondary metabolites, helps in preventing deleterious effects of phyto-pathogenic organisms in the rhizosphere. This will ultimately support for better yield and quality of horticultural crops.

Physiological responses of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) to exogenous 2,4-epibrassinolide at different concentrations

BackgroundBrassinolide, known as the seventh plant hormone, can improve the photosynthetic capacity of plants, promote plant growth and development, promote the formation of horticultural crop yield, improve the quality of horticultural crops, and also improve the ability of plants to resist biological and abiotic stresses.ResultsThe effects of different concentrations of exogenously sprayed 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) on growth, physiological and photosynthetic characteristics of ‘All-round large leaf coriander’ were studied in substrate culture. The results showed that 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR promoted the growth of coriander and increased the aboveground fresh and dry weights, with 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR having the most significant effect. Spraying 0.1 mg.L− 1 EBR increased the content of soluble sugars and protein of coriander leaves. Spraying 0.1 and 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR significantly increased the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters of coriander leaves, and 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR also significantly increased the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of coriander leaves. Spraying 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR upregulated the expression of CsRbcS, CsFBPase, and CsAld. Correlation analysis showed that aboveground fresh weight under exogenous EBR treatment was significantly positively correlated with aboveground dry weight, plant height, Pn, Gs, Ci, and CsAld (P < 0.05), and soluble sugar content was significantly positively correlated with the number of leaves, Y(II), qP, and CsRbcS. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there was a significant separation between the treatment and the control groups. Spraying 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR can promote the growth of coriander, improve the quality of coriander leaves, and strengthen coriander leaf photosynthetic capacity. This study provides new insights into the promotion of coriander growth and development following the application of exogenous EBR.ConclusionExogenous EBR treatment increased coriander plant height, leaf growth and aboveground dry weight, and enhanced photosynthesis. Exogenous spraying of 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR had the most significant effect.

Comparison of Biological Indicators of Soil Quality of Horticultural Crops Based on No-tillage and Non-synthetic Systems

Comparison of Biological Indicators of Soil Quality of Horticultural Crops Based on No-tillage and Non-synthetic Systems

The power of magnesium: unlocking the potential for increased yield, quality, and stress tolerance of horticultural crops.

Magnesium (Mg2+) is pivotal for the vitality, yield, and quality of horticultural crops. Central to plant physiology, Mg2+ powers photosynthesis as an integral component of chlorophyll, bolstering growth and biomass accumulation. Beyond basic growth, it critically affects crop quality factors, from chlorophyll synthesis to taste, texture, and shelf life. However, Mg2 + deficiency can cripple yields and impede plant development. Magnesium Transporters (MGTs) orchestrate Mg2+ dynamics, with notable variations observed in horticultural species such as Cucumis sativus, Citrullus lanatus, and Citrus sinensis. Furthermore, Mg2+ is key in fortifying plants against environmental stressors and diseases by reinforcing cell walls and spurring the synthesis of defense substances. A burgeoning area of research is the application of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs), which, owing to their nanoscale size and high reactivity, optimize nutrient uptake, and enhance plant growth and stress resilience. Concurrently, modern breeding techniques provide insights into Mg2+ dynamics to develop crops with improved Mg2+ efficiency and resilience to deficiency. Effective Mg2+ management through soil tests, balanced fertilization, and pH adjustments holds promise for maximizing crop health, productivity, and sustainability. This review unravels the nuanced intricacies of Mg2+ in plant physiology and genetics, and its interplay with external factors, serving as a cornerstone for those keen on harnessing its potential for horticultural excellence.

The Effect of Imidacloprid on the Volatile Organic Compound Profile of Strawberries: New Insights from Flavoromics.

Organic agriculture is of great socioeconomic significance because it can promote the nutritional quality of horticultural crops and is environmentally friendly. However, owing to the lack of techniques for studying complex aroma-related chemical profiles, limited information is available on the influence of organic practices on the flavor quality of strawberries, one of the primary factors driving consumer preferences. Here, two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS) and flavoromics analysis was employed to investigate the profiles and differences in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of strawberries under organic (without imidacloprid) and conventional (with imidacloprid) agricultural practices. A total of 1164 VOCs, representing 23 chemical classes (e.g., aldehydes, terpenes, and furanone compounds), were detected, which is the highest number of VOCs that have ever been detected in strawberries. The sensory evaluation results indicated that there was a notable influence of imidacloprid (IMI) on the aroma of the strawberries. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis results suggested that the composition of volatile compounds significantly differed in the present study between the IMI-treated and non-IMI-treated groups. Furthermore, the flavor-related indicators of 25 key contributors to the differences between the two treatment groups suggested that VOC profiles can be considered an indicator for distinguishing between strawberries from different agricultural practices. Flavoromics can provide new insights into the quality of strawberries from different agricultural practices.

The complexity of melatonin and other phytohormones crosstalk with other signaling molecules for drought tolerance in horticultural crops

Drought is a major environmental stress that affects the productivity and quality of horticultural crops. The urbanization, industrial effluents, climate change, and irregular rain patterns are causing drought conditions. In response to drought, plants activate a complex network of signaling pathways, including the regulation of phytohormone and their crosstalk with other signaling molecules. Understanding these interactions is crucial for enhancing drought tolerance and developing effective strategies for sustainable agricultural practices. The interaction between phytohormones i.e., auxins, gibberellins, cytokinin, strigolactones, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, jasmonates, melatonin others with other signaling molecules is critical for the plant's ability to adapt to water deficit conditions. Photosynthesis and stomatal regulations were improved under drought vis exogenous use of melatonin and numerous other phytohormones. Plant defense system activated under supplementation of phytohormones which potentially scavenge the toxic substance produced under drought. This interactive network of signaling pathways presents a challenge to understanding the mechanisms involved in drought tolerance in horticultural crops. Studying the intricate phytohormonal interplay in drought-stressed horticulture plants will enhance researchers' understanding of the synergistic or antagonistic function of producing stress-resilience genotypes. Current review explored the complexity of phytohormone crosstalk with other signaling molecules for drought tolerance in horticultural crops, highlighting recent research progress and potential strategies for improving crop drought tolerance.

From plant survival to thriving: exploring the miracle of brassinosteroids for boosting abiotic stress resilience in horticultural crops.

Abiotic stresses pose significant threat to horticultural crop production worldwide. These stresses adversely affect plant growth, development, and ultimately declined crop growth, yield and quality. In recent years, plant scientists have been actively investigating innovative strategies to enhance abiotic stress resilience in crops, and one promising avenue of research focuses on the use of brassinosteroids (BRs). BRs are a class of plant hormones that play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including cell elongation, differentiation, and stress responses. They have emerged as potent regulators of plant growth and development, and their role in improving abiotic stress tolerance is gaining considerable attention. BRs have been shown to mitigate the negative effects of abiotic stresses by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, including stomatal regulation, antioxidant defense, osmotic adjustment, and nutrient uptake. Abiotic stresses disrupt numerous physiological functions and lead to undesirable phenotypic traits in plants. The use of BRs as a tool to improve crop resilience offers significant promise for sustainable agriculture in the face of increasing abiotic stresses caused by climate change. By unraveling the phenomenon of BRs, this review emphasizes the potential of BRs as an innovative approach for boosting abiotic stress tolerance and improving the overall productivity and quality of horticultural crops. Further research and field trials are necessary to fully harness the benefits of BRs and translate these findings into practical applications for crop production systems.

Interaction of melatonin on post-harvest physiology and quality of horticultural crops

Melatonin is a plant growth regulator and biostimulator that regulates plant growth and development, improves plant stress tolerance, and delays the aging process. As research has deepened, the role and application of melatonin in the preservation of fresh horticultural produce such as vegetables and fruits have also been reported in the literature. Recent research's shows that melatonin plays an important regulatory role in delaying post-harvest senescence and quality deterioration in horticultural crops. This article first briefly described the synthesis pathway of melatonin in plants, the levels of melatonin in some horticultural crops and its influencing factors, and focused on the effects of melatonin on post-harvest physiology (respiration, ethylene production, antioxidant enzyme) and the quality of melatonin in horticultural crops. (Color, biologically active substances, antioxidant activity) and finally analyze the problems and future research priorities of melatonin in post-harvest preservation of horticultural crops, providing a reference for melatonin research and application of in the future.

Role of Auxin in vegetative growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of Horticultural crops - A review

Role of Auxin in vegetative growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of Horticultural crops - A review

Role of Auxin in vegetative growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of Horticultural crops - A review

Role of Auxin in vegetative growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality of Horticultural crops - A review

Harnessing Epigenetics through Grafting: Revolutionizing Horticultural Crop Production

Grafting is an ancient agricultural technique that is frequently used to enhance the performance of horticultural plants, including vegetables and woody fruit trees. For successful grafting, genotypes of the compatible scion (the upper part) and the rootstock (the lower part) must interact. Molecular signals, including nutritional and hormonal signals, proteins, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs), are known to be transferred from the rootstock to the scion and vice versa. Nonetheless, there are still numerous mysteries regarding artificial grafts, including the occurrence of genetic/epigenetic alterations due to exchanges between the graft partners, and the long-term ramifications of these alterations on the phenotype are unknown. Recent studies on the interactions between rootstocks and scions suggest that grafting responses have an epigenetic component. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of epigenetic consequences following grafting. Epigenetic regulations are known to regulate chromatin architecture, alter gene expression, and affect cellular function in plants. Mobile small RNAs, for example, have been shown to modify the DNA methylation pattern of the recipient partner across the graft union. More recently, mRNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification has been shown to elucidate the long-distance transport mechanism of grafting in Arabidopsis thaliana. We also discuss how grafts can cause heritable epigenetic alterations that result in novel plant phenotypes, and how this might help increase horticultural crop quality, yield, and stress resistance in the context of climate change.

Physiology and Application of Gibberellins in Postharvest Horticultural Crops

Gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones indispensable in regulating the growth and development of fruits. Recent studies have shown that GAs play important roles in delaying horticultural crop ripening and senescence, enhancing the internal and external quality of horticultural crops and resistance to stress and disease. We reviewed the role of GAs in the postharvest physiology of fruits in recent years. GAs are closely related to their ability to retard fruit senescence. GAs could effectively improve fruit storage quality and significantly increase flesh hardness, reduce respiration intensity, inhibit the release of endogenous ethylene, and effectively inhibit fruit softening and ripening. It can also improve the intrinsic and extrinsic quality of fruit storage by improving fruit shape, regulating color, delaying the reduction of soluble solids, promoting sugar accumulation, and delaying vitamin loss. GAs also play a role in postharvest biotic and abiotic stress resistance. The GA treatment effectively reduces the cold damage index, reduces the production and accumulation of superoxide anion(O2−), improves the antioxidant capacity of fruits, and maintains the integrity of cell membranes during low-temperature storage. Moreover, GAs could effectively control some postharvest fruit diseases. In conclusion, GAs play an important role in the physiological regulation of postharvest fruits and have important application prospects in postharvest fruits.

Overview of Melatonin’s Impact on Postharvest Physiology and Quality of Fruits

Fruits are important horticultural commodities because they provide nutrients that help human health. Fruits are mostly consumed as fresh products; however, there are challenges in retaining the freshness, such as the rapid ripening process that triggers fruit deterioration and reduces fruit quality and nutrient content. The postharvest quality of horticultural crops is affected by pre-and postharvest treatment. Most farmers use chemical compounds and fungicides to prevent postharvest damage; however, this results in health hazards and environmental pollution. Melatonin can be used for maintaining and improving postharvest horticultural crops such as fruits. Melatonin is a new bioactive compound that is a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. It has been studied as an alternative to harmful chemicals used commercially in the postharvest management of fresh products. For human health, melatonin plays a regulatory role in circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep, retinal functions, and the immune system. In plants, melatonin regulates many biological processes, particularly when plants have experienced abiotic stress, germination, aging, and growth. The effect of exogenous melatonin on fruit ripening has focused primarily on the relationship between melatonin and ethylene plant hormones. Many studies in recent years have discussed melatonin’s role in plants, particularly in delaying plant aging as an alternative way of increasing fruit shelf life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of melatonin biosynthesis in plants, factors that affect the content of melatonin in fruit, melatonin mechanisms in fruit ripening, the impact of melatonin on postharvest fruit quality, the effect of melatonin on postharvest quality, and the change in metabolite content of horticultural products, particularly fruits.

Microbial and Non-Microbial Biostimulants as Innovative Tools to Increase Macro and Trace Element Mineral Composition of Tomato and Spinach

The use of biostimulants has gained popularity in recent years as a sustainable approach to increase the yield and quality of horticultural crops. However, information is missing concerning their ability to enhance the concentration of some beneficial elements (macro- and microelements) in the edible tissues of plants, which, in turn, are useful for human health. For this reason, we investigated the effects of different microbial and non-microbial biostimulants on the content of essential macro- and micro-nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Se) in San Marzano and Datterino tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) by atomic adsorption spectrometry, also estimating the Daily Intake (EDI) and the Nutrient Contribution (NC) of fresh produce. All the biostimulants were able to increase the content of macro- and micro-nutrients in the studied horticultural products. Specifically, compared with control, application of Trichoderma harzianum T22 on the Pixel tomato increased Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se contents by 49.66, 38.68, 129.79, 64.03 and 72.72%. In the San Marzano tomato, higher values of Fe (55.16 µg 100 g−1 fw), Mn (30.63 µg 100 g−1 fw), Zn (20.89 µg 100 g−1 fw), Cu (1.91 µg 100 g−1 fw) and Se (0.266 µg 100 g−1 fw) were obtained after application of a tropical plant extract (TPE) biostimulant. Similarly, compared with control, application of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (VPDH) on spinach increased EDI-Fe, EDI-Zn, EDI-Mn, EDI-Cu and EDI-Se by 98.98, 127.09, 125.93, 68.52 and 230.76%, respectively. Therefore, biostimulants, regardless of their origin and nature, could be an ecological tool for biofortification programs for both fruit and leafy vegetables.

Exploring new strategies in diseases resistance of horticultural crops

Horticultural crops are susceptible to various biotic stressors including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and root-knot nematodes. These pathogens limit the growth, development, yield, and quality of horticultural crops, and also limit their adaptability and geographic distribution. The continuous cropping model in horticultural facilities exacerbates soil-borne diseases, and severely restricts yield, quality, and productivity. Recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms that confer tolerance to different diseases through innovative strategies including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), targeting susceptibility genes, and rootstocks grafting applications are reviewed to systematically explore the resistance mechanisms against horticultural plant diseases. Future work should successfully breed resistant varieties using these strategies combined with molecular biologic methods.

Functions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in horticultural crops

• Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and development of horticultural plants. • AM promotes the tolerance of horticultural plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. • Combined application of AMF with other phytochemicals and soil beneficial microorganisms. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, which aids the growth and development of host plants, as well as their ability to resist external biotic and abiotic stresses. AMF are thus an important soil microbial resource. Here, recent research progress on the role of AMF in promoting the vegetative and reproductive growth, yield quality, stress physiology, and disease resistance of horticultural plants (fruit trees, vegetables, flower crops, and ornamental plants) within and outside of China is reviewed. Application of various chemicals such as strigolactone, polyamine, dopamine, melatonin, and biochar, and soil microorganisms such as mycorrhizal helper bacteria and plant rhizosphere bacteria can also amplify the positive effects of AMF on host plants. AMF improve the nutrient and water supply of horticultural plants, increase their yield and quality, and enhance their tolerance of environmental stress and resistance to pathogens. The efficacy of combining AMF application with other compounds and rhizosphere microorganisms for improving the yield and quality of horticultural crops under different types of stress is also discussed.