Salt stress is one of the most important environmental stresses affecting the growth, quantity, and quality of agronomic crops. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of seed priming on the salt tolerance of pumpkin seedlings. Seeds were primed with eight different treatments including control (pre-soaking), Hydropriming with deionized water, Nanopriming with TiO2, Chemopriming with putrescine

Bacterial proliferation causes stem bending, which shortens the vase life of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hook. F.). We investigated the effect of an antimicrobial compound on the symptoms of ornamental value loss using 8 gerbera cultivars. In five different cultivars, the vase life of 11–44% and 11% cut flowers held in distilled water and antimicrobial solution, respectively, was terminated

Cucumbers are frequently subjected to heat stress (HS) during the summer, which severely limits their growth and fruit yield and quality. Soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of host plants, but it is unclear whether and how soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance the HS tolerance of cucumber. This work aimed to assess the effects of an arbuscular

Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell. is among the most significant aromatic plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family, and its essential oil has various biological activities. However, the key enzymes involved in essential oil biosynthesis and their expression patterns are not clearly understood. Appropriate reference genes are required for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), sensitive

The present experiment was conducted to map resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) race 2 in a highly resistant Citrullus lanatus accession (EC794421). For this purpose, a F2:3 population was developed by crossing a susceptible accession BIL-53 with EC794421. The F2:3 progenies were screened in two bioassays employing artificial inoculation of conidial suspension (1 × 106 conidia per

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has a long cultivation history in China, and is well-loved for its unique flavor, health benefits, and beautiful symbol. However, handling redundant genetic information from a large number of germplasms is inefficient for breeding program of pomegranate, so it is necessary to construct a core set with minimal germplasm sampling and maximal genetic diversity. In this

Paeonia ostii T. Hong & J. X. Zhang (Paeoniaceae), a traditional ornamental and medicinal plant, is used as a new oil tree crop in China, but its cultivation is greatly hindered by seed dormancy. By using an alternating temperature stratification assay, the present study investigated seed germination of P. ostii. Seeds of P. ostii did not germinate under low temperature, and produced the root but not

Water deficit is a challenge for apple (Malus domestica) growth and productivity worldwide, and improving water use efficiency (WUE) is important for apple plants to adapt to arid climates. RAD23 (RADIATION SENSITIVE23) proteins are a group of UBL-UBA (ubiquitin-like-ubiquitin-associated) proteins that shuttle ubiquitylated proteins to the 26S proteasome for breakdown. Here, we explored the biological

Melastoma candidum D. Don is widely distributed in South China. However, its application in the garden industry is not ideal due to its sole flower color; thus, its color needs urgent improvement. In this study, we conducted high throughput transcriptome sequencing for circular RNA (circRNA), mRNA, small RNA (sRNA), and widely targeted metabolome in flowers at three developmental stages. RNA expression

In the present study, we compared our previously identified elite walnut selection JWSP06 (Parbat) with other walnut selections from the region. Based on DUS (distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability) characterization, Parbat is high yielding late maturing selection with superior quality nut and kernel traits. This selection is also resistant to walnut anthracnose. Recently the Parbat was notified

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is one of the important tropical and subtropical fruit trees of the genus Ziziphus Mill. Most cultivars of Ber keep green throughout fruit development while its close relative Chinese jujube (Z. jujuba Mill.) changes the color from green to red in all cultivars. However, the lack of transcriptomic and genomic information limits our insights into the molecular mechanisms

Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia and M. tetraphylla) is a typical evergreen nut crop with a large amount of racemes. During the development of its racemes, two infructescences of different growth potential, bearing the distinctly different fruit-setting ability and rachis size, can often be found in the trees. However, knowledge about the formation mechanism of these two types of infructescences is

Chestnut crop is regaining its fame worldwide with powerful investment perspectives. Unluckily the climate change effects are posing high threat to its cultivation with less available resources and increased production cost both in traditional and specialized orchards. Additionally, the chestnut physiological knowledge is still limited, especially as concern the burr development (i.e., the economical

The high salt concentration in soils depresses crop growth and saline soil reclamation. An appropriate irrigation method is essential to alleviate water shortage and promote wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) cultivation in saline soils. Subsurface irrigation with ceramic emitters (SICE) is a novel technique that maintains a stable soil water environment through adaptive outflow and holds a beneficial

Boron (B) deficiency and H+toxicity are two prominent factors that severly restrict trifoliate seedlings growth in acid soil. Exogenous B can support to mitigate the harm of H+toxicity, however, research on the protective mechanism and the impact of physiological processes in citrus is limited. To fill the above gaps, the current study was performed on trifoliate rootstock using two pH levels (pH 4

“High mountain, cloud and mist produce high-quality tea”; however, the specific mechanism has not been fully understood. To explore the influence of environmental factors on the quality of tea fresh leaves, we firstly selected the same variety of tea plant growing at different altitudes in Xuan'en County, China. And then, based on the analyses of the physical and chemical properties of the soil where

Salinity is a major abiotic stress factor affecting crop plants' growth, development, and yield in many areas of the world, which may greatly influence the world's food security in the future. It is therefore a must to understand and unmask the crop salinity tolerance mechanisms to find biomarkers that can be utilized in developing crop species resistant to high salinity. Anthocyanins are a class of

Tropical flowers species of high commercial importance such as heliconia, if grown in semi-arid regions, can have their photosynthesis compromised and, consequently, flower production, due to high irradiation. Foliar applications of kaolin and the mineral nutrients boron and zinc may be an alternative for reducing the harmful effects of light stress. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate

Aeration drip irrigation (ADI) promotes crop growth and productivity, possibly by changing soil microorganisms. However, the impact of ADI on soil microbial communities, especially changes in the archaea community, remain unclear. We conducted a three-season tomato field experiment in Shouguang, China, to investigate changes in soil archaeal communities under three dissolved oxygen concentrations (10

Basil is susceptible to stressful conditions, of which salinity is a major problem in agriculture, causing significant yield losses. Biostimulants can be used as stress reducers and can be used for sustainable agriculture. Genovese-type 'Marian' basil and Greek-type 'Manos' basil were grown under 100 mM NaCl salt stress conditions and treated with a hydrolyzed animal protein-based biostimulant (as

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), as a plant growth regulator, which is involves in many morphological and physiological processes, plays an important role in defense systems of plants under stress conditions. However, the roles of physiological and biochemical mechanisms of enhancing salt tolerance of okra plants based on application of MeJA is poorly understood. In this study, the application of the investigated

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the most expensive spice in the world. Its organoleptic properties are mainly dictated by the apocarotenoids crocins (dyeing capacity), picrocrocin (pleasant taste), and safranal (scent). Cultivation of saffron in controlled conditions with beneficial microorganisms may increase its profitability. In this study saffron was grown in hydroponics under a greenhouse with

Sweet watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) grafting with complementary rootstocks is necessary for new variety design and to enhance product profiles, including fruit yield and quality and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.. Integrated selection of successful watermelon grafts using multiple traits ensures breeding and economic gains. Therefore, the objective of this study was to undertake

A short ripening stage, multiple large seeds per fruit, and anthracnose disease seriously restrict the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) industry. To obtain breeding germplasm of loquat with multiple ideal traits, a wild Eriobotrya species, E. cavaleriei (2n=2x=34), which flowers in late spring and early summer and whose fruits ripen in autumn, was used as the male parent to produce triploid plants from

The modulation of plant secondary metabolism by the manipulation of nutrient solution (NS) electrical conductivity and biostimulant application has the potential to increase crop growth and the content of bioactive compounds, thus ameliorating the qualitative attributes of vegetables. A Graminaceae-derived protein hydrolysate (pH) and its molecular fractions PH1 (>10 kDa), PH2 (1 < x <10 kDa) and PH3

Tomato is attacked by numerous insects that can cause loss of fruit and leaves and even the death of the plant. Plant herbivory by insect pests is considered the biggest cause of losses in tomato crops, representing between 20 and 30% of total production in developing countries. The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is among the most important predators frequently found in commercial tomato crops in

Fruit size is an important external indicator of apple quality. However, fruit-size breeding is complicated because multiple factors, including cultivar management, plant hormones and genetic factors, influence the final fruit size. Genetic factors are the most fundamental determinants of fruit size, mainly through cell division and expansion. Hence, the genes involved in regulation of cell development

CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used for precise and efficient genome editing in a number of organisms, notably in major crops, for gene function characterization and trait improvement. However, the application of this genome editing tool is very limited in Brassica oleracea, especially in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Here, we report that the genome of broccoli, a worldwide important Brassicaceae

Most loquat cultivars are diploid (2n=2x=34) and produce numerous large seeds, affecting their edibility rate and processing. Therefore, breeding less seed triploid cultivars has always been a primary goal of loquat breeding. However, most triploid plants have low fertility and cannot meet commercial needs. Here, we identified a triploid line, Q24, that can set seeds normally under natural conditions

Distant hybridization can expand genetic variations and is widely applied in plant breeding. Lycoris has high economic value, but the ornamental period is short. To prolong the florescence and leaf period of Lycoris, intergeneric hybridization between Lycoris and Clivia was conducted. The offspring bloomed 7–8 years after sowing. The characteristics of the offspring were observed from three dimensions:

Semi-arid regions are a source of several high nutritional plant species yet underexplored. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) provides a secure source of nutrients and antioxidants for human consumption. This study aimed to describe and assess the antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes in different development stages. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 4

The objective of this work was to quantify the effects of tomato ripening mutant alleles rin, nor and norA in fruit shelf life and in the internal and external fruit color, and the possible effects of their joint deployment with alleles that enhance fruit color ogc and hp. A randomized complete block design trial with three replications was used to test twelve tomato genotypes (all in genotypic background

Purslane development may be affected by high salt concentrations. It has been found that H2 enhanced salt-tolerance of plant. The goal of present study was to investigate the impact of H2 on root growth of purslane under salt stress, and to analyze the molecular mechanism of H2 effect on salt tolerance of purslane by using transcriptome method. Under hydroponic conditions, H2 significantly reduced

Increasing land salinization has become one of the most damaging threats to the global modern agriculture and has challenged food production and food security. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have emerged as efficient biological tools to improve plant growth in stressed environments. The present study was conducted to isolate, identify and characterize halotolerant PGPR from an unexplored

Phthalanilic acid (PPA), a plant growth regulator, has advantageous biological effects on fruit trees. However, little is known about its effects on vegetables. Thus, field trials were conducted on pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants by spraying with PPA at concentrations of 133.3, 200.0, and 266.7 mg·L−1. The key physiological indicators of peppers were investigated, including the number of flowers and

In agricultural production systems, iron (II)-amino acid chelate is the latest novel compounds that enhance plant tolerance against soil stress. Salinity-alkaline stress can be considered one of the most critical threats to crops. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of iron(II)–amino acid chelate on some biochemical characteristics and genes expression of Sour Oranges under salinity

Leaf senescence is the ultimate stage in leaf development, accompanied by the degradation and redistribution of nutrients and biological macromolecules. Dopamine (DA), a type of catecholamine, plays a role in responding to various plant stresses through its strong antioxidant capacity. However, the relationship between DA and leaf senescence is poorly understood. Thus, leaves isolated from Malus hupehensis

In agriculture, the promotion of plant growth has been a worldwide challenge for growers. We have developed a nanomaterial-assisted green strategy in this study to accelerate plant growth. Although high concentrations of nanomaterials have been proven toxic to plants, it is demonstrated that low doses of graphene oxide (GO) can be used as a regulator tool to enhance plant growth and yield. Green synthesis

Fruit flesh browning is a natural oxidative phenomenon occurring after cutting or processing. This event, manifesting dark-brown coloration, can seriously limit the production and marketability of fresh cut fruit products. Antioxidant compounds can partially prevent this phenomenon, but in turn they can affect the quality and the organoleptic properties of fresh products. In this work we have investigated

Irrigation is a common practice used to promote vegetable yields through high agricultural inputs, which potentially increases nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. However, it is still unclear how an effective irrigation strategy could increase yield by regulating soil water conditions, ultimately mitigating N2O emissions. In this study, negative pressure irrigation (NPI) and furrow irrigation (FI) were

Photosynthetic induction describes a slow response of photosynthetic rate to transient increases in light intensity, which limits crop carbon gain and yields in nature. However, studies related to photosynthetic induction rarely focused on horticultural crops. Here, we investigate the variation in steady-state photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic induction rate in four popular pepper cultivars

The TCP transcription factors function diversely in plant growth, development and stress response. The flower bud dormancy was particularly important for the yield formation of fruit trees. However, there has been no in-depth study on the involvement of TCP genes in regulating flower bud dormancy in sweet cherry so far. In the present study, a total of 18 TCP genes were obtained based on the whole

Mechanical damage of the horticultural produce during postharvest transportation is an important criteria for fruit sorting and grading. The vibration during transportation has a significant effect on the mechanical damage of the fruit. In this study, the effect of different vibration spectrum shapes on mechanical damage of Huangguan pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd, cv. Huangguan) was investigated

Shoot morphology and canopy position usually have a significant impact on fruiting potential, but these effects have not been fully quantified, especially at the whole tree level. This study addressed the fruit number variation as affected by shoot length and within-tree position for mature walnut trees cv. Chandler, which is a lateral bearing variety. A positive relationship was observed between parent

Planting a new orchard requires a complex management strategy that involves many factors including cultivar, rootstock, planting density, training system, tree type, climate, and economic conditions that affect orchard profitability. To evaluate the relative importance of each factor, data from long-term field studies is required to analyze their impact on lifetime profitability. Here, we conducted

Japanese plum is a very important temperate tree fruit, ranking in the second position among the stone fruits, after peaches. In this species, there are very few self-compatible varieties and a lack of resistance to sharka disease (plum pox virus, PPV). In this context, interspecific crosses between Japanese plums and self-compatible, sharka-resistant apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars have been

This research compared expression patterns of aquaporin (AQP) genes in two apple cultivars that exhibit contrasting ripening behavior. Commercially-mature apple fruits of cultivars ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Red Fuji’ were chosen as materials. The results showed that compared with ‘Red Fuji’, ‘Golden Delicious’ generally had higher rate of respiration, ethylene production, weight loss, dry matter concentration

The variability of landraces is dissected and related to farmers' practices through surveys. Spanish 'Moruno' tomatoes, recognised for their excellent flavour, were selected as a case study. For this purpose, 30 populations were characterised in a four-year program. Higher intra-population than inter-population variability was found. Variability is generally reduced in the traits used by farmers as

Different periderm development makes the partial and full russet skin of pear fruit, which negatively influence pear fruit appearance quality. The switch gene for russet skin formation and the functional conservation of the homologs among different species showed to have multiple significance to clarify the transcriptional network underlying russet skin formation. In this study, two pear cultivars

High-throughput and high-density (HD) genetic marker genotyping systems are critical to optimize the efficiency of oil palm breeding and improvement programmes. This study reports the development of the 78 K Infinium® HD customized SNP array, which was used to genotype a thousand palms of a commercial Deli dura x AVROS pisifera family. A total 64,108 (∼82.0%) polymorphic SNP markers were identified