The role of folic acid (FA) or its derivatives (folates) in plant responsiveness to drought stress is still unclear. Here we investigated the effect of foliar application of FA (50, 100 and, 150 µM/l) on snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown under two levels of surface drip irrigation (100% and 70% of water requirements) in two successive seasons of 2018 and 2019. The results showed that deficit

Tea oil obtained fromCamellia oleifera is a high-quality vegetable oil rich in squalene, a triterpenoid bioactive substance with several demonstrated health benefits. WRKY transcription factors in C. oleifera play essential roles in a wide range of physiological processes. To further develop C. oleifera as a functional material with genetic improvement, we constructed a tea oil seed transcriptome database

Tomato flowers are self-fertile, but require pollinators’ intervention to increase fruit setting. In this review paper, we present and discuss the current state of knowledge on tomato pollinators. Information on tomato pollinators was extracted from 49 scientific publications, 6 doctoral thesis documents, 4 books, 3 technical sheets, a compilation of conference abstracts and 3 internet publications

Galactose-binding lectins (GBLs) are a subdivision of jacalin-related lectins and known to perform an essential role in plant protective mechanisms against plant pathogens, fungi, and viruses. A cDNA sequence encoding GBL was cloned and the gene has an open reading frame (ORF) of 657 bp, encoding a protein of 219 amino acids. The protein is predicted to have a molecular weight and isoelectric point

Increasing the level of AsA and maintaining proper lignin content will improve the quality of celery (Apium graveolens L.). However, the study on the regulation mechanism of genes related to AsA and lignin metabolism in celery was limited, especially in yellow celery. In this study, the accumulation of AsA and lignin and the expression profiles of related-genes were detected in three kinds of yellow

In the context of global warming, mild winter temperatures could compromise the fulfilment of the chilling requirement (CR) for overcoming flower bud endodormancy, impacting on the yields of perennial species such as apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). Long-term and site-specific data on air temperatures allowed us to explore the influence of yearly chill accumulation on the endodormancy release of flower

In this study, a total of 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to study the genetic diversity and population structure among 60 accessions of eggplant. Out of 20 SSR markers, 15 were found to be polymorphic which were subjected to statistical analysis by Power Marker and NTSYSPc software. The polymorphic SSR markers generated 46 alleles with an average of 3.06 alleles per locus. The PIC

Shrubs have an important role in the future design of urban landscapes. Due to city-densification and pressure on space, shrubs are increasingly preferred over trees for urban amenity plantings. In contrast to trees, however, relatively little information exists on how shrubs adapt to urban stress. This includes their responses to physical root injury, that might occur through trenching or transplanting

This study aimed to understand the involvement of agro-climatic conditions, external quality and defence system of Hass avocado fruits on blackspot disorder development after prolonged cold storage. The results prompt us to conclude that the weight of the fruits at harvest and weight loss during the storage period is involved in blackspot disorder development. Large incidence of lenticelosis in fruits

The Mulberry plant (Morus spp.) is known for several phytochemicals. One such phytochemical is 1-deoxyjirinomycin (DNJ), which is based, on an iminosugar. The presence of DNJ has been reported in various parts of the mulberry plants section, such as leaves, latex, and root bark. DNJ is a well-known anti-diabetic agent due to its alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity. Apart from this, DNJ also exhibits

The influences of preharvest calcium spray (PCS) and postharvest chitosan coating (PCC) treatments on the levels of sugar, organic acid, and phenolics were evaluated for Chinese dwarf cherry fruit during cold storage. An orthogonal method was applied using the decay rate as index. The optimised treatment was spraying 2.0% Ca(NO3)2 solution before 21 d of harvest and postharvest application of 0.1%

The fruits of Psidium guajava L., known as guava, are edible. The objectives of the study were to analyse the chemical composition of the skin, flesh, and pulp of two different Indian varieties of guava, e.g., Khaja and Allahabad at different stages of ripening (immature green, mature green, colour turning, ripe, and overripe), and to study the pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory properties of the fruit

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit cracking is a serious economic problem, affecting fruit quality and yield. During abiotic stress, the imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism causing membrane damage might increase the susceptibility of pericarp to changing environment and then affect fruit cracking. To further validate the relationship between ROS metabolism and fruit cracking,

In plants, spermidine synthase (SPE) received detailed investigation due to its key roles in the biosynthesis of spermidine, a major form of polyamine. However, there is no report on the identification and characterisation of SPE in edible mushrooms. Here, a full-length cDNA of a gene encoding a potential SPE was isolated from fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus. Homology search, InterPro inquiry

Tea oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree. Enhancing oil content is an important breeding objective in this species. In this study, we (i) used the high-throughput RNA-seq to discovery SNP sites located in target genes involved in lipid biosynthesis, (ii) determined genetic relationship among 102 accessions based on SNP-seq data, and (iii) identify SNP loci associated

(2020). Correction. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology: Vol. 95, No. 4, pp. 540-540.

This study evaluated the performance of 55 intermediate-day onion cultivars (Allium cepa L.) in southeastern Korea, and clustered the cultivars based on bulb maturity and marketable bulb yield (MBY). Days from transplanting to bulb initiation (DTB) ranged from 146 to 177. Fresh bulb weight (FBW) and MBY were lower in early or mid-maturing cultivars than in late-maturing ones. The cultivar ‘Eomcheongnan’

This study assessed the effects of the application of coatings formed by mixtures of chitosan (Chi; 5 g L−1) and Mentha piperita L. essential oil (MPEO; 1.25 and 0.6 mL L−1) on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of mango cv. Tommy Atkins during 30 d of cold storage (12°C, 85% relative humidity). Decreases in titratable acidity and increases in pH values during storage were overall less accentuated

In the present study, effects of foliar application of 150 µM Jasmonic acid (JA), an endogenous plant growth regulator, on alleviation oxidative stress resulted from without (0 mM), low (50 mM), moderate (150 mM), and high (300 mM) NaCl in bitter melon (Momordica charantia) seedlings was investigated. High salt stress significantly decreased growth components including root length, leaf morphological

Solubilization of inorganic P-sources and production of siderophores and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by Beauveria brongniartii were quantified and then, the effects of biofertilization using B. brongniartii on the plant growth, fruit yield and quality of Capsicum chinense were evaluated. Beauveria brongniartii solubilized more P from Ca3(PO4)2 (158.95 mg L−1) than FePO4 (31.7 mg L−1) and produced siderophores

Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne mayaguensis Rammah & Hirschmann is a limiting factor in guava tree (Psidium guajava L.) production around the world. An alternative to address this problem is the use of resistant root-knot nematode rootstocks. However, the guava nursery system which is based on herbaceous stem cutting propagation needs to be modified as a rootstock produced via cutting must be grafted

The cultivation of vegetables under tunnels is considered a promising alternative to the use of chemicals to manage insect pests. However, higher temperatures under covers hinder their use in warm regions. We investigated the effect of high tunnels covered with plastic film or small or large mesh insect-nets on the performances of tomato plants in Tanzania over two years. Control plants were grown

Climate change and overpopulation threaten many fruit tree species in Africa. This study evaluated the yield of Balanites aegyptiaca, a popular species throughout the continent. Productivity was monitored in natural populations over 5 years across two climatic zones in Burkina Faso. The yield of 72 trees in each climatic zone was estimated using the yield of different sized branches. Yield varied significantly

The most widely used source of onion cytoplasmic male-sterility (CMS) is controlled by a single nuclear gene and a cytoplasmic factor, and the sterility trait can be recovered by the dominant nuclear gene (Ms). Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has a great potential in the selection of male sterility lines and maintainer lines. In this study, two markers at the Ms loci and one cytoplasm marker were used

Sweet potato weevil (Cylas punticollis Boheman) is a serious pest throughout sub-Saharan Africa. A study to evaluate 51 sweet potato genotypes for their tolerance to the weevil was conducted in a controlled experiment of no-choice arena. Genotype Tainung was the most susceptible to C. puncticollis. Genotypes Obugi and 5 Nyandere were the most tolerant to C. puncticollis. Many of the genotypes that

Male flower induction and androgenesis in three genotypes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), two Beth alpha F1 hybrids (BT1 and BT2, gynoecious) and Dastgerdi (DTG, monoecious), were evaluated. Induction of male flowers in gynoecious cucumber cultivars was assessed by single and combinatorial spraying of AgNO3 (3 mM), GA3 (1.5 mM) and CoCl2 (3 mM) after the first true leaf emergence. After 6 weeks from

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of some chemical compounds on the post-harvest life of alstroemeria cut flowers. The experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments were: Nano-silver (1, 3, 5 and 10 mg l−1), salicylic acid (30, 50, 200 and 300 mg l−1), spermine (5, 10 and 20 mg l−1), essential oils of dill (5, 10, 50 and 100

The YABBY gene family plays a vital role in the polarity development of lateral organs. Here, we isolated a BoYABBY1 (BoYAB1) gene from Bambusa oldhamii and encodes for 167aa protein. This gene contains a zinc-finger motif in its N terminus and a YABBY domain in its C terminus. Based on multiple sequence alignment, BoYAB1 was shown closely related to OsYAB1 from rice with a sequence identity of 88

Five recessive and non-allelic genes, ms-1, ms-2, ms-3, ms-4 and ms-5 possessing unique phenotypes govern male sterility in muskmelon. An inbred MS-1, having recessive ms-1 gene, refined at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (India) has been successfully utilised for the development of commercial F1 hybrids. Since the transfer of a recessive gene is tedious and time-consuming, it is very difficult

Transcriptional regulation is the most important tool for enhancing flavonoid biosynthesis of plants. The grapevine VvMYBF1 gene has been shown to be involved in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. However, very little is known about its roles in tolerance to abiotic stresses. In this study, VvMYBF1 gene was cloned from grapevine. Its overexpression significantly increased accumulation of flavonoids

The plant growth regulators are the organic chemical compounds, other than nutrients and vitamins, which modify or regulate physiological processes in an appreciable measure in the plant when used in small concentration. They are known to influence fruit set, retention, yield and quality of fruit crops. Fruit trees are considered high-value crops and even small modifications in production efficiency

Cytosolic FBA functions in the sucrose biosynthetic pathway and is also a key enzyme in glycolytic pathways in higher plants. In this paper, a cytoplasmic FBA gene (designated CoFBA1) expressed specifically in the endosperm of coconut was identified and cloned. Prediction analysis suggested that the subcellular location of CoFBA1 was the cytoplasm. Then, CoFBA1 was cloned into the pCAMBIA1300s vector

Physiological adaptations, biochemical changes and growth performances of two sweet potatoes, Japanese Yellow (JPY) and Blackie (BLK), under NaCl salt stress were evaluated. Fallen leaves in JPY under 50 mM NaCl for 21 d were evidently observed, resulting in reduced leaf area (~60% reduction to that of control). Na+ content in the root of sweet potato BLK under salt stress was higher (54.18 mg g–1

The prevention of certain chronic diseases has been related to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) consumption. The demand for high-quality tomatoes has, therefore, increased rapidly. As a climacteric fruit, tomato will only ripen to full colour postharvest. Trusses of mature-green greenhouse tomatoes of a red (‘Cherry Little Wonder’) and a yellow cultivar (‘Goldilocks’) were illuminated, preharvest,

A short, pre-storage fumigation with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas at 0, 100, 250 and 500 µL L−1 affected development of a range of senescence characteristics of Navel and Valencia oranges and ‘Afourer’ mandarins during storage at 20°C for five weeks. The greatest beneficial effect was observed with fumigation at 100 µL L−1 H2S which resulted in reduced incidence of calyx drop, calyx browning and fungal

(2020). Statement of Retraction. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology: Vol. 95, No. 3, pp. 406-406.

A hand-held, chlorophyll content meter [the delta absorbance (DA) meter] was used to develop an optimal harvest maturity model for ‘Minneiska’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh). Fruit from four commercial orchards in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada, were sampled weekly (25 fruit per location) over eight consecutive harvests during the 2011–2013 growing seasons. At each harvest, 60 fruit were measured

Seed dormancy is an adaptation key to survival in conditions unsuitable for growth. In pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne), phytohormones participate in the release of seed dormancy. However, the involvement of carbohydrate metabolism in this process is still unclear. In the present study, we determined the sucrose, starch, and glucose levels during seed dormancy release. Sucrose and starch content decreased

Plantacyanin (PLC) plays an important role in plant growth, development, and responses to metal cation stress. However, the function of PLC in tea remains unclear. In this study, three PLC genes were identified from the tea plant. Protein sequences and structure analyses indicated that the CsPLCs contained four conserved sites, and furthermore, promoter analysis showed that the genes were involved

Vegetable cultivation in closed tunnels in the Tropics is impeded by high temperatures and poor pollination. This study compared the performance of cucurbits cultivated in open plots, in closed tunnels totally covered with small or large mesh nets (nethouse), and in open tunnels with a plastic film roof (rain shelter) in Tanzania over two seasons. Information was collected on climatic conditions, insect

(2020). Supporting initiatives which combat climate change. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology: Vol. 95, No. 3, pp. 405-405.

Chemical thinning of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) has been practised for 50 years but it remains an unpredictable part of apple production with large variations from year to year and within years. Carbohydrate availability to support young fruitlet growth may play a significant role in apple tree response to chemical thinners, especially when the carbohydrate supply is the limiting factor for fruit

(2020). Correction. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology: Vol. 95, No. 4, pp. 539-539.

The application of microorganisms in crops has been proposed as a strategy to cope with adverse environmental conditions. Two separate experiments (I and II) were carried out in laurustinus plants in field conditions. For each experiment, half of the plants were irrigated with control water (C, EC <0.9 dS m−1) and the other half with reclaimed wastewater (RW, EC: 6 dS m−1). In experiment I, for each

Despite a common misconception that the orchid is a large family with amazing members, the fact that the orchid is the king of beauties is irrelevant. As much as this family has amazing members, its growth stages are very different. Finding the right growth paths and getting the right models for each step for such a family is impossible with the old, simple ways. Over the past two decades, orchid biologists

The influences of photoperiod and nitrogen plug conditioning for summer planting of ‘Seascape’ strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) for off-season plasticulture production were evaluated in two separate experiments in New Jersey, USA. In experiment one, plants were conditioned in the greenhouse under ND (natural daylength), LD (ND supplemented with 24 h incandescent radiation (Phillips Duramax Soft

Chinese narcissus is a traditional flower with gorgeous corona and petal colour. The carotenoid biosynthesis pathway is primarily responsible for colour formation in narcissus flower. However, the role of carotenoid biosynthesis enzymes and intermediates in colour development, and the molecular basis of differences between orange-yellow corona and milky-white petals are unclear. Here, we performed

The taxonomic identity of Mentha species is difficult as it displays variations at morphochemical characters. The aim of this investigation was to study Mentha spp. diversity in 60 Tunisian accessions using morphological traits and molecular markers. Thirty-three botanical descriptors were analysed. The numerical taxonomic analysis identified 58 accessions and defined seven taxonomic groups including

Amaranth plants are rich in betalains. Additionally, the molecular structure and metabolic pathway of betalains are different in amaranth than in beet. To date, only a few studies have examined the regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in betalain biosynthesis in plants. Thus, we constructed small RNA libraries for the red and green sectors of amaranth leaves to identify miRNAs associated with betalain

Phosphate (Pi) transporters in plants mediate phosphorus (P) acquisition, translocation and recycling. In this study, a putative high-affinity Pi transporter gene (CoPht1;3, GenBank KF989483.1) was isolated and characterised from oil-tea tree (Camellia oleifera Abel.). The CoPht1;3 contained a 1575-bp open reading frame encoding 525 amino acid residues. It shared 98.67%, 88.50%, 86.50%, and 85.60%

Oil bodies (OBs) are organelles of lipid storage in plants. In order to clarify the properties of OBs development in herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) seeds, this research had studied anatomical structures, particle size, zeta potential, the stability of OBs and characteristics of oleosin gene (OLE). It showed that OB particle size increased gradually during seed development, OBs accumulated

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) ranked third most important crop and ranked first among the non-cereal crops. Further, its demand is increasing because of its high-industrial value and population blast. However, Earth’s temperature is increasing continuously due to global warming, which has undesirable impact on potato production. The ideal night temperature for tuber formation is ~17°C and night temperature

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) transmitted Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) disease is a limiting factor in tomato production. Breeding resistance into tomatoes is one of the options to manage the disease. Among various screening techniques available for TYLCV, whitefly mediated individual plant inoculation technique is the most reliable one. Till date, six independently inherited major

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is facing various problems of yield such as abiotic and biotic stresses. The wild tomato species are excellent source of economical traits which resistant to various types of stress and quality characters that can be transferred into cultivated tomato through intra and interspecific hybridisation. This study describes the development of inter and intraspecific hybrid

Vascular streak dieback is a serious disease of cocoa throughout the world and breeding of resistant varieties is the most reliable management strategy. Molecular markers linked with resistance enable marker-assisted breeding by tracking the resistance genes in each generation. To identify the markers linked with resistance, four accessions each of highly resistant, highly susceptible and partially

Cucurbita maxima Duch. is one of the most diversified Cucurbita species worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic relationship between and within Tunisian and Italian Cucurbita maxima germplasm collections using morphological and molecular markers. The phenotypic parameters showed a large qualitative variability, primarily according to fruit-related traits, for both collections

(2020). Identification and characterisation of heat shock protein gene (HSP70) family and its expression in Agave sisalana under heat stress. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology: Vol. 95, No. 4, pp. 470-482.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop on account of its medicinal and nutritional value and various region-based culinary preparations. The crop is infested by a plethora of biotic and abiotic stresses besides barriers in gene transfer from wild sources. Biotechnological techniques such as micropropagation, in vitro androgenesis, in vitro grafting, somatic hybridisation

Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) Berl & de Toni is a biotrophic oomycete responsible for downy mildew on grapevine. This study aimed to compare the development of P. viticola between a resistant interspecific hybrid of Vitis labrusca (‘Ives’, synonym ‘Bordô’), and a susceptible V. vinifera (‘Cabernet Sauvignon’) cultivars at different times after inoculation with the pathogen. The host leaf

A wide range of factors including biotic and abiotic stresses influence anthocyanin accumulation in plants. In this study, experiments were designed to measure the effects of nutrient depletion on anthocyanin accumulation in 3-week old juvenile Brassica oleracea seedlings of the red cabbage cultivar ‘Futurima’ and the red kale cultivar ‘Redbor’ that were grown in a hydroponic system. The effects of