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Assessing the Effect of Plant Biostimulants and Nutrient-Rich Foliar Sprays on Walnut Nucleolar Activity and Protein Content (Juglans regia L.)
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Artificial Intelligence: A Promising Tool for Application in Phytopathology
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Fungal and Fungal-like Diseases of Halophytes in the Mediterranean Basin: A State-of-the-Art Review
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Olive Anthracnose in Portugal Is Still Mostly Caused by Colletotrichum nymphaeae, but C. acutatum Is Spreading and C. alienum and C. cigarro Are Reported for the First Time
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Effect of Temperature on Photosynthetic Pigment Degradation during Freeze–Thaw Process of Postharvest of Celery Leaves
Journal Description
Horticulturae
Horticulturae
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences (SECH) is affiliated with Horticulturae and its members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, FSTA, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Horticulture) / CiteScore - Q2 (Horticulture)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.1 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.1 (2023)
Latest Articles
Genome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptome Analysis Provide Candidate Genes for Agronomic Traits of Agaricus bisporus
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070691 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Agaricus bisporus, belonging to the genus Agaricus and the family Agaricaceae, is a popular commercially cultivated mushroom with rich nutritional and medical values. Cultivation of A. bisporus requires superior cultivars. Understanding the differences between wild and cultivated accession at the genetic level is
[...] Read more.
Agaricus bisporus, belonging to the genus Agaricus and the family Agaricaceae, is a popular commercially cultivated mushroom with rich nutritional and medical values. Cultivation of A. bisporus requires superior cultivars. Understanding the differences between wild and cultivated accession at the genetic level is crucial for mining loci and genes associated with cultivation-related traits, informing future breeding directions. Additionally, the identification of loci and genes associated with important agronomic traits (e.g., yield and quality) facilitates mushroom molecular breeding. In this study, we conducted sequencing of 200 strains of A. bisporus and analyzed genomic variations. Population structure and genetic relationships were investigated for 200 strains. Selection signs and genes were also obtained after selection sweep analysis. Thirteen candidate genes in the selective elimination regions had significantly different expression patterns at the fruit body stage. Moreover, six genes were identified for the esterase isozyme type through a combination of GWAS and RNA data. This study provides insight into environmental adaptation at the genetic base, providing valuable genetic resources for button mushroom molecular breeding to improve environmental adaptation, quality, or yield.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Edible Mushroom Industry: A Vital Component in Horticultural Production)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Intraspecific Chemical Variability and Antioxidant Capacity of Siparuna guianensis Aubl. Essential Oil from Brazil
by
Daniel B. Santos, Raphael O. de Figueiredo, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Willian N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly R. da Silva and Pablo Luis B. Figueiredo
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070690 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Siparuna guianensis Aubl. is an essential-oil-producing plant with diverse ethnopharmacological uses and bioactive potential. This study aims to evaluate the intraspecific variation in the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. guianensis essential oil (EO). The specimens (SG-1 to SG-6) were collected
[...] Read more.
Siparuna guianensis Aubl. is an essential-oil-producing plant with diverse ethnopharmacological uses and bioactive potential. This study aims to evaluate the intraspecific variation in the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. guianensis essential oil (EO). The specimens (SG-1 to SG-6) were collected in June, five in the district of Outeiro and one in the Salvaterra municipality (Brazil). EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The DPPH radical scavenging tests and inhibition of β-carotene oxidation by linoleic acid were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of EOs. Principal components analyses were performed to verify the interrelationships between the studied specimens’ oil yields, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity. Regarding chemical constituents, all studied samples showed the occurrence of spathulenol with an average concentration of 25.6 ± 15.6%. The samples that presented the highest amounts of this constituent were SG-5 (43.3%) and SG-1 (41.8%); the spathulenol amounts in other samples were 33.2% (SG-4); 13.8% (SG-2); 11.5% (SG-6) and 9.8% (SG-3). Moreover, there was no significant variability in yield and antioxidant capacity using DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid; both tests found insignificant values. This species presents a notable intraspecific chemical variability. Despite notable antitumor activities, the plant presents intraspecific chemical variability in composition, which suggests new studies to evaluate the impacts on bioactive compounds.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Isolation, Characterization and Biological Activities)
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Figure A1
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Figure A4
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Figure A5
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Figure A6
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Nutritional Value, Major Chemical Compounds, and Biological Activities of Petromarula pinnata (Campanulaceae)—A Unique Nutraceutical Wild Edible Green of Crete (Greece)
by
Kyriakos Michail Dimitriadis, Sofia Karavergou, Olga S. Tsiftsoglou, Eleftherios Karapatzak, Konstantinos Paschalidis, Dimitra Hadjipavlou-Litina, Despina Charalambous, Nikos Krigas and Diamanto Lazari
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070689 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet is mostly based on high intakes of olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and fruits, with limited amounts of red meat and sweets, and is related to lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly due to the health benefits of antioxidants of wild
[...] Read more.
The Mediterranean diet is mostly based on high intakes of olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and fruits, with limited amounts of red meat and sweets, and is related to lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly due to the health benefits of antioxidants of wild greens, fruits, and vegetables. Petromarula pinnata (L.) A. DC. is a unique (monotypic) and threatened local endemic wild edible green of Crete which is consumed raw in salads or cooked as an ingredient of the Mediterranean (Cretan) diet. In this study, we aimed to examine the nutritional value of P. pinnata with reference to wild-growing material; moreover, we investigated its chemical composition with 1H NMR spectra and its in vitro total phenolics and flavonoids (TPC, TF assays), and we evaluated the antioxidant (TAC, DPPH, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation), antimicrobial (MIC), and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase) in vitro activity during two different developmental stages (winter and summer collections), all referring to ex situ cultivated material (air-dried or frozen in liquid nitrogen). Our results showed that P. pinnata has good nutritional value, being rich in terpenoids and poor in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Furthermore, the extracts showed high antioxidant activity for TAC and DPPH and some of the extracts had higher antioxidant activities than the standard compounds. The summer plant materials had higher antioxidant activity than the winter ones. The methanol/water extracts were the strongest inhibitors of the lipid peroxidation, and the methanol extracts were not found to be active. None of the extracts inhibited the soybean lipoxygenase, and thus they were devoid of anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, the extracts showed a moderate to strong bacterial inhibition. These findings consolidate that P. pinnata has a novel nutraceutical interest with high nutritional value and high antioxidant activity combined with bactericidal effect, thus updating the evaluation of its exploitation potential in the medicinal sector from below average (37%) to high (67%).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Prospects of Using Wild Plant Species in Horticulture)
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Open AccessArticle
Exogenous Application of Methyl Jasmonate Enhanced the Cold Tolerance of Jasminum sambac through Changes in Metabolites and Antioxidants
by
Chen Chen, Hong Chen and Kaibo Yang
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070688 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Jasminum sambac is an excellent ornamental species that is renowned worldwide for its pure white flowers and strong fragrance. However, its intolerance to low temperatures limits its cultivation range. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an essential plant growth regulator, plays a significant role in assisting
[...] Read more.
Jasminum sambac is an excellent ornamental species that is renowned worldwide for its pure white flowers and strong fragrance. However, its intolerance to low temperatures limits its cultivation range. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an essential plant growth regulator, plays a significant role in assisting plants to resist various stresses. Hence, this study was carried out to decipher the capabilities of diverse concentrations of MeJA in helping J. sambac to resist cold stress by measuring different physiological indexes. A normal temperature (15 °C/10 °C) and low temperature (7 °C/2 °C) were applied to J. sambac seedlings, and a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Duncan’s multiple range test was adopted to compare the differences between the indicators under 5 μmol·L−1, 10 μmol·L−1 and 20 μmol·L−1 of MeJA treatments. The results showed that cold stress significantly decreased the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein, while the application of MeJA at 10 μmol·L−1 and 20 μmol·L−1 resulted in a partial recovery. In addition, cold stress dramatically hindered the accumulation of total chlorophyll in leaves. Exogenous MeJA elevated the total chlorophyll content during the whole sampling period. The hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels generally increased in response to low temperatures, and they caused adverse effects on J. sambac, whereas this was effectively alleviated through the application of MeJA. MeJA was also able to improve the resistance of J. sambac by boosting the activity of antioxidant enzymes to remove the excess of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, we highlighted that exogenous MeJA could attenuate the negative consequences of cold stress for J. sambac, and 10 μmol·L−1 of MeJA treatment could be a feasible strategy for enhancing the resistance of J. sambac to low temperatures and promoting its growth.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Stress Physiology and Resistance Regulation in Horticultural Plants)
Open AccessArticle
Chitosan and GRAS Substances: An Alternative for the Control of Neofusicoccum parvum In Vitro, Elicitor and Maintenance of the Postharvest Quality of Avocado Fruits
by
Juan Antonio Herrera-González, Surelys Ramos-Bell, Silvia Bautista-Baños, Rita María Velázquez-Estrada, Edson Rayón-Díaz, Estefania Martínez-Batista and Porfirio Gutiérrez-Martínez
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070687 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Postharvest avocado is susceptible to attack by Neofusicoccum parvum, which has been reported to cause black spot in avocado pulp. Therefore, it is necessary to look for alternatives for its control with products that are low-cost, effective and without risks to human
[...] Read more.
Postharvest avocado is susceptible to attack by Neofusicoccum parvum, which has been reported to cause black spot in avocado pulp. Therefore, it is necessary to look for alternatives for its control with products that are low-cost, effective and without risks to human health and the environment, and that also stimulate the defense mechanisms of the fruit. The aim was to evaluate the effect of basic and GRAS substance treatments on the in vitro control of N. parvum, and the induction of enzymes related to the defense mechanisms of the fruit. N. parvum was isolated from avocado fruit. Morphological and molecular identification was performed. In vitro and in vivo treatments were made for the control of pathogens and the induction of defense mechanisms in the fruit with basic and GRAS substance treatments based on chitosan and GRAS substances. The basic and GRAS substance treatments inhibited the development of N. parvum mycelium by 80–100%. In addition, they induced the activation of enzymes related to the defense mechanisms of the fruit (PAL, POD and PPO). The best basic and GRAS substance treatments, both in vitro and in vivo, were those based on chitosan (0.5%) and cinnamon essential oil (2.5%) when they were applied combined in the form of an emulsion.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Eco-Friendly Techniques for the Control of Post-harvest Diseases)
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Figure 7 Cont.
Open AccessArticle
Organic Agricultural Practice: Crop Load Management Enhancing Quality and Storability of High-Russet Pears
by
Marcos Guerra, Flor Álvarez-Taboada, Verónica Marabel, Amanda M. Felices, Álvaro Rodríguez-González and Pedro A. Casquero
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070686 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
The variability of crop load in Conference pears significantly influences fruit quality and postharvest losses. This study aimed to investigate and implement a novel technique for managing crop load in Conference pear orchards, with a focus on contributing to sustainable orchard management practices.
[...] Read more.
The variability of crop load in Conference pears significantly influences fruit quality and postharvest losses. This study aimed to investigate and implement a novel technique for managing crop load in Conference pear orchards, with a focus on contributing to sustainable orchard management practices. High-russet pear cv. Conference fruit was harvested from trees categorized into two groups based on yield efficiency. A two-way ANOVA was used to test the effects of crop load level and year on yield properties and fruit quality parameters. Results demonstrated that low crop loads exerted a positive influence on fruit quality, resulting in increased fresh-market yield, enhanced fruit-mass parameters, and improved firmness and acidity. Additionally, fruit from low crop load levels exhibited a heightened level of characteristic skin russeting, a desirable attribute that enhances product appeal, compared to fruit from high crop load levels. Thus, crop load management in Conference pear orchards emerged as an effective preharvest organic strategy for mitigating postharvest quality losses during storage, thereby promoting overall orchard sustainability.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Authenticity in Organic Horticultural Production: Recent Studies and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Evolution of Biogenic Nitrogen from Digestates for Lettuce Fertilization and the Effect on the Bacterial Community
by
Domenico Caterino, Alessia Follador, Jonathan Galbusera, Davide Guffanti, Giacomo Cocetta, Filippo Geuna, Marta Dell’Orto, Barbara Scaglia, Alessandro Passera, Elisabetta Riva, Paola Casati, Antonio Ferrante and Fulvia Tambone
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070685 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Among the many inputs, nitrogen fertilizers are the main yield-limiting factor in agriculture. Liquid fractions of digestates can be a most promising substitute to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, using little energy to turn waste into valuable fertilizers. In this study, the efficacy of five
[...] Read more.
Among the many inputs, nitrogen fertilizers are the main yield-limiting factor in agriculture. Liquid fractions of digestates can be a most promising substitute to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, using little energy to turn waste into valuable fertilizers. In this study, the efficacy of five digestates from different origin (C, cow slurry; P, pig slurry; PCE, pig slurry, cow slurry, energy crops; SS, sewage sludge; W, organic fraction of municipal waste) were assessed as fertilizers for the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L., compared to traditional mineral fertilization. Digestates showed promising results as fertilizers for Lactuca sativa L., as yield and chemical parameters were overall comparable to the mineral fertilizer. Analysis of nitrogen evolution showed that most digestates showed higher nitrates in the substrates than the mineral fertilizers at earlier stages. Another topic investigated in the study is the effect of the digestates on the bacterial populations of the growth substrate, investigated through quantification and sequencing of 16S gene. These results varied based on the digestate considered, but, in general, an increase in biodiversity could be linked to use of digestates. These results suggest that digestates might become an alternative to mineral fertilizers, contributing to the circular economy and waste reduction.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Horticultural Food Plants in Traditional Herbal Medicine in the Mediterranean Basin: A Review
by
Alessia Cozzolino, Riccardo Motti, Fabrizio Cartenì, Anna De Magistris, Mara Gherardelli and Ivana Vitasović-Kosić
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070684 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
The Mediterranean Basin’s diverse climates and ecosystems have shaped a rich botanical heritage through centuries of selective cultivation, resulting in a wide array of horticultural plants with valuable therapeutic properties. The use of horticultural food plants as herbal remedies has become an integral
[...] Read more.
The Mediterranean Basin’s diverse climates and ecosystems have shaped a rich botanical heritage through centuries of selective cultivation, resulting in a wide array of horticultural plants with valuable therapeutic properties. The use of horticultural food plants as herbal remedies has become an integral part of traditional medicine in this geographical context. The present review aims to highlight the use of horticultural food plants (HFPs) in the context of traditional herbal medicine in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin and explore their traditional uses and therapeutic properties. A comprehensive ethnobotanical literature search was conducted on the food plants used as herbal medicine in the Mediterranean region using existing online scientific databases. Based on the literature review, 64 taxa used as medicinal plants by traditional users in the Mediterranean Basin were documented. Overall, horticultural plants are used in Mediterranean countries to treat a total of 573 ailments. Italy has the highest number of use reports (998), followed by Morocco (281) and Spain (193). Apiaceae (11 taxa), Cucurbitaceae (9 taxa), and Brassicaceae (8 taxa) are the most frequently cited families. The genus Allium is the most abundant in species (5).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)
Open AccessArticle
Application of Organic Waste Derived from Vitamin C Industry Increases Yield and Bioactive Constituents of Medicinal Food Plant Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)
by
Mingfu Gao, Zihui Zhang, Weichao Yang, Hao Sun and Hui Xu
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070683 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is widely distributed and commonly utilized as an important medicinal food plant. The application of organic matter is a frequently employed strategy to enhance the quality and growth of medicinal plants. However, there is limited research on the
[...] Read more.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is widely distributed and commonly utilized as an important medicinal food plant. The application of organic matter is a frequently employed strategy to enhance the quality and growth of medicinal plants. However, there is limited research on the impact of low-molecular-weight organic carbon on medicinal plants. This study evaluated the influence of the residue after evaporation (RAE) from industrial fermentation of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ASA), which mainly consists of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs), on the growth and bioactive constituents of purslane. Cultivation with different doses (2.7, 1.35, and 0.675 mL RAE per kg of soil) of RAE exhibited the highest levels of enhancement in the ASA, dopamine, total alkaloids, and total phenols content by 103.28%, 118.38%, 32.43%, and 27.64%, respectively, while promoting purslane’s growth. Furthermore, there was a dose–effect relationship between the dose of RAE and purslane’s ASA, total phenols, dopamine and total alkaloids. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the effects of RAE on pathways related to ASA synthesis, glycolysis, citrate cycle and amino acid synthesis contributed to the bioactive constituent accumulation in purslane. These findings suggest that RAE can effectively modulate the primary metabolic processes, thereby enhancing the yield and bioactive constituents of purslane. It is a valuable source of LMWOAs for the cultivation of medicinal plants. The resource utilization of RAE will enhance the production of medicinal plants, thereby contributing to satisfying the demand for bioactive natural products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)
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Figure 6
Open AccessArticle
Characterization of Lectin from Bauhinia holophylla Using Bioinformatics Tools
by
Ludmila Maria Gonçalves Godoi de Camargos, Débora de Oliveira Lopes and Ana Hortência Fonseca Castro
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070682 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Lectins are proteins of a non-immune nature with activity against microorganisms, insects, and tumor cells. The aim of this work was to predict the physicochemical characteristics, structure, and functional properties of a Bauhinia holophylla lectin (BhL), sequenced from genomic material obtained from calli
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Lectins are proteins of a non-immune nature with activity against microorganisms, insects, and tumor cells. The aim of this work was to predict the physicochemical characteristics, structure, and functional properties of a Bauhinia holophylla lectin (BhL), sequenced from genomic material obtained from calli cultures, through bioinformatics tools. The results showed a high similarity between the Bhl gene and nucleotide sequences that encode lectins expressed by Bauhinia species and a high identity between the protein sequence of BhL and lectins from B. forficata (90%), B. variegata (79.04%), B. purpurea (78.01%), and B. ungulata (85.27%). BhL has 289 amino acids, of which 30, 85, and 174 residues are related to α-helix, β-sheet, and disordered regions, respectively. Their estimated molecular weight is 31.9 kDa and the theoretical isoelectric point is 5.79. Bauhinia holophylla lectin possibly undergoes phosphorylation and glycosylation at specific sites. Conserved protein domains, catalytic sites, and conserved amino acids were observed in BhL, bringing it closer to lectin families from other legume species. The prediction signaled the presence of a sequence of 28 amino acids at the N-terminal end of BhL, with a high hydropathicity index and conceptualized as a signal peptide. The molecular function predicted for BhL was associated with carbohydrate recognition activity. BhL could be an extracellular protein, and its three-dimensional structure showed 78.82% identity with the B. purpurea lectin.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Production of Plant Bioactive Compounds by Horticultural Crops through Agronomical and Biotechnological Approaches)
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