Horticulture Environment and Biotechnology最新文献

Abstract

Hibiscus species are flowering plants of the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and play an important role not only in ornamental aspects but also traditional medicine. In this study, seven compounds, mukungarrole (1), a new compound and six known flavonoid derivatives (2–7) were isolated from Hibiscus syriacus pollen. Among the isolated compounds, kaempferol (2) and vincetoxicoside B (3) showed antioxidant activity. Additonally, the new compound, mukungarrole (1), along with kaempferol (2) and isorhamnetin-7-O-rhamnoside (5), showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and its interaction with α-glucosidase was confirmed using molecular docking analysis. Further comparison of five varieties of Hibiscus spp. showed that all five species contained vincetoxicoside B (3) and kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside (4) as major components and exhibited antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. However, there was differences in the content of vincetoxicoside B (3) and kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside (4) and minor components depending on of Hibiscus variety, which contributed to differences in efficacy. This study proves that H. syriacus pollen and its constituents have antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials and the content and efficacy vary depending on Hibiscus species.

To meet the increasing demands for higher-value and nutrient-rich vegetables, this work aims to investigate whether molecular hydrogen (H₂)-based irrigation, in the form of hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW), could improve yield and quality of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.). Field trials showed that compared to surface water (SW) irrigation (control group), HNW irrigation significantly increased Chinese cabbage yield by 32.70 ± 12.15%, and the single plant weight, height, the maximum leaf length and width were also significantly increased. Higher nutritional value, including the increased contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, mineral nutrients (P, Fe, Zn, and Cu), and secondary metabolites (total carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid), as well as decreased nitrate content and higher antioxidant capability (assessed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP values) were also observed. Molecular evidence further revealed that the expressions of genes related to Fe, Zn, and P absorption as well as ascorbic acid biosynthesis were obviously up-regulated, consistent with changes in Fe, Zn, P, and ascorbic acid accumulation achieved after HNW irrigation. These results clearly suggested that HNW might have a practical value in improving yield and quality of horticultural crops.

Recent agricultural technology advancements have introduced innovative techniques like vertical farming and plant factories, offering precision agriculture. However, leafy green vegetables are dominantly grown in vertical farms with high-tech hydroponics, and fruit crops with relatively large plant sizes are neglected in vertical farming. To broaden the range of crops suitable for vertical farming, it is crucial to not only explore and develop novel varieties but also establish tailored cultivation systems. We cultivated the diminutive "Micro-Tom" tomato variety using two different hydroponic systems and assessed its productivity. After conducting four cultivation cycles and three yield trials, we verified the viability of hydroponic cultivation for mini-tomato plants. Our results suggest that enclosed vertical farms, where the external environment is strictly controlled, are more suitable for cultivating small fruit crops. These findings offer promising insights for the future application of hydroponics and vertical farming to various crops.

Abstract

Rough lemon is indigenous and has wide adaptability in Indian citriculture. Rough lemon and Volkamer lemon are comparable in horticultural performance and their resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses are almost similar but Volkamer lemon has better adaptability in different agroclimatic conditions. To improve Volkamer lemon hybridization has been attempted with Kinkoji (citrus greening tolerance), Swingle citrumelo (Phytophthora resistance), and Cleopatra (salinity tolerance). Polyembryony in Volkamer lemon and absence of the heritable morphological markers (Cleopatra) are limiting factors for hybrid identification and morphological characters are not being segregated in Kinkoji and Swingle citrumelo at early stage, then molecular markers are employed for detection of putative zygotic seedlings. We performed hybridization between Volkamer lemon (♀), Kinkoji (B cross) (58 F₁) (♂), Swingle citrumelo (D cross) (71 F₁) (♂), Cleopatra (N cross) (83 F₁) (♂) and discriminate the hybrids by using 25 SSR markers. The fifteen markers were found efficient for hybrid identification (> 71% hybrids detected). CCSME23 (88.21%) marker has detected 187 hybrids in all crosses thereafter, 184 hybrids detected each by HvSSRCS-2, HvSSRCS-135, HvSSRCS-237, HvSSRCM-92 and HvSSRCM-466 with 86.79%. A total of 44 qualitative and 18 quantitative characters were analysed. Fifteen qualitative and six quantitative characters were found significant variability in leaf, spine, branch, and stem. Sufficient amount of genetic variability was detected through phylogenetic analysis and population structure analysis showed two subpopulations in B and N cross but in D cross five subpopulations were detected. After primary screening, nine F₁ hybrids for citrus greening tolerance and twelve F₁ hybrids for Phytophthora tolerance were identified. The newly developed F₁ hybrids exhibited phenotypic and genetic diversity along with disease tolerance. These potential hybrids may be recommended for commercial citriculture after thorough horticultural evaluation.

The current study explores innovative strategies for extending the postharvest shelf life of guava under high humidity and temperature conditions prevalent in sub-tropical regions with composite edible coatings to guava fruits and analyzing their impact on key physiological parameters. Results reveal that the composite Olive oil with texture enhancer + Antioxidant (OTE + AO) treatment consistently maintained superior fruit firmness throughout storage, with a remarkable reduction in softening by 34.3% compared to uncoated controls. Composite edible coatings viz. Olive oil with texture enhancer (OTE), Sodium alginate with texture enhancer + Antioxidant (STE + AO), and Aloe vera with texture enhancer + Antioxidant (ATE + AO) exhibited elevated titratable acidity levels on the third day of storage, surpassing the control by 10–15%, indicating potential for extended shelf life. Moreover, coated fruits exhibited sustained total sugar levels, with OTE + AO treatment demonstrating a significant 8.5% increase compared to controls after fifteen days. Notably, the OTE + AO and OTE treatments showcased the least decline in total flavonoid content throughout storage, maintaining 12–15% higher levels than uncoated counterparts. These displayed substantial efficacy in mitigating polyphenol oxidase activity, reducing enzymatic browning by 32.7–34.3%. Preserving superoxide dismutase activity in coated treatments, resulting in 10–15% increased levels, indicates enhanced antioxidant defence systems. This study’s results have found the possibility of extending guava’s shelf life with optimum biochemical properties with composite coatings.

Blueberry is popular among consumers for their unique flavor and rich nutritional content. However, fresh blueberry often has a short shelf life due to microbial contamination and water loss. Existing blueberry preservation methods, such as irradiation, air conditioning, and high-voltage electrostatic fields, have shown certain effectiveness. Nonetheless, their high cost and energy consumption limit their widespread use. Edible composite films, created by incorporating functional substances into an edible film matrix, represent an eco-friendly preservation technology. These films alter the surface microenvironment of fruits by establishing a selective barrier on the fruit's surface, which significantly enhances fruit storage quality. This article provides a comprehensive review of the application of edible composite films in blueberry preservation. By summarizing the spoilage process of blueberry during harvesting and storage, in conjunction with fruit preservation techniques, it explores the feasibility and potential applications of edible composite films. Lastly, it delves into the possibilities and challenges of integrating nanomaterials with edible composite films.

To assess the potential of Korean wild Chrysanthemum flowers as cosmetic ingredients, this study evaluated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-whitening activities of extracts from Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum, C. zawadskii var. lucidum, C. zawadskii var. yezoense, and C. makinoi. Subsequently, HPLC analyses were conducted to characterize the phenolic compound contents of these extracts. The Korean wild Chrysanthemum flowers exhibited strong antioxidant properties, as evidenced by in vitro radical scavenging activity assays. They also exhibited skin-whitening activity by inhibiting melanin contents in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced B16F10 cells. Notably, C. zawadskii var. lucidum displayed higher antioxidant activity due to its elevated flavonoid content and potent radical scavenging activity compared to other wild Chrysanthemum flowers. Furthermore, C. makinoi exhibited strong in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity and reduced melanin contents in comparison to the other wild Chrysanthemum flowers. Our findings also confirmed the antimicrobial activity of the wild Chrysanthemum flower extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Additionally, our HPLC analyses revealed that C. zawadskii var. lucidum had significantly higher contents of chlorogenic acid, linarin, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid. Therefore, Korean wild Chrysanthemum flowers hold promise as functional cosmetic ingredients due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-whitening effects, as well as their elevated levels of phenolic compounds.

Abstract

Centella asiatica (CA) is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines worldwide. It has been used for centuries in many countries, especially for curing skin damage, and is now applied to treat various human diseases. There are various types of triterpenoids from Centella asiatica, with four pentacyclic triterpenoids with the main properties being shown by four pentacyclic triterpenoids: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These terpenoids have similar structures, however each has a slightly different properties. Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid are synthesized through the isoprenoid pathway known as mevalonate pathway to produce hydrophobic triterpenoid structures (aglycone) which contain hydrophilic sugar chains (glycone). Furthermore, asiaticoside and madecassoside are distinguished by a glycone, and asiatic acid and madecassic acid are distinguished by a aglycone. These pentacyclic triterpenoids have a wide spectrum of beneficial effects and have been used as anti-inflammatories, skin wound treatments, scar treatments, and cosmetics agents. This review aimed to provide a description of the four compounds, of their structure, pharmacological properties, applications in the treatment of various diseases, known mechanisms of action, and commentary on industrial applications.

Grape berries often crack near the proximal end, which may be related to water absorption and their cellular anatomical structure. To study the relationship between water absorption, cell anatomical structures, and berry cracking near the proximal end, 49 varieties were selected. Eighteen were prone to cracking near the proximal end, while 31 were resistant. An in vitro soaking experiment on ripe berries measured the difference in berry-cracking degrees among different varieties. In vitro staining was used to trace water absorption and paraffin sections were prepared to observe and analyze the structural parameters of different tissues. Results showed that the cracking rate and water uptake of the crack-prone berries were significantly higher than those of the crack-resistant berries. Fruit prone to cracking was characterized by a thinner cuticle, epidermis, and sub-epidermis. After staining, it was found that dye absorption was limited to the berry near the proximal end. Other cell size parameters may also lead to cracking near the proximal end. By tracing water transport and analyzing differences in cell structure characteristics among varieties, we speculated that the vascular bundle xylem water transport repression and differences in cell anatomical structures may have led to berry cracking near the proximal end. The reasons for berry cracking near the proximal end were preliminarily explained, providing theoretical support for further screening of crack-resistant varieties.

Mango cultivation is expanding at latitudes further away from the equator. It is necessary to describe the behaviour of the species in response to the new environmental conditions and cultivation techniques it undergoes. Three years of phenological observations on mango (cvs. Keitt, Osteen, Tommy Atkins) grown in open air and greenhouse orchards located in Sicily, Italy, were clustered and synthesized into the main phenological phases of the species’ annual cycle, together with their duration. An accurate depiction of the environmental conditions and of the phenological phases on the mango tree throughout the year in the Mediterranean climate is presented. All three cultivars behaved similarly, and differences have emerged between the phenological cycle of mango in the Mediterranean and the one of its traditional cultivation areas: vegetative flushes in the open air happen after flowering rather than after harvest and are less intense. Flowering is consistently anticipated in the greenhouse with respect to open air, beginning before the end of winter, but this does not reflect in an earlier harvest. Mango trees in the open air remain quiescent for many months, while in the greenhouse the fruit development period is prolonged by the high temperatures. The description of the phenological cycle of mango in two different cropping conditions in the Mediterranean climate constitutes a reference for growers and researchers interested in the adaptation of the species to different growing conditions and allows to reconsider the thresholds for its cultivation.