Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114601
Maria Urrutia , Octavio Gómez-Gordo , Carmen Ruiz-Rubio , Juan Carlos Mateos del Amo , Miriam Gallardo , Patricia Segado , Antonio Heredia , Eva Domínguez , Rafael Fernández-Muñoz
This study aims at deciphering the complex genetic architecture of stem diameter variation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through a comprehensive phenotyping across multiple developmental stages and heights using an interespecific recombinant inbred line population and introgression lines between the cultivated tomato S. lycopersicum var. ‘Moneymaker’ and the acc. ‘TO-937’ of its wild ancestor S. pimpinellifolium, exhibiting a thinner stem.
Our analysis identified twelve QTLs with different direction effects associated with stem diameter. Major loci were detected predominantly for the basal internode diameter and were validated in both single and double introgression lines. Pyramiding positive- and negative-effects wild alleles in the genetic background of cultivated tomato resulted in significant enhancement or reduction of stem diameter demonstrating the additive potential of combining same direction effects alleles. In addition, histological examinations of introgression line stems revealed that sd3.1, sd4.1, and sd11.1 QTLs influence distinct anatomical stem structures including pith size, cortex area and secondary xylem development.
Overall, the findings reveal a polygenic, multilocus regulation of stem architecture in tomato, with promising implications for breeding.
{"title":"Natural variation in Solanum pimpinellifolium reveals novel QTLs for stem architecture and secondary growth in tomato","authors":"Maria Urrutia , Octavio Gómez-Gordo , Carmen Ruiz-Rubio , Juan Carlos Mateos del Amo , Miriam Gallardo , Patricia Segado , Antonio Heredia , Eva Domínguez , Rafael Fernández-Muñoz","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims at deciphering the complex genetic architecture of stem diameter variation in tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.) through a comprehensive phenotyping across multiple developmental stages and heights using an interespecific recombinant inbred line population and introgression lines between the cultivated tomato <em>S. lycopersicum</em> var. ‘Moneymaker’ and the acc. ‘TO-937’ of its wild ancestor <em>S. pimpinellifolium</em>, exhibiting a thinner stem.</div><div>Our analysis identified twelve QTLs with different direction effects associated with stem diameter. Major loci were detected predominantly for the basal internode diameter and were validated in both single and double introgression lines. Pyramiding positive- and negative-effects wild alleles in the genetic background of cultivated tomato resulted in significant enhancement or reduction of stem diameter demonstrating the additive potential of combining same direction effects alleles. In addition, histological examinations of introgression line stems revealed that <em>sd3.1, sd4.1</em>, and <em>sd11.1</em> QTLs influence distinct anatomical stem structures including pith size, cortex area and secondary xylem development.</div><div>Overall, the findings reveal a polygenic, multilocus regulation of stem architecture in tomato, with promising implications for breeding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"356 ","pages":"Article 114601"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agricultural productivity is threatened by prolonged droughts and intensified desertification caused by climate change highlighting the need for adaptive cropping systems. The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is well-adapted to Mediterranean climates and due to its unique characteristics, is a valuable crop both economically and environmentally. In this study, irrigation was applied in a carob tree orchard under two treatments: complementary irrigation (CI) and deficit complementary irrigation (DCI). Climatic parameters such as rainfall, reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) were recorded during the two-year experiment (2023–2024). To better understand water stress, stomatal conductance, stem water potential and canopy temperature were measured. In addition, data were retrieved from sensors and dendrometers. Yield and productivity parameters, including fruit quality, were also evaluated. Results showed, that the DCI treatment showed increased production in the second year, while CI improved fruit quality. A negative correlation was found between stem water potential and both air temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Physiological measurements proved to be a precise method for monitoring the tree´s response to environmental conditions and provide valuable information for irrigation scheduling, while continuous measurements obtained using dendrometers provided good results in monitoring the water status. These findings reveal the dynamics between the environmental conditions and the physiological measurements, paving the way for new studies in understanding and planning carob irrigation aiming to prevent water stress without loss of yield.
{"title":"Effects of complementary irrigation on carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) physiology and productivity in a Mediterranean semi-arid orchard","authors":"Olga Doumkou , Beatriz Lorente Pagán , Carlota Mª Martí-Martínez , Jesús Mª Domínguez-Niño , Teresa Munuera-Pérez , Francisco Pedrero Salcedo","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agricultural productivity is threatened by prolonged droughts and intensified desertification caused by climate change highlighting the need for adaptive cropping systems. The carob tree (<em>Ceratonia siliqua</em> L.) is well-adapted to Mediterranean climates and due to its unique characteristics, is a valuable crop both economically and environmentally. In this study, irrigation was applied in a carob tree orchard under two treatments: complementary irrigation (CI) and deficit complementary irrigation (DCI). Climatic parameters such as rainfall, reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) were recorded during the two-year experiment (2023–2024). To better understand water stress, stomatal conductance, stem water potential and canopy temperature were measured. In addition, data were retrieved from sensors and dendrometers. Yield and productivity parameters, including fruit quality, were also evaluated. Results showed, that the DCI treatment showed increased production in the second year, while CI improved fruit quality. A negative correlation was found between stem water potential and both air temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Physiological measurements proved to be a precise method for monitoring the tree´s response to environmental conditions and provide valuable information for irrigation scheduling, while continuous measurements obtained using dendrometers provided good results in monitoring the water status. These findings reveal the dynamics between the environmental conditions and the physiological measurements, paving the way for new studies in understanding and planning carob irrigation aiming to prevent water stress without loss of yield.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"356 ","pages":"Article 114590"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145898148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114605
Yanni Yang , Xiaoshi Huang , Tao Ding , Husheng Ma , Ke Xia , Ming Liu , Zaihua Wang
The flowers of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum possess a distinctive aroma and serve as an important member of horticultural plants. Their components vary significantly at different flowering stages, thereby influencing the sensory characteristics perceived by consumers. However, systematic research on the aroma characteristics and component profiles of D. thyrsiflorum at different flowering stages has not been fully elucidated. We speculate that there is a unique spectrum of volatile metabolites in the full bloom period, which is the basis for the formation of its unique aroma. This study aims to test this hypothesis by analyzing the dynamic changes of volatile compounds. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods were used to systematically analyze the dynamic changes of volatile metabolites in D. thyrsiflorum during different flowering stages. There are 22 volatile metabolites can serve as aroma components to distinguish the full bloom stage from other stages, and five key volatile metabolites were further screened out, which jointly contributed to the unique sweet, minty, fresh, and floral aroma during this stage. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these aromas were mainly regulated by three major synthetic pathways. Flavor metabolomics results demonstrated that compared to other developmental stages, the full bloom stage exhibits significantly more distinct and pleasant flavor characteristics. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for optimizing the flower harvesting period of D. thyrsiflorum and provides a scientific basis for its comprehensive utilization.
{"title":"Metabolomics analysis uncovered the dynamic changes and aroma characteristics of volatile metabolites in Dendrobium thyrsiflorum at different flowering stages","authors":"Yanni Yang , Xiaoshi Huang , Tao Ding , Husheng Ma , Ke Xia , Ming Liu , Zaihua Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The flowers of <em>Dendrobium thyrsiflorum</em> possess a distinctive aroma and serve as an important member of horticultural plants. Their components vary significantly at different flowering stages, thereby influencing the sensory characteristics perceived by consumers. However, systematic research on the aroma characteristics and component profiles of <em>D. thyrsiflorum</em> at different flowering stages has not been fully elucidated. We speculate that there is a unique spectrum of volatile metabolites in the full bloom period, which is the basis for the formation of its unique aroma. This study aims to test this hypothesis by analyzing the dynamic changes of volatile compounds. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods were used to systematically analyze the dynamic changes of volatile metabolites in <em>D. thyrsiflorum</em> during different flowering stages. There are 22 volatile metabolites can serve as aroma components to distinguish the full bloom stage from other stages, and five key volatile metabolites were further screened out, which jointly contributed to the unique sweet, minty, fresh, and floral aroma during this stage. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these aromas were mainly regulated by three major synthetic pathways. Flavor metabolomics results demonstrated that compared to other developmental stages, the full bloom stage exhibits significantly more distinct and pleasant flavor characteristics. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for optimizing the flower harvesting period of <em>D. thyrsiflorum</em> and provides a scientific basis for its comprehensive utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"356 ","pages":"Article 114605"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145898149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114603
Yimeng Zhao , Faming Kong , Jingkun Zhao , Shuai Wang , Qing Peng , Zhiqi Li , Lin Yang , Zilong Bai , Haoli Jiang , Xiaojun Shi , Jie Wang
Excessive chemical fertilization leads to unsustainable Zanthoxylum bungeanum cultivation, which results in yield, quality, and soil quality decrement. Knowledge gaps regarding the effects of organic substitution on the yield and quality of Zanthoxylum bungeanum require further investigation. The two-year field experiment evaluated the effects of different organic substitution ratios on Zanthoxylum bungeanum yield, quality index (ZQI), and soil quality index (SQI). Five fertilization treatments were designed, including control, farmer’s practice, optimized fertilization, and two substitution ratios replacing 20% and 40% of chemical nitrogen with organic fertilizer. The results showed that the 40% organic substitution significantly enhanced the yield and quality of Zanthoxylum bungeanum by 26.14% and 124.56% respectively, compared with farmer’s practice. The M40% treatment resulted in the highest SQI, which was significantly elevated by 127.02%, compared with farmer’s practice. Analysis result of redundancy and partial least squares path showed that organic substitution positively influenced the yield and quality of Zanthoxylum bungeanum through direct improvement in soil quality (path coefficient = 0.63) and indirect increments of leaf calcium concentration (0.95), fruit potassium (0.95) and nitrogen absorption (0.93). Our study revealed the corresponding mechanisms of partial organic substitution affecting SQI changes and improving Zanthoxylum bungeanum yield and quality. In conclusion, partial organic substitution presents a practical approach to Zanthoxylum bungeanum sustainable production in Southwest China.
{"title":"Organic substitution improves yield and quality of Zanthoxylum bungeanum by enhancing soil quality index and nutrient accumulation","authors":"Yimeng Zhao , Faming Kong , Jingkun Zhao , Shuai Wang , Qing Peng , Zhiqi Li , Lin Yang , Zilong Bai , Haoli Jiang , Xiaojun Shi , Jie Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Excessive chemical fertilization leads to unsustainable <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> cultivation, which results in yield, quality, and soil quality decrement. Knowledge gaps regarding the effects of organic substitution on the yield and quality of <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> require further investigation. The two-year field experiment evaluated the effects of different organic substitution ratios on <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> yield, quality index (ZQI), and soil quality index (SQI). Five fertilization treatments were designed, including control, farmer’s practice, optimized fertilization, and two substitution ratios replacing 20% and 40% of chemical nitrogen with organic fertilizer. The results showed that the 40% organic substitution significantly enhanced the yield and quality of <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> by 26.14% and 124.56% respectively, compared with farmer’s practice. The M40% treatment resulted in the highest SQI, which was significantly elevated by 127.02%, compared with farmer’s practice. Analysis result of redundancy and partial least squares path showed that organic substitution positively influenced the yield and quality of <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> through direct improvement in soil quality (path coefficient = 0.63) and indirect increments of leaf calcium concentration (0.95), fruit potassium (0.95) and nitrogen absorption (0.93). Our study revealed the corresponding mechanisms of partial organic substitution affecting SQI changes and improving <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> yield and quality. In conclusion, partial organic substitution presents a practical approach to <em>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</em> sustainable production in Southwest China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"356 ","pages":"Article 114603"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Almonds exhibit extensive genetic and phenotypic diversity, enabling their use across a wide range of applications. This diversity underscores the importance of evaluating almond germplasm for morphological, colorimetric, chemical, and nutritional traits to identify unique differences at a cultivar level and link them to potential technological uses. In this study, the kernel phenotypic diversity of 35 almond cultivars, including rarely planted traditional cultivars, which primarily serve as sources of genetic variation, and modern breeding cultivars, was assessed. The evaluations were performed for 41 parameters over a 15-year period. According to the results, traditional landrace cultivars often exhibited more extreme values for morphological and chemical traits, while breeding cultivars showed intermediate characteristics with less noticeable variations. Additionally, we also identified notable patterns of correlation between the measured traits. And finally, we discuss the most suitable industrial applications for the studied cultivars based on standard recommendations for each use.
{"title":"Long-term assessment of morphological and chemical diversity of landrace and bred almond cultivars for industrial applications","authors":"Alejandro Calle , Jaume Gelabert , Agustí Romero , Xavier Miarnau , Ignasi Batlle , Federico Dicenta , Pedro José Martínez-García , Leontina Lipan","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Almonds exhibit extensive genetic and phenotypic diversity, enabling their use across a wide range of applications. This diversity underscores the importance of evaluating almond germplasm for morphological, colorimetric, chemical, and nutritional traits to identify unique differences at a cultivar level and link them to potential technological uses. In this study, the kernel phenotypic diversity of 35 almond cultivars, including rarely planted traditional cultivars, which primarily serve as sources of genetic variation, and modern breeding cultivars, was assessed. The evaluations were performed for 41 parameters over a 15-year period. According to the results, traditional landrace cultivars often exhibited more extreme values for morphological and chemical traits, while breeding cultivars showed intermediate characteristics with less noticeable variations. Additionally, we also identified notable patterns of correlation between the measured traits. And finally, we discuss the most suitable industrial applications for the studied cultivars based on standard recommendations for each use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"356 ","pages":"Article 114608"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114549
Da Hye Ryu , Jwa Yeong Cho , Muhammad Hamayun , Jai-Eok Park , Chu Won Nho , Ho-Youn Kim
Basil is a widely consumed vegetable valued for both its culinary and medicinal properties. However, its naturally high potassium content can be problematic for individuals with impaired kidney function and related diseases. To produce low‑potassium basil by modifying the nutrient solution composition, basil cultivation was conducted under the hydroponic system in closed plant factory. We evaluated four treatments (N1K1, N1K0, N2K2, and N2K0) for their effects on basil growth, volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles, and antioxidant capacity (via ABTS assay) and conducted one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test and Student’s t-test (using N1K1 as the control) to assess significant differences. After 21 days, all long‑term treatments increased plant biomass and significantly raised eugenol and other VOC levels compared to the control. Notably, the N1K0 treatment significantly enhanced total phenolic and rosmarinic acid content, achieving the highest ABTS activity. This approach offers a novel strategy for producing low‑potassium basil, while also improving yield and functional quality.
{"title":"Enhancement of nutritional, flavor, and phenolic properties of hydroponically grown basil (Ocimum basilicum) through modification of nutrient solution composition","authors":"Da Hye Ryu , Jwa Yeong Cho , Muhammad Hamayun , Jai-Eok Park , Chu Won Nho , Ho-Youn Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Basil is a widely consumed vegetable valued for both its culinary and medicinal properties. However, its naturally high potassium content can be problematic for individuals with impaired kidney function and related diseases. To produce low‑potassium basil by modifying the nutrient solution composition, basil cultivation was conducted under the hydroponic system in closed plant factory. We evaluated four treatments (N1K1, N1K0, N2K2, and N2K0) for their effects on basil growth, volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles, and antioxidant capacity (via ABTS assay) and conducted one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test and Student’s t-test (using N1K1 as the control) to assess significant differences. After 21 days, all long‑term treatments increased plant biomass and significantly raised eugenol and other VOC levels compared to the control. Notably, the N1K0 treatment significantly enhanced total phenolic and rosmarinic acid content, achieving the highest ABTS activity. This approach offers a novel strategy for producing low‑potassium basil, while also improving yield and functional quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"355 ","pages":"Article 114549"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}