Scientia Horticulturae最新文献

The agroecological transition is an important step in changing from a conventional to agroecological production system. The cactus-sorghum intercropping can be recommended for the agroecological transition in a semi-arid environment depending on the cultivation configuration, that is, the type of forage cactus clone and sorghum cultivar. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intercropping forage cactus clones (Nopaleae spp. and Opuntia spp.) with sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor) on water use efficiency compared with single crops, to recommend the use of intercropping systems in conventional production units under agroecological transition. The study was conducted in the district of Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil over three crop seasons between 2017 and 2022, using cactus clones and sorghum cultivars in single-crop and intercropping configurations. The forage cactus clones evaluated were: IPA Sertania (IPA, Nopalea cochenillifera), Miuda (MIU, Nopalea cochenillifera), and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM, Opuntia stricta), while the sorghum cultivars evaluated were IPA 467, IPA SF11 and IPA 2502. The components of the soil water balance and dry matter yield were determined to calculate the following water indices: water use efficiency (WUE), water productivity of the production system (WPc_R+ID), crop water productivity (WP_CETa), and irrigation water productivity (WP_ID). Including sorghum and cactus production system under water deficit increased the water productivity of the system due to the increase in dry matter (616 %). Regardless of the cactus clone or sorghum cultivar, there was an increase of 593 % in terms of WPc_R+ID, 597 % in terms of WP_CETa and 593 % in terms of WP_ID, with little reduction in WUE (−2 %). The intercropping systems comprising the OEM clone and sorghum 288, OEM clone and sorghum 467, and the IPA clone and sorghum 467 showed a high level of crop water productivity due to the reduction in actual evapotranspiration. It can therefore be said that optimising the use of water in cactus systems under agroecological transition and water restriction depends on the type of cactus clone and sorghum cultivar.

In this study, the molecular pathways of SlERF7 in regulating the synthesis and accumulation of phenolic compounds induced by postharvest UV-C in tomato fruit was deeply investigated by constructing transgenic plants. The findings revealed a pronounced induction of phenolic compounds accumulation following UV-C irradiation, coupled with heightened activities of PAL, 4CL, C4H, CHS, and CHI enzymes, alongside upregulated expression levels of SlPAL5, SlC4H, Sl4CL, SlCHS2, and SlCHI within SlERF7 overexpressed fruit. Conversely, SlERF7 knockout fruit exhibited diminished levels of phenolic compounds, enzyme activities, and gene expression after UV-C irradiation. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis showed that SlERF7 was localized in the nucleus. Dual luciferase assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that SlERF7 directly bound to the GCC-box in the SlPAL5 promoter and activated its transcriptional activity. Therefore, it was confirmed that SlERF7 might positively promote UV-C-induced phenolic biosynthesis in postharvest tomato fruit by targeting the promoter of SlPAL5.

So far, many studies have examined the effects of drip irrigation and water-fertilizer integration on crop yield indices, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and water use efficiency (WUE). However, they are carried out under different conditions. Due to the scattered research results and the lack of general conclusions from published results, it is necessary to use meta-analysis as a structured method to draw a conclusion. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the effects of water–fertilizer integration with drip irrigation (WFI_DI) on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), water use efficiency (WUE), and crop yield to explore the most suitable application strategy of WFI_DI, further discussion of its impact mechanism_. A total of 352 studies in the Chinese region were included, of which 84 studies met the entry criteria for the meta-analysis, and 779 pairs of data were finally obtained. The meta-analysis results showed that WFI_DI improved NUE (31.3 %), WUE (34.5 %) and crop yield (12.5 %) by changing soil physical and chemical properties (SOC increased by 36.4 %, TN increased by 9.3 %, and ET_C decreased by 11.5 %). In order to screen the key influencing factors and determine the applicable conditions, PCA and win-win analysis were carried out. The results showed that WFI_DI was suitable for food crops and fruit trees in medium-textured soils. It is recommended to use subsurface drip irrigation with a lower flow rate (≤1Lh⁻¹) and nitrogen fertilizer (10–25 % lower than the traditional nitrogen application rate of farmers). This study provides inspiration for efficient and economical agricultural water management.

This study addresses the identification and comparison of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different peony varieties to elucidate their distinct aroma profiles and the common VOCs that constitute the unique fragrance of peony flowers, laying a foundation for breeding high-quality peony varieties and developing related products. Headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was employed to analyze and differentiate the VOCs of eight peony varieties: TAOXI, ZIHELIAN, BAITIANE, YAOHUANG, DAFUGUI, DAOJIN, HONGXIUQIU, and MANAOPAN. The study identified 87 VOCs, revealing significant differences in VOC compositions among the samples. Notably, BAITIANE displayed distinct differences in both color and VOC composition compared to the other seven varieties. It exhibited uniquely high levels of butanoic acid-M, butanoic acid-D, hexanal-D, ethanol-D, and ethyl acetate. Twelve key differential VOCs were identified as having significant impacts: ethanol-D, hexanal-D, (e)-2-hexenal-D, (e)-2-hexenal-M, hexanal-M, butanoic acid-M, acetic acid-D, acetic acid-M, butanoic acid-D, ethyl acetate, thiophene, and dimethyl sulfide. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the roles of xenobiotics biodegradation, terpenoid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism in VOC biosynthesis. The findings are significant for the breeding of fragrant peony varieties and the development of floral-based products. The findings provide theoretical support for breeding new horticultural flower varieties and developing commercial peony products, enhancing the understanding of floral scent chemistry, and offering valuable information for the perfumery, floral food processing, and related industries.

Flush shoots of citrus have an important role in huanglongbing (HLB) epidemiology, as the insect vector of HLB, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), prefers them for feeding and reproduction. Additionally, ACP's acquisition and transmission of HLB bacteria mainly occurs in these flushes. As pruning stimulates sprouting, we hypothesized that periodically topping sweet orange trees on the orchard's edge (from 0 to 100 m) would attract ACPs from external areas to these flush shoots as bait, instead of ACPs dispersing throughout the orchard. Hence, it would direct HLB management on this edge width. For that, topped trees (TT) were compared to non-topped trees (NTT) located on the orchard's edge, with only NTT after edges (from 100 to 200 m). Vegetative growth, flushing frequency, ACP population, spray coverage, HLB incidence, fruit yield, and quality of Hamlin and Valencia Americana sweet orange trees were evaluated in commercial orchards over three growing seasons. Topping was performed frequently (every 30–45 d) on alternate rows to stimulate the year-round presence of shoot flushes within the orchard's edge. Insecticides were sprayed monthly to control ACP. Topping reduced tree height and canopy volume by 24 % and 20 % on average. Topped trees presented, on average, 3-fold more flush shoots than NTT over time. On Hamlin blocks, ACP numbers and cumulative HLB incidence were 70 % and 90 % higher, respectively, in TT compared to NTT. However, no consistent differences were observed for the Valencia Americana orchard. Moreover, ACP abundance and HLB incidence were similar after the edge regardless of topping. In the edge areas, although tree yield was reduced (∼65 % on average) on TT compared to NTT, topping significantly enhanced external fruit quality. This treatment increased fruit size and weight and promoted intense yellow coloration. Topping increased spray coverage at the top of Hamlin trees by 1.5-fold compared to control. Frequent topping as bait for ACP poses significant risks if the ACP population is not rigorously controlled, potentially leading to further reductions in yield from edge trees.

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is a specialty crop with value as a vegetable, condiment, and medicine. However, the molecular mechanisms related to pollen abortion and cytoplasmic male sterility are poorly understood, limiting the heterosis utilization and hybrid production of A. fistulosum. This study investigated the dynamic differences between male-sterile (MS) plants and male-fertile (MF) plants at different anther developmental stages based on integrated cytological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses. Cytological observations revealed that pollen abortion in the MS plants began during the tetrad stage and was caused by vacuolated microspores, abnormal degradation of the tapetum, and inadequate nutrient supply. The physiological results showed that MS plants exhibited low total soluble sugar and starch contents and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase and catalase). Comparative transcriptome analysis identified 7005 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional enrichment analysis indicated that significant transcriptomic differences were related to oxidative phosphorylation, starch and sucrose metabolism, and cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis. The relative expression levels of key DEGs in these three important metabolic pathways were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. On this basis, a core transcriptome-mediated MS network was proposed for MS plants with four functional components: inhibited sucrose synthesis and transport; blocked cutin, suberine, and wax synthesis; accelerated reactive oxygen species generation; and abnormal tapetal programmed cell death. These results provide theoretical guidance for further exploring the molecular mechanisms of male sterility in A. fistulosum.

Fruits of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) are among the most consumed fresh fruits, however, their production can be affected by aphids, which feed on the amino acids in the leaves. Mg²⁺ in leaves plays a crucial role in the reallocation of amino acids from source organs (leaves) to sink organs (fruits). We hypothesize that foliar application of Mg²⁺ can reduce free amino acid concentration in leaves by promoting their transfer to sink fruits, thereby compromising aphid colonization by reducing their nutritional basis. To test this, a two-factorial experiment was conducted with sweet pepper subjected to aphid infestation with and without leaf MgSO₄ application. The concentration of amino acids, sugars, organic acids and mineral nutrients was analysed in the leaves, leaf phloem sap and fruits. Mg²⁺application decreased the concentrations of amino acids and sugars that are key for aphid nutrition in both the leaf and phloem sap and increased the size and number fruits, indicating an increased sink strength in response to Mg²⁺. This response was accompanied by a reduced number of aphids on the entire plant. In results, the sugar and amino acid concentration in the phloem got less attractive for the aphids. We conclude that Mg²⁺ worsens the nutritional situation for aphids by facilitating the reallocation of metabolites to form fruits.

This study presents a detailed analysis and interplay of the phenolics, relative gene expression and quality parameters during ripening of ‘Leccino’ olive fruit pulp and skin at seven maturity indexes, in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways. Tissue-specific gene expression analysis revealed statistically higher expression levels for eight genes in the skin. The only exception was anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), which expression level was statistically higher in the pulp. Our results confirm that the important role in olives of the anthocyanin composition have flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) and flavonoid-3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) in both tissues. The phenolic content was mostly statistically higher in the skin than in the pulp and generally increased in both tissues during ripening. A notable shift in phenolic compounds occurs between maturity index 3 and 4, when the skin of the fruit turns completely purple. Results from this study highlight the intricate dynamics of physiological processes and biochemical mechanisms in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways in olive fruit. The findings also underscore the relationship between phenolic content, relative gene expression, and quality parameters, particularly in relation to color development during ripening in different olive fruit tissues. Our conclusions can be used by growers to improve the quality of fruit and consequently the quality of olive oil or other final products.

Brassinosteroid (BR) and Gibberellins (GA) are important hormones that significantly influences grapeberry development and ripening. In the present study, grape clusters were soaked separately with EBR (Epi brassinolide), GA₃, and EBR+GA₃ during fruit development. Results showed that anthocyanin content, soluble solids, and titratable acid content were all enhanced by EBR treatment, however fruit weight, transverse and longitudinal longitude, and hardness were not significantly changed, furthermore, GA₃ treatment increased the fruit weight, longitudinal and transverse longitude, and hardness, decreased titratable acid, and increased the solid acid ratio; The EBR+GA₃ significantly improved grape fruit quality, increased fruit anthocyanin content, reduced titratable acid content, improved sugar-acid ratio, and significantly improved fruit weight, transverse and longitudinal longitude, and hardness. EBR and GA₃ treatment increased the contents of alcohols, esters, ketones, terpenes, and phenols in aroma substances, and glucose and fructose. They also increased the sugar, aroma, and anthocyanin metabolism-related genes, while down-regulated the expression of acid-related genes. EBR also increased the GA metabolism associated genes, but GA₃ decereaed BR metabolism assocated genes. BR and GA had a crosstalk of that VvGAI could interact with VvBZR1, VvGAI could inhibit the VvBZR1 binding to the VvGA20ox2 promoter that decreased the VvGA20ox2 gene expression, but EBR and GA₃ could alleviate the inhibition. In conclusion, both BR and GA alone could improve fruit quality to some extent, and the combination of them can better integrate the advantages of single-use to improve the fruit quality and enhance the commerciality of the grape fruit.

Phenolics are essential bioactive components that determine the appearance and taste characteristics of wines. The biosynthesis of grape phenolics is sensitive to vineyard microclimate conditions, which profoundly affects vineyard precision management. This study aimed to clarify the effect of partitioned harvesting based on vineyard canopy sides on grape and wine phenol levels. Parallel field experiments were conducted in four Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards with different row orientations across three seasons. Results showed that vineyard row orientation directly affected temperature-solar radiation distribution and spectrum in the cluster zone, ultimately affecting grape phenolics. Grape sugar content varied significantly in various canopy positions, which were associated with the photosynthetic capacity of grapevines. Partitioned harvesting significantly altered the distribution of anthocyanins and flavonols in grapes. Grapes and corresponding wines from exposed canopy sides showed higher flavonol concentrations than the shaded canopies, while anthocyanins varied, which were associated with temperature-solar radiation distribution around the cluster zone. Acylated anthocyanins and kaempferol-based flavonols showed high and significant correlations with the row orientations through regression models. The canopies with more heat stress produced wines with higher pH and lower anthocyanin levels. The different expressions of flavonoid pathway genes, such as VviPALs, VviC4Hs, VviCHIs, and VviFLSs were responsible for the anthocyanin-flavonol distribution patterns related to partitioned harvesting. The findings of this research provided a better understanding of vineyard precision management.