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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114583
Seonghwan Kang , Yilin Zhu , Deepak K. Jha , Bhimanagouda S. Patil , Shuyang Zhen
End-of-production (EOP) supplemental lighting can effectively enhance crop nutritional and visual quality in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), as beneficial phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds (including anthocyanins) and ascorbic acid can accumulate within hours to days in response to environmental cues. Narrow waveband ultraviolet-B (UVB; 280–320 nm) and blue light (400–500 nm) are especially effective in improving nutritional quality but may reduce yield even when applied over short durations. This study quantified the dose-dependent effects of EOP UVB and blue light on nutritional quality–yield trade-offs in red lettuce ‘Rouxai’ and ‘Red Salad Bowl’. UVB was applied at 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 µmol m-2 s-1 (UVB0.5, UVB1.5, or UVB2.5) and blue light was applied at 30, 60, or 90 µmol m-2 s-1 (B30, B60, or B90) for 16 h day-1 during the final six days of production. Plant biomass and nutritional parameters were measured at 3 and 6 days after treatment (DAT). All six EOP treatments significantly enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in both cultivars, with the strongest effect observed under the highest-intensity UVB treatment applied for 6 days. Cultivar ‘Rouxai’ was generally more responsive; under UVB2.5 at 6 DAT, extraction-based anthocyanin content increased by 468 % in ‘Rouxai’ and 154 % in ‘Red Salad Bowl’ compared to controls. Total phenolic concentration showed similar response trends to anthocyanins. Total ascorbic acid concentrations were less affected by the EOP treatments, with levels generally remaining similar to controls at 3 DAT but increasing at 6 DAT; the largest increase occurred under B90 at 6 DAT (27 % increase in ‘Rouxai’ and 21 % increase in ‘Red Salad Bowl’). However, EOP treatments generally reduced leaf expansion and biomass, with greater reductions at higher supplemental light intensities, longer exposure duration, and under UVB compared to blue light. These results highlight clear dose-dependent quality–yield trade-offs under EOP UVB and blue light treatments. Blue light provided a more favorable balance between maintaining marketable yield and enhancing nutritional quality, whereas UVB more strongly enhanced anthocyanin and phenolic accumulation at the cost of moderate yield reductions.
{"title":"Dose-dependent effects of supplemental ultraviolet-B and blue light on nutritional quality–yield trade-offs in red lettuce","authors":"Seonghwan Kang , Yilin Zhu , Deepak K. Jha , Bhimanagouda S. Patil , Shuyang Zhen","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>End-of-production (EOP) supplemental lighting can effectively enhance crop nutritional and visual quality in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), as beneficial phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds (including anthocyanins) and ascorbic acid can accumulate within hours to days in response to environmental cues. Narrow waveband ultraviolet-B (UVB; 280–320 nm) and blue light (400–500 nm) are especially effective in improving nutritional quality but may reduce yield even when applied over short durations. This study quantified the dose-dependent effects of EOP UVB and blue light on nutritional quality–yield trade-offs in red lettuce ‘Rouxai’ and ‘Red Salad Bowl’. UVB was applied at 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 µmol m<sup>-2</sup> s<sup>-1</sup> (UVB<sub>0.5</sub>, UVB<sub>1.5</sub>, or UVB<sub>2.5</sub>) and blue light was applied at 30, 60, or 90 µmol m<sup>-2</sup> s<sup>-1</sup> (B<sub>30</sub>, B<sub>60</sub>, or B<sub>90</sub>) for 16 h day<sup>-1</sup> during the final six days of production. Plant biomass and nutritional parameters were measured at 3 and 6 days after treatment (DAT). All six EOP treatments significantly enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in both cultivars, with the strongest effect observed under the highest-intensity UVB treatment applied for 6 days. Cultivar ‘Rouxai’ was generally more responsive; under UVB<sub>2.5</sub> at 6 DAT, extraction-based anthocyanin content increased by 468 % in ‘Rouxai’ and 154 % in ‘Red Salad Bowl’ compared to controls. Total phenolic concentration showed similar response trends to anthocyanins. Total ascorbic acid concentrations were less affected by the EOP treatments, with levels generally remaining similar to controls at 3 DAT but increasing at 6 DAT; the largest increase occurred under B<sub>90</sub> at 6 DAT (27 % increase in ‘Rouxai’ and 21 % increase in ‘Red Salad Bowl’). However, EOP treatments generally reduced leaf expansion and biomass, with greater reductions at higher supplemental light intensities, longer exposure duration, and under UVB compared to blue light. These results highlight clear dose-dependent quality–yield trade-offs under EOP UVB and blue light treatments. Blue light provided a more favorable balance between maintaining marketable yield and enhancing nutritional quality, whereas UVB more strongly enhanced anthocyanin and phenolic accumulation at the cost of moderate yield reductions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"355 ","pages":"Article 114583"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902261","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.2025.114580
Ling Wang , Jianbo Wang , Ruilong Li , Shiya Li , Hexuan Xing , Guirong Li
The role of trehalose in plant resistance to abiotic stress is well-established. However, the mechanism by which trehalose is involved in abiotic stress tolerance in grapevine is remains poorly understood. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the mechanism of trehalose in response to different abiotic stresses in grapevine cultivar (Thompson Seedless) by spraying with trehalose and combining physiological measurements and RNA-seq. Exogenous trehalose effectively alleviated the frostbitten wilting phenotype of grapevine leaves caused by cold stress and the leaf withering phenotype caused by salt and drought stress. Trehalose increased the soluble sugar content and reduced the contents of MDA and H2O2 under three stresses. GO analysis of the transcriptome revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in defense responses. KEGG analysis revealed that the main pathways included phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. The DEGs under the three abiotic stresses included VvPALs, VvSTSs and VvPYL4. Unlike those under cold stress, the types of DEGs under salt and drought stress were relatively consistent; moreover, the number of DEGs was greater under drought stress. In addition, trehalose may respond to abiotic stress by regulating soluble sugar-related genes in grapevine. Transcription factor analysis revealed that ERFs were differentially expressed under the three abiotic stresses, especially VvERF105s, which played an important role under salt and drought stress. Therefore, our study suggested that exogenous trehalose regulates the grapevine abiotic stress responses mainly through key genes associated with secondary metabolism, hormone and sugar signaling, and transcriptional cascades.
{"title":"Physiological and transcriptome analysis of exogenous trehalose enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in grape","authors":"Ling Wang , Jianbo Wang , Ruilong Li , Shiya Li , Hexuan Xing , Guirong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The role of trehalose in plant resistance to abiotic stress is well-established. However, the mechanism by which trehalose is involved in abiotic stress tolerance in grapevine is remains poorly understood. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the mechanism of trehalose in response to different abiotic stresses in grapevine cultivar (Thompson Seedless) by spraying with trehalose and combining physiological measurements and RNA-seq. Exogenous trehalose effectively alleviated the frostbitten wilting phenotype of grapevine leaves caused by cold stress and the leaf withering phenotype caused by salt and drought stress. Trehalose increased the soluble sugar content and reduced the contents of MDA and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> under three stresses. GO analysis of the transcriptome revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in defense responses. KEGG analysis revealed that the main pathways included phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. The DEGs under the three abiotic stresses included <em>VvPALs, VvSTSs</em> and <em>VvPYL4</em>. Unlike those under cold stress, the types of DEGs under salt and drought stress were relatively consistent; moreover, the number of DEGs was greater under drought stress. In addition, trehalose may respond to abiotic stress by regulating soluble sugar-related genes in grapevine. Transcription factor analysis revealed that <em>ERFs</em> were differentially expressed under the three abiotic stresses, especially <em>VvERF105s</em>, which played an important role under salt and drought stress. Therefore, our study suggested that exogenous trehalose regulates the grapevine abiotic stress responses mainly through key genes associated with secondary metabolism, hormone and sugar signaling, and transcriptional cascades.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"355 ","pages":"Article 114580"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902265","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}
Dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) is an emerging high-value crop known for its nutritional benefits, adaptability to marginal environments, and growing global demand. To enhance its sustainable propagation, an experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 to evaluate the effects of soil microbial inoculants and organic amendments. Five organic amendments (T1-T5) and four microbial inoculants (S2-S5) were tested in a factorial completely randomized design on red and white pulp cultivars of dragon fruit. The results revealed significant cultivar-specific responses in shoot and root growth traits. In red pulp type, the highest number of shoots and fresh shoot biomass were observed in T2S5 (Vermicompost + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain P-72) and T2S3 (Vermicompost + Arka Actino Plus) respectively. In white pulp type, the highest number of shoots and fresh shoot biomass were recorded in T1S5 (Conventional practice + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain P-72) and T5S3 (Pongamia cake + Arka Actino Plus) respectively. The highest number of roots were recorded in T4S4 (Neem cake + AM fungi) and T1S5 (Conventional practice + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain P-72) in red and white pulped type respectively. The treatment T2S4 (Vermicompost + AM fungi) achieved 100 % sprouting in both cultivars. Multivariate analyses (heatmap, PCA, and correlation) confirmed these trends. In the red pulped cultivar treatments T2S5, T2S4, and T2S3 clustered with favourable traits including shoot length, soil microbial populations and enzyme activities. In the white pulped cultivar, neem cake-based treatments (T4S1, T4S2, T4S4) were more effective, particularly for soil microbial and β-glucosidase activities. Correlation analysis highlighted strong positive associations between propagation success and root traits, microbial activity, and enzyme levels in both cultivars, while mortality was negatively correlated with all traits (r = -0.6 to -1.0). The results underscore the genotype-specific requirement of organic-microbial inputs. These findings offer a sustainable and bio-intensive nursery management strategy to enhance rooting, sprouting success, and early vigor in dragon fruit.
火龙果（Selenicereus spp.）是一种新兴的高价值作物，以其营养价值，对边缘环境的适应性和不断增长的全球需求而闻名。为了提高其可持续繁殖能力，在2023-2024年进行了土壤微生物接种剂和有机改良剂的试验。采用全随机试验设计，对红白果肉火龙果品种进行了5种有机改良剂（t1 ~ t5）和4种微生物接种剂（s2 ~ s5）的试验。结果表明，不同品种间在茎和根生长性状上有显著的差异。红浆型中，T2S5（蚯蚓堆肥+解淀粉芽孢杆菌菌株P-72）和T2S3（蚯蚓堆肥+ Arka actio Plus）的芽数和鲜梢生物量最高。在白浆型中，T1S5（常规做法+解淀粉芽孢杆菌菌株P-72）和T5S3（枫糕+ Arka actio Plus）的芽数和鲜梢生物量最高。红色纸浆型和白色纸浆型分别以T4S4（印楝饼+ AM真菌）和T1S5（常规做法+解淀粉芽孢杆菌P-72）的根数最多。T2S4处理（蚯蚓堆肥+ AM真菌）在两个品种中均实现了100%的发芽。多变量分析（热图、PCA和相关性）证实了这些趋势。在红浆栽培处理中，T2S5、T2S4和T2S3在茎长、土壤微生物数量和酶活性等性状上具有良好的聚类特征。在白色纸浆品种中，印楝饼处理（T4S1, T4S2, T4S4）更有效，特别是对土壤微生物和β-葡萄糖苷酶活性。相关分析显示，两个品种的繁殖成功率与根系性状、微生物活性和酶水平呈显著正相关，而死亡率与所有性状呈负相关（r = -0.6 ~ -1.0）。结果强调了有机微生物投入的基因型特异性需求。研究结果为火龙果的生根、发芽和早期活力的提高提供了可持续的集约化苗圃管理策略。
{"title":"Microbial inoculants and organic amendments facilitate cutting establishment of dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) through enhanced microbial populations and activities","authors":"Karunakaran Ganesan , Ramachandran Sundram , Selvakumar G , Kanupriya C , Prakash K , Rajendiran Selladurai , Arivalagan Manivannan , Anoop Kumar Srivastava , Kanakanahalli Gangadharappa Shilpa , Ruchitha Thimmarayappa","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dragon fruit (<em>Selenicereus</em> spp.) is an emerging high-value crop known for its nutritional benefits, adaptability to marginal environments, and growing global demand. To enhance its sustainable propagation, an experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 to evaluate the effects of soil microbial inoculants and organic amendments. Five organic amendments (T1-T5) and four microbial inoculants (S2-S5) were tested in a factorial completely randomized design on red and white pulp cultivars of dragon fruit. The results revealed significant cultivar-specific responses in shoot and root growth traits. In red pulp type, the highest number of shoots and fresh shoot biomass were observed in T2S5 (Vermicompost + <em>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</em> strain P-72<em>)</em> and T2S3 (Vermicompost + Arka Actino Plus<em>)</em> respectively<em>.</em> In white pulp type, the highest number of shoots and fresh shoot biomass were recorded in T1S5 (Conventional practice + <em>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</em> strain P-72<em>)</em> and T5S3 (Pongamia cake + Arka Actino Plus) respectively. The highest number of roots were recorded in T4S4 (Neem cake + AM fungi) and T1S5 (Conventional practice + <em>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</em> strain P-72<em>)</em> in red and white pulped type respectively. The treatment T2S4 (Vermicompost + AM fungi) achieved 100 % sprouting in both cultivars. Multivariate analyses (heatmap, PCA, and correlation) confirmed these trends. In the red pulped cultivar treatments T2S5, T2S4, and T2S3 clustered with favourable traits including shoot length, soil microbial populations and enzyme activities. In the white pulped cultivar, neem cake-based treatments (T4S1, T4S2, T4S4) were more effective, particularly for soil microbial and β-glucosidase activities. Correlation analysis highlighted strong positive associations between propagation success and root traits, microbial activity, and enzyme levels in both cultivars, while mortality was negatively correlated with all traits (<em>r</em> = -0.6 to -1.0). The results underscore the genotype-specific requirement of organic-microbial inputs. These findings offer a sustainable and bio-intensive nursery management strategy to enhance rooting, sprouting success, and early vigor in dragon fruit.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"355 ","pages":"Article 114571"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902283","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.2025.114579
Zhang Junyao , Wang Haichao , Li Zhihua , Alateng Suhe , Zhang Yan , Gu Yiming , Bao Chunming , Pei Zhiyong
This study examined the responses and regulatory pathways of sap flow in Prunus salicina under different soil water gradients. Four irrigation treatments were applied: sufficient irrigation (G1), moderate irrigation (G3), severe water stress (G2), and natural control (G4). Sap flow, meteorological, and soil moisture data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to quantify the direct and indirect effects of environmental factors. Results indicated that the dominant drivers and structural pathways of sap flow varied m markedly with soil moisture. Under natural control, sap flow was mainly governed by atmospheric drought, with vapor pressure deficit (VPD, 0.800) and relative humidity (0.640) as the principal positive factors. Under severe water stress, air temperature (0.439) became the main driver, while under moderate irrigation, wind speed (-0.445) and soil moisture (0.265) jointly influenced sap flow. In the sufficient irrigation regime, soil moisture dominated (0.265) as meteorological influences weakened. All models showed good fit (CFI, GFI > 0.95). The findings highlight a transition in sap flow regulation from meteorological to soil control, demonstrating the utility of SEM in capturing dynamic hydraulic responses and providing a theoretical basis for precision irrigation in cold-region orchards.
{"title":"Analysis of pathway differences in sap flow response of Prunus salicina under water gradient conditions","authors":"Zhang Junyao , Wang Haichao , Li Zhihua , Alateng Suhe , Zhang Yan , Gu Yiming , Bao Chunming , Pei Zhiyong","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the responses and regulatory pathways of sap flow in <em>Prunus salicina</em> under different soil water gradients. Four irrigation treatments were applied: sufficient irrigation (G1), moderate irrigation (G3), severe water stress (G2), and natural control (G4). Sap flow, meteorological, and soil moisture data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to quantify the direct and indirect effects of environmental factors. Results indicated that the dominant drivers and structural pathways of sap flow varied m markedly with soil moisture. Under natural control, sap flow was mainly governed by atmospheric drought, with vapor pressure deficit (VPD, 0.800) and relative humidity (0.640) as the principal positive factors. Under severe water stress, air temperature (0.439) became the main driver, while under moderate irrigation, wind speed (-0.445) and soil moisture (0.265) jointly influenced sap flow. In the sufficient irrigation regime, soil moisture dominated (0.265) as meteorological influences weakened. All models showed good fit (CFI, GFI > 0.95). The findings highlight a transition in sap flow regulation from meteorological to soil control, demonstrating the utility of SEM in capturing dynamic hydraulic responses and providing a theoretical basis for precision irrigation in cold-region orchards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"355 ","pages":"Article 114579"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902278","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}
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