Italus Hortus (ISSN 3035-4838) is a free Open Access, peer-reviewed online journal published by the Italian Society for Horticultural Science (Società di Ortoflorofrutticoltura Italiana; SOI). It is indexed by Scopus®. All accepted articles are published free of charge and have a DOI.
PAGEPress Scientific Publications, Pavia, Italy
PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.
Rootstock age affects growth and nutrient uptake from apple trees in the nursery
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rootstock age (one and two years) on the vegetative growth and nutrient uptake from apple trees (cv. ‘Galaxy’ on ‘M.9’ EMLA rootstock). The study was conducted in a commercial nursery in central valley Chile, at a density of 40,000 trees ha–1. Biomass and nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn and B) were determined at the end of the growing season, in separate samples of leaves, shoots (wood above the root collar) and roots. The results showed that rootstock age had a significant effect on biomass accumulation and thus on plant nutrient extraction. Apple trees with two-year-old rootstock reached twice the total fresh biomass compared to one-year-old rootstock. Dry biomass was distributed as follows: 33% leaves, 57% shoots and 10% roots. The uptake of macroelements from apple trees with two-year-old rootstock was twice as high as that of one-year-old trees, according to the following descending order: N>Ca>K>Mg>P. Apple trees on two-year-old rootstock took up 3.3 times more Zn, twice more Mn and Cu, and 1.7 times more B compared to those on one-year-old rootstock, with Zn and B as the main elements in the shoots. Differences in the concentration of certain mineral elements were significant at shoot and root level according to rootstock age, being directly related to plant biomass.
Copyright (c) 2025 the Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Foliar application of sucrose and Bordeaux mixture enhances freezing tolerance in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Although radish is considered a cool-season vegetable, freezing temperatures can cause serious problems for its growth. To enhance radish tolerance to freezing stress, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized factorial design. This design incorporated two factors: sucrose concentration (zero and 0.5%) and anti-stress compounds (control, 1 mM salicylic acid, 0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and 0.5% Bordeaux mixture), with four replications for each treatment. The findings indicated that plants sprayed with a combination of sucrose and Bordeaux mixture exhibited the highest storage hypocotyl flavonoid content (0.125 µg Quercetin/mg extract). This value was not significantly different from that observed in plants treated with SNP alone or with sucrose alone (without any antistress compounds). lants treated with Bordeaux mixture alone (without sucrose) showed a higher membrane stability index (94.33%), which was significantly different only from the control and salicylic acid treatments. Plants treated with Bordeaux mixture + sucrose- showed the lowest storage hypocotyl lipid peroxidation and the highest chlorophyll b content (0.928 mg/g FW) and total chlorophyll (2.976 mg/g FW) in the leaves. The highest hypocotyl lipid peroxidation was observed in control plants and in plants treated with salicylic acid alone. Control plants (no sucrose or anti-stress compounds) and plants treated with salicylic acid displayed the highest storage hypocotyl proline content. There was a significant negative correlation between leaf proline and storage hypocotyl lipid peroxidation (r=-0.85) and storage hypocotyl flavonoid and lipid peroxidation (r=-0.74). In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between leaf membrane stability percentage and storage hypocotyl lipid peroxidation (r=-0.79). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that most of the compounds tested could enhance the storage hypocotyl’s tolerance to freezing stress. However, the combination of sucrose and Bordeaux mixture proved to be the most effective and warrants further investigation in future research.
Effect of growing medium on growth and quality of melon seedlings (Cucumis melo)
This study aims to evaluate the influence of various media on the growth and quality of melon seedlings. The research was carried out at the Teaching Farm, Agriculture Faculty, Hasanuddin University, from August to September 2023. The experimental methodology compared seven types of growth medium: including soil; rice husk biochar; compost; a mix of soil and rice husk biochar; a mix of soil and compost; a mix of compost and rice husk biochar; and a mix of soil, compost, and rice husk biochar. A randomized complete block design was employed for the allocation of treatments, comprising three replicates. The parameters measured in this study were plant height (cm), the number of leaves, leaf area (cm2), shoot weight (leaf and stem) (g), stem diameter (above 1 cm from surface of medium) (mm), root length (cm), number of root tips, root volume (cm3), root weight (g), shoot to root ratio, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, and seedling quality index. The type of growing medium had a significant influence on the growth and quality of melon plant seeds. Soil+rice husk biochar medium had the best effect on seedling height (16.5 cm), root length (31.5 cm), and fresh shoot weight (9.50 g). Compost+rice husk biochar had the best effect on total leaf area (235.2 cm2), root volume (8.17 cm3), and fresh biomass (14.01 g). Compost had the best effect on fresh root weight (4.95 g), dry biomass (1.24 g), and seedling quality index (0.277). Rice husk biochar medium led to the lowest shoot to root ratio (1.59). The reported findings showed that compost medium can produce the best quality melon seeds compared to other growing media.
In vitro regeneration competence of a Sumbawa indigenous plant, Begonia bimaensis Undaharta & Ardaka, using leaf explants
Begonia bimaensis Undaharta & Ardaka, an indigenous plant to Sumbawa, Indonesia, is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List criteria. Thus, an appropriate strategy is necessary to ensure the plant’s survival, including tissue culture. In this study, B. bimaensis leaves were used as a source of explants for callus induction in MS media containing 2 mg L-1 IAA, 2 mg L-1 NAA, 3 mg L-1 BA, and 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin. After the callus had formed, it was moved to MS medium without growth regulators for two weeks. The calli were then transferred to a new MS medium containing different amounts of NAA and BA for regeneration. As a result, B. bimaensis leaf explants swelled after 13 weeks on callus induction media. Three media (NAA-BA 0-0, 1-0, 2-0 mg L-1) successfully regenerated all explants into shoots and roots. NAA-BA 0-0 mg L-1 resulted in the fastest shoot formation, whereas the NAA-BA 1-0 mg L-1 treatment resulted in the quickest root emergence. Media with NAA-BA 1-0 mg L-1 produced the greatest number of shoots (83.2±12.1). NAA-BA 1-0 mg L-1 and 2-0 mg L-1 were the treatments that resulted in the longest and most abundant roots. We conclude that NAA and BA effectively regenerate shoots and roots in B. bimaensis explants. Small amounts of auxin may benefit in in vitro regeneration of this species.
Ecological horticulture: charting a resilient future for our discipline
Horticultural science is undergoing a gradual transition from a predominant focus on yield optimization and aesthetic traits towards a more integrated and ecologically informed approach. This shift reflects the increasing recognition of the sector’s role in addressing complex global challenges, including the impacts of climate change, biodiversity decline, and the depletion of critical natural resources. The ongoing degradation of ecosystems poses risks to both agricultural productivity and the quality of human environments, particularly in urban settings. In response, there is growing interest in developing horticultural systems that balance productivity with environmental sustainability and social relevance. Future progress in the discipline will likely depend on the capacity to design and implement solutions that are both technically effective and aligned with broader ecological and societal goals. As the official journal of a scientific society, Italus Hortus operates with a mission distinct from that of purely commercial publishers. Our primary objective is to serve the horticultural science community, which allows us to prioritize scientific value over profitability or the strict adherence to quantitative metrics. We continue to receive a steady volume of submissions, and our rigorous review process results in a discerning acceptance rate of approximately 55%. This figure reflects a careful selection process, with a substantial portion of manuscripts declined either after peer-review or during initial editorial screening to ensure relevance and quality. In today’s competitive publishing environment, we recognize our standing as a Q4 journal. Rather than chasing rapidly shifting metrics, we leverage our position to provide a stable and accessible platform for solid, methodologically sound research. This approach ensures that Italus Hortus remains a trusted and reliable resource for the community it is dedicated to serving. To guide the future direction of Italus Hortus, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of all articles published from 2000 to 2024. This exercise was a strategic assessment to understand the thematic evolution of our journal. The analysis reveals four distinct but interconnected research pillars: a strong core in fruit quality and physiology (Red); a vital focus on environmental interactions and climate change (Green); foundational work in genetics and production systems (Blue); and an emerging cluster centered on high-level challenges like sustainability and disease (Yellow) (Figure 1). The strong links between these clusters demonstrate that our journal is already a hub for interdisciplinary science, where fundamental research on crop biology meets applied solutions for real-world problems. The network was generated using VOSviewer software based on the analysis of titles and abstracts. Each node represents a term, and the size of the node is proportional to its frequency of occurrence. The lines connecting the nodes indicate that the words appeared together in the analyzed documents; thicker lines represent a stronger co-occurrence link. The analysis identified four main research clusters, which are indicated by different colors: Cluster 1 (Red): Focuses on fruit physiology, biochemistry, and quality attributes (e.g., ‘fruit quality’, ‘sweet cherry’, ‘polyphenol’, ‘firmness’). Cluster 2 (Green): Relates to agronomy, environmental factors, and ecophysiology (e.g., ‘climate change’, ‘soil’, ‘water’, ‘plant growth’). Cluster 3 (Blue): Concerns genetics, breeding, and orchard/crop management systems (e.g., ‘genotype’, ‘rootstock’, ‘canopy’, ‘apple’). Cluster 4 (Yellow): Represents overarching research themes and methodologies (e.g., ‘sustainability’, ‘disease’, ‘review’). Building on this established foundation, Italus Hortus will now place a strategic focus on research that advances the field of Ecological Horticulture. This systems-based approach aligns horticultural practice with ecological processes and local biodiversity. It emphasizes the use of native species, traditional landraces, and biodiversity-oriented design principles to promote more resilient and sustainable systems. By reducing dependence on resource-intensive monocultures and instead utilizing plant species adapted to local climatic and edaphic conditions, Ecological Horticulture seeks to develop systems that are both ecologically functional and less reliant on external inputs. There is growing interest, for example, in the potential role of native plant species and traditional landraces in enhancing the resilience of horticultural systems. While it is suggested that these plants may exhibit greater tolerance to local stressors, empirical evidence remains limited. We encourage research that systematically evaluates the ecological performance and agronomic traits of native and locally adapted varieties, particularly in comparison to contemporary cultivars, to inform the development of more sustainable and regionally adapted practices. In urban contexts, the principles of Ecological Horticulture are increasingly applied through the development of multifunctional “green landscapes”. Interventions such as rooftop gardens, living walls, and community green spaces are gaining recognition for their potential to support climate change adaptation by alleviating urban heat island effects, enhancing air quality, and creating ecological corridors. Furthermore, such interventions are associated with improved psychological well-being and social cohesion. We welcome research that quantifies these effects to inform scalable, evidence-based urban greening strategies. To support this vision and accelerate the dissemination of such important work, we are implementing two key initiatives. First, we are excited to announce that Italus Hortus is transitioning to a continuous publishing model. Effective immediately, all accepted articles will be published online in their final, citable form as soon as they are ready, ensuring that research reaches the community without the delays associated with traditional issue-based publishing. As a second key step, we are proud to launch our first-ever Special Issue: “Cultivating Innovation: Emerging Challenges and Solutions in Viticulture”. This topic bridges the journal’s traditional strengths with the forward-looking paradigm of sustainable production, serving as a flagship for the kind of integrative research we aim to foster. We invite researchers to contribute their work to this important collection, with a submission deadline of 30 November 2025. Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to the authors and reviewers whose work contributes to the growing reputation of the journal. You have defined the identity of Italus Hortus, and with this clearer understanding of our collective achievements, we are better equipped to guide the journal into a future where we foster a more sustainable and biodiverse world for generations to come.
Apple trees rainfall interception during the leafed and leafless phases of the annual cycle
For apple orchards cultivated in semi-arid climates, the study of rain water distribution into the three main fractions - “throughfall”, “stemflow”, and “interception” by the trees - is very relevant to enhance the sustainability of apple growing and water resources. This is particularly true in the current climate change scenario. Therefore in this study, measurements of rainfall, throughfall, stemflow, and interception were carried out between January and December 2022 in an apple orchard located in the Aures (northeastern Algeria). The results revealed that the rain received by the orchard (200.7 mm) was reduced by 40.7% compared to the 20-year average (2000-2019). In addition, the fraction of throughfall and stemflow were around 78.8% and 2.5%, respectively, whereas the average interception fraction was 18.7% of the total rainfall with a significant difference between the leafed and leafless phases of the annual tree cycle. The models generated in the present study showed that throughfall occurred when the amount of rainfall was higher than 1.6 and 0.3 mm during leafed and leafless phases, respectively. Furthermore, rainfall triggered the stemflow when its intensity was higher than 5.0 and 10.9 mm during the leafless and leafed phases, respectively. The results of our study revealed that rainfall with less than 5 mm produced little or no throughfall and stemflow in apple orchards, and this highlighted the necessity of adopting irrigation in these regions, particularly during the leafed phase.
Skin pitting of kiwifruit: case-study of sustainable post-harvest management in northern Italy through the application of oregano essential oil
Skin pitting in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is an increasing phytopathological concern primarily due to fungal infections caused by the biotic agent Cadophora luteo-olivacea. This disorder significantly impacts the commercial quality of fruits, reducing their post-harvest shelf life, marketability, and profitability for growers. This case study explores a novel natural post-harvest treatment using oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) as a potential solution to mitigate the disorder. Results indicated a symptoms reduction of about 37% with respect to the control, yet these fruit had a higher firmness.
In vitro culturing of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) genotypes from the Republic of Tatarstan
Common hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a rich source of phytochemicals for treating various diseases. This necessitates an increase in the number of studies aimed at finding out the effect of different growing conditions on the growth and development of hop plants, adapted to the conditions of various geographical regions for its effective utilization in different spheres of life. Growing plants using in vitrocultivation techniques promotes their rapid growth for various purposes. The results of in vitro culturing of common hop from seeds collected in the Republic of Tatarstan, regeneration of plantlets from nodal explants, and callus induction from explants obtained from in vitro cultures are presented in this study. Despite the incision of the seed coats, a very low germination effect was observed with mechanical scarification of hop seeds. A relevant effect of the BAP to IAA ratio on the morphogenetic potential of nodal culture growth and of roots was revealed. Successful induction of callus from leaf explants of in vitro generated plantlets under a 16-hours lighting regime was also achieved using BAP, with IAA, NAA or 2,4-D. Thus, the culture growth dynamics of common hop, adapted to the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan, under in vitro conditions have been shown.
Impact of overhead irrigation on fruit quality of ‘Scifresh’ apples
Overhead sprinkler irrigation in orchards modifies the plant microenvironment which can affect fruit quality. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of overhead sprinkler irrigation on fruit sunburn incidence, coloration, maturity parameters and the development of physiological disorders in ‘Scifresh’ apples. The overhead sprinkler irrigation system was activated when the air temperature reached 27 °C, with constant pulses maintained to ensure that the air temperature never exceeded the critical values of 29 °C for three months prior to harvest. The treatments were: (1) control without evaporative cooling; (2) microsprinkler irrigation with 0.6 L/h discharge rate; (3) sprinkler irrigation with 2 L/h discharge rate. The results indicated that overhead sprinkler irrigation reduced sunburn incidence by up to 90% as well as its severity, although there was no significant improvement in fruit color. In postharvest, both irrigation systems decreased the incidence of bitter pit and lenticel breakdown, without affecting fruit ripening. However, fruit under sprinkler irrigation had a 10% increase in soft scald incidence.
Biostimulant effect of apple and potato by-product extracts on viability and germinability of fresh and stored pollen in several fruit species
The recovery of waste from agri-food industry, representing a valuable source of bioactive compounds, intends to promote a circular economy, fostering more sustainable development and reducing environmental impact. In this context, application of biostimulants based on natural materials has proved to have a positive impact on plant growth parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the potential biostimulant impact of aqueous extracts derived from apple and potato by-products on the in vitrogermination of fresh and stored pollen from six fruit species (almond, apricot, hazelnut, olive, pear, and pomegranate). Thus, potato and apple extracts (PE and AE), firstly characterized for mineral composition, total antioxidant capacity and total phenols, were added to the basic germination medium at 1 mgL-1 and 10 mgL-1 concentrations. Results showed that, while the AE did not give positive effect in most genotypes, the PE at the lowest concentration improved the pollen performance. In particular, the PE was able to restore pollen germination ability in cultivars that did not retain a good viability after storage. This booster effectiveness could represent a promising tool to develop new biostimulants for improving the fertilization process, offering an opportunity to enhance the utilization of byproducts, leading to a reduction in the environmental impact of potato processing industries.
Potential exploitation of Mediterranean wild halophyte species: four case studies for a sustainable horticulture
The Mediterranean Basin hosts a rich diversity of wild halophyte species that have evolved remarkable adaptations to saline and arid environments. This narrative review explores the potential exploitation of four Mediterranean halophytes - Crithmum maritimum, Cakile maritima, Atriplex halimus, and Suaeda maritima- with applications ranging from high-quality vegetable and spice production to ornamental use. Each species is described in terms of botanical traits, environmental adaptability, chemical composition, and current or potential food or non-food uses. Particular attention is given to the challenges and opportunities associated with seed germination and propagation techniques as agronomic development. Their ability to thrive under salinity, drought, and nutrient-poor soil conditions highlights their suitability for cultivation in marginal areas increasingly affected by climate change. The multifunctional role of these plants - spanning nutritional value, phytochemical richness, soil fertility improvement - makes them promising candidates for sustainable cropping systems aimed at biodiversity conservation and rural development. Further research is encouraged to develop effective agronomic protocols and value chains that support their transition from wild species to economically viable crops. This review underlines the relevance of integrating halophyte species into diversified and resilient agricultural models, particularly in Mediterranean regions and other salt-affected environments.
Performance of high-density loquat orchard with quince rootstocks: effects on yield, fruit quality and vegetative growth
This study evaluated the effects of three quince rootstocks (Quince-A, Quince-C, and BA-29) on the flowering, fruit set, yield, fruit quality, and vegetative growth of the ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) cultivar under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The experiment was conducted in Hatay, Türkiye, between 2018 and 2020 using a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each rootstock treatment consisted of 30 trees with six trees per replicate and five replications. Significant effects of the Year, Rootstock, and their interaction were detected for most parameters measured. Frost (–2.5 °C) during flowering and heat stress (42 °C) before harvest in 2020 significantly reduced fruit set and yield. Quince-C and BA-29 rootstocks consistently induced higher flowering and fruit set rates, larger fruit size, and greater fruit yield than Quince-A. Trees grafted on Quince-A induced smaller but sweeter fruits with higher total soluble solids (TSS) and pH. Vegetative growth, including shoot length, trunk diameter, and canopy size, was the most vigorous in trees on Quince-C, followed by those on BA-29, whereas Quince-A reduced tree vigor. These preliminary results suggest that dwarfing quince rootstocks, particularly BA-29 and Quince-C, are suitable for high-density loquat orchards.
Morphological diversity of floral traits in Tunisian Capsicum annuum landraces
This study assessed the morphological diversity of floral traits among sixteen Tunisian Capsicum annuum landraces grown under open-field conditions. Significant variation was recorded for all examined traits, including days to flowering, corolla length, anther and filament length, and calyx diameter. Flowering time ranged from 43 to 133 days, indicating a wide phenological divergence among genotypes. Most landraces exhibited pendant flower orientation, while a few showed intermediate positions. Correlations ranged from r = 0.69 to r = 0.85 among corolla, anther, filament, and calyx dimensions, suggesting coordinated floral development, whereas flowering time was largely independent of flower size. Cluster analysis distinguished early- and late-flowering groups, reflecting contrasting adaptive strategies and potential genetic differentiation. Overall, the observed floral variability underscores the diversity present within Tunisian pepper germplasm, offering valuable opportunities for breeding programs targeting earliness, reproductive efficiency, and environmental adaptability.
Rapid clonal rooting through in vitro proliferation of nodal cuttings of ‘Cascade’ Hop
The demand for female hop plants (Humulus lupulus L.) by the brewing industry, combined with the dioecious nature of the species, presents challenges for propagation via seeds. Therefore, producers rely on vegetative propagation through rhizomes or cuttings. However, these practices may lead to certain drawbacks concerning phytosanitary quality. Consequently, micropropagation emerges as an effective alternative for producing healthy and genetically uniform hop plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro culture response and ex vitro acclimatization of ‘Cascade’ hop as an alternative to conventional multi-stage micropropagation protocols, which typically include (i) in vitro establishment, (ii) shoot multiplication on cytokinin-rich medium with repeated subcultures, (iii) a separate rooting phase, and (iv) ex vitro acclimatization. Specifically, nodal cuttings from stabilized in vitro cultures were directly grown in five different culture media supplemented solely with auxins. The rooting media, compared with a hormone-free (HF) medium, differed in concentration and the ratio of two auxinic hormones: indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). After two months of in vitro culture, it was found that, despite the absence of cytokinins in the culture medium, the explants were able to sprout and produce shoots with lengths ranging from 1.22 to 2.25 cm. Rooting-wise, the medium supplemented with 1 mL L?¹ IAA produced the highest number of roots (4.98), while the longest roots were observed in the medium supplemented with 2 mL L?¹ IBA. The derived in vitro hop seedlings were transferred to agriperlite after thorough washing to remove residual culture medium. The acclimatization rate was 97.8%. Our findings suggest that for non-recalcitrant species, such as hops, the multiplication phase could potentially be eliminated, resulting in significant savings in time and cost
Packaging impacts arugula microgreens quality under retail cold storage
The rapid perishability of microgreens poses a significant challenge to their commercialization, despite their high nutritional value and health benefits. This study addresses the need for effective preservation strategies to extend the shelf-life of arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) microgreens, a particularly perishable product. The objective was to evaluate the impact of different packaging methods on maintaining the sensory, biochemical, and physiological attributes of arugula microgreens during refrigerated storage. Arugula microgreens were grown under controlled conditions. They were then packaged in non-perforated polypropylene bags (PB) or micro-perforated polypropylene bags (MPB), and compared to unpackaged samples (NP) under simulated supermarket conditions (10 °C with alternating 12-hour light/dark cycles). Shelf-life was assessed through sensory evaluation (visual and olfactory quality), headspace gas composition, chlorophyll content, antiradical activity, total phenolic compounds, and carotenoid profiles. Microgreens in MPB exhibited the best preservation, maintaining visual quality and minimizing off-odors for up to 14 days. Unpackaged samples deteriorated within seven days, and those in PB experienced excessive moisture accumulation. MPB packaging also maintained stable oxygen levels and prevented excessive carbon dioxide accumulation. MPB-stored microgreens retained higher chlorophyll and carotenoid content, with only a 15% reduction in chlorophyll after 14 days, indicating slower degradation. MPB bags are superior for preserving the quality and extending the shelf-life of arugula microgreens, offering practical benefits for the fresh produce industry by reducing waste and enhancing nutritional value.
Intra-vineyard dynamic observations of grapevine root growth and canopy performance under extreme microclimate conditions
Climate change affects soil characteristics, with soil temperature being notably impacted. While the effects of elevated or extreme temperatures on the grapevine canopy are well documented, there is less understanding of their direct influence on fine-root turnover and their indirect effects on root growth mediated by the soil microbiome. This study aimed to evaluate grapevine fine-root turnover, root distribution in the rhizosphere, and associated leaf ecophysiological responses. The investigation was conducted in two nearby vineyards in Central Italy on the cultivar Aleatico (Vitis vinifera L.), comparing two different root systems: the rootstock 420A (V. berlandieri × riparia) for grafted vines, and own-rooted (ungrafted) vines. Fine-root growth was monitored using prototype minirhizotrons (MRs) installed at a 35° angle from vertical into the rooting zone in the inter-row area (20 cm from the trunk, down to 60 cm depth). The MRs were equipped with RGB cameras to capture sequential images of the root zone. These images were analyzed with ImageJ® software to quantify cumulative fine-root production over the growing season. Canopy functionality was assessed by measuring leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and photochemical efficiency using the JIP-test. The results revealed distinct fine-root dynamics between the two root systems. Grafted vines exhibited greater sensitivity to elevated soil temperatures, as indicated by reduced root turnover and decreased canopy performance (lower photochemical efficiency and earlier leaf senescence). The use of MRs proved to be an effective tool for advancing knowledge of grapevine root–shoot interactions, which are essential for developing adaptation strategies to climate change.
Copyright (c) 2026 the Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Multivariate analysis of morphological diversity in carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua, Fabaceae) among different accessions collected from Algeria
Sixty-four carob accessions growing in 17 localities covered a wide geographical area of Algeria, and the primary objective of this study was to assess the morphological variability of pods and seeds, as well as to identify potential phenotypic variation that could be used in selecting superior carob cultivars for cultivation in Algeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones. Morphological variability was assessed on the basis of 12 pod and seed traits. ANOVA showed a large significant phenotypic variation between accessions for all traits studied, demonstrating considerable phenotypic diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine the relationship between these traits, leading to the classification of these accessions into seven distinct groups (Clusters I-VII), revealing considerable phenotypic diversity. The first two dimensions of the model accounted for 71.4% of the total variation, with the first component explaining 47.7% of the variation, primarily driven by pod traits, while the second component was primarily influenced by seed traits. The correlation analysis established between the variables provided a specific understanding of how this approach can be useful for the development of a breeding program, aimed at increasing seed yield for the agri-food industry, selecting accessions characterized by narrow, thin, light pods and short pods at the last position.
Auxin effects on plantlet development of Indonesian native orchid Dendrobium gouldii x Dendrobium stratiotes hybrid in in vitro culture
Dendrobium is one of the most popular orchid species due to the uniqueness of its flower parts, which have aesthetic and economic value. The in vitro culture method uses orchid species to produce Dendrobium gouldii × Dendrobium stratiotes hybrid orchids through crossing. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of multiple auxin types and concentrations on the in vitro culture of D. gouldii × D. stratiotes hybrid orchids and to identify the optimal auxin type and concentration for this hybrid. Experiments were conducted using the split-plot design method. The main plot was the type of auxin, which included IAA, IBA, and NAA. The subplot was auxin concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 µM. Each treatment combination was replicated three times, yielding 36 experimental units. The variable observed was plantlet formation in the D. gouldii × D. stratiotes hybrid orchid, with parameters measured as the number of shoots, shoot length, number of leaves, number of roots, and root length. The results showed the hybrid orchid Dendrobium gouldii × D. stratiotes exhibited high in vitro morphogenetic competence, with growth responses governed primarily by auxin concentration rather than auxin type. Auxin-free medium promoted the highest shoot and leaf production, indicating sufficient endogenous auxin levels for shoot organogenesis, while root formation was optimized at low auxin concentrations, particularly with IBA. Excessive auxin, especially high IBA levels, inhibited both shoot and root formation.
Enhancing yield and fruit quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) through foliar application of methionine
Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a widely cultivated crop in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its nutrient-rich fruits. Ensuring proper plant nutrition is essential for enhancing the yield and quality of bell peppers. However, to mitigate the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers on both the environment and human health, it is imperative to explore alternative enhancement methods. One promising approach is the application of methionine, which has been shown to significantly improve the yield and quality of various crops. This study aimed to assess the impact of different concentrations of methionine (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1) on the vegetative growth and fruit yield and quality of bell pepper. A comprehensive evaluation of agronomic, physiological, and biochemical parameters was conducted. The findings indicated that foliar application of methionine significantly improved agronomic indices, enhanced photosynthesis rate, and notably increased fruit yield. Specifically, the application of 100 mg L-1 of methionine resulted in a 75% increase in yield and a 20% enhancement in vitamin C content compared to the untreated control.
In vitro propagation and ex situ conservation of Limonium etruscum, a coastal endemic species from Tuscany
Limonium etruscum (Arrigoni and Rizzotto, fam. Plumbaginaceae) is a coastal point-like endemism, localized in the Parco Regionale della Maremma (Grosseto, Italy) and in a relictual area near Livorno (Italy). It mainly lives in retrodunal depressions, on salty sandy soil. This species is a perennial herb with a basal rosette, flowering from June to August. The species is arranged in five populations constituted by several individuals and all populations are subject to fluctuation in the numbers of individuals. According to these data, L. etruscum is classified as endangered (EN) following the IUCN criteria, threatened mainly by habitat loss, for which the conservation projects are important. With the aim of ex-situ conservation of this species, it was developed a preliminary protocol for in-vitro propagation, starting from immature flower stalks and growing on agarized MS substrate with the addition of different growth-regulators in different doses. The best performing protocol included BAP (0.5 g L-1) for the proliferation phase and IBA (1 mg L-1) for the rooting phase. Since the plant lives in saline soils, the rooting phase was optimized trying to reduce the available water content, testing a higher dose of agar (10 g L-1), mannitol (20 g L-1) and NaCl (1 g L-1). The latter was the most successful, producing more robust plantlets. A hundred of these specimens were acclimatized and they all bloomed in the subsequent summer. This work opens interesting perspectives in order to obtain a wider in-vitro and in-vivo collection, useful for ex-situ conservation of this species and future reintroduction programs if necessary.