Editorial

3 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Douglas D. Archbold

Horticulturae 2022, 8(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8010063 - 10 Jan 2022

Viewed by 1448

The presented Feature Papers reflect the diversity of the types of research performed on horticultural plant species, spanning from the basic to the applied, production systems, and postharvest studies, in addition to highlighting some critical issues facing horticultural plant species [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

Research

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17 pages, 13231 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Seed Micromorphology, In Vitro Germination, and Early-Stage Seedling Morphological Traits of Cattleya purpurata (Lindl. & Paxton) Van den Berg

by Miriam Bazzicalupo, Jacopo Calevo, Martino Adamo, Annalisa Giovannini, Andrea Copetta and Laura Cornara

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110480 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2632

Abstract

In the context of a symbiotic plant-fungus interaction study concerning Cattleya purpurata, we focused on some aspects of seed morphology and biology, and the early stages of seedling development. Seed morphology was characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro seed [...] Read more.

In the context of a symbiotic plant-fungus interaction study concerning Cattleya purpurata, we focused on some aspects of seed morphology and biology, and the early stages of seedling development. Seed morphology was characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro seed germination capability was evaluated, comparing symbiotic and asymbiotic methods. The morphology of the seeds was overall comparable to that of other congeneric species, showing classical adaptations related to the aerodynamic properties and to the wettability of seeds, but calcium oxalate druses were identified inside the suspensor cells. Asymbiotic seed germination was successful in all tested media (17.1–46.5%) but was higher on 1/2 Murashige & Skoog. During symbiotic interaction with the fungal strain MUT4178 (Tulasnella calospora), germination rate was significantly lower than that obtained with the best three asymbiotic media, suggesting a low fungal compatibility. Seedling morphology was in line with other taxa from the same genus, showing typical characteristics of epiphytic species. Our observations, in particular, highlighted the presence of stomata with C-shaped guard cells in the leaves, rarely found in Cattleyas (where usually they are reniform), and confirm the presence of tilosomes in the roots. Idioblasts containing raphides were observed in both roots and leaves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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9 pages, 10722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Harvest Quality and Sensory Evaluation of Mini Sweet Peppers

by Renata Mussoi Giacomin, Leonel Vinícius Constantino, Alison Fernando Nogueira, Maria Beatriz Cadato Ruzza, Ariele Maria Morelli, Kelvin Shinohata Branco, Lais Martins Rossetto, Douglas Mariani Zeffa and Leandro Simões Azeredo Gonçalves

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090287 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2516

Abstract

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, being recognized as a food with high nutritional value. Recently, the market for sweet and colorful mini peppers has increased, especially among the most demanding consumers in [...] Read more.

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, being recognized as a food with high nutritional value. Recently, the market for sweet and colorful mini peppers has increased, especially among the most demanding consumers in the novelties in vegetables and functional foods. In this sense, we evaluated mini sweet peppers genotypes (Akamu, Kaiki, Kalani, Kaolin e Moke from Isla^® seeds) regarding the physical-chemical, nutritional and sensory analysis aspects. A wide variability was observed among genotypes, highlighting the Kalani genotype for total carotenoids, and the genotypes Akamu, Kaiki and Kaolin for phenolic totals content and antioxidant activity. Moke and Kaolin showed higher vitamin C content and fruit firmness. Based on sensory analysis, Kalani, Kaiki, Kaolin and Akamu obtained greater global acceptance. The genotypes can be considered an important marketing strategy of mini sweet peppers trade, associating different shapes, colors and nutritional quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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14 pages, 4341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) Floral Bud Development Using a Modified BBCH Scale and Analysis of the Relationship between BBCH Stages and Floral Primordium Development and the Dormancy Phase Transition

by Tzu-Fan Hsiang, Yuan-Jui Lin, Hisayo Yamane and Ryutaro Tao

Horticulturae 2021, 7(6), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060142 - 08 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4556

Abstract

Bud dormancy is an important developmental stage that ensures that trees can tolerate environmental stresses in winter and bloom uniformly in the following spring. Regarding Rosaceae floral buds, exposure to chilling conditions promotes floral primordium development and the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy. [...] Read more.

Bud dormancy is an important developmental stage that ensures that trees can tolerate environmental stresses in winter and bloom uniformly in the following spring. Regarding Rosaceae floral buds, exposure to chilling conditions promotes floral primordium development and the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy. A subsequent period of warm conditions induces blooming. In Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), dormancy progression is accompanied by morphological changes that alter the bud appearance and internal structures. We used a modified BBCH scale and conducted microscopy analyses to elucidate the bud developmental stage of three cultivars with contrasting chilling requirements. The floral bud developmental period corresponding to BBCH stages 51–53 includes the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy in all three cultivars. Male meiosis and microspore development occurred during this transition in high-chill cultivars, but were detected considerably later than the transition in the low-chill cultivar. A slow or suspended developmental phase was observed only for the high-chill cultivars upon completion of floral primordium organ differentiation, suggesting that chilling may be required to induce floral bud maturation and dormancy release only in high-chill cultivars. Possible relationships among BBCH stages, flowering-related morphological characteristics, and the dormancy phase transition in Japanese apricot are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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14 pages, 5306 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Is There Daily Growth Hysteresis versus Vapor Pressure Deficit in Cherry Fruit?

by Matteo Zucchini, Arash Khosravi, Veronica Giorgi, Adriano Mancini and Davide Neri

Horticulturae 2021, 7(6), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060131 - 03 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2231

Abstract

The growth of cherry fruit is generally described using a double sigmoid model, divided into four growth stages. Abiotic factors are considered to be significant components in modifying fruit growth, and among these, the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is deemed the most effective. [...] Read more.

The growth of cherry fruit is generally described using a double sigmoid model, divided into four growth stages. Abiotic factors are considered to be significant components in modifying fruit growth, and among these, the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is deemed the most effective. In this study, we investigated sweet cherry fruit growth through the continuous, hourly monitoring of fruit transversal diameter over two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), from the beginning of the third stage to maturation (forth stage). Extensometers were used in the field and VPD was calculated from weather data. The fruit growth pattern up to the end of the third stage demonstrated three critical steps during non-rainy days: shrinkage, stabilization and expansion. In the third stage of fruit growth, a partial clockwise hysteresis curve of circadian growth, as a response to VPD, appeared on random days. The pattern of fruit growth during rainy days was not distinctive, but the amount and duration of rain caused a consequent decrease in the VPD and indirectly boosted fruit growth. At the beginning of the fourth stage, the circadian growth changed and the daily transversal diameter vs VPD formed fully clockwise hysteresis curves for most of this stage. Our findings indicate that hysteresis can be employed to evaluate the initial phenological phase of fruit maturation, as a fully clockwise hysteresis curve was observable only in the fourth stage of fruit growth. There are additional opportunities for its use in the management of fruit production, such as in precision fruit farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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13 pages, 2465 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Setting Up a Lab-Scale Pilot Plant to Study the New Growing System (NGS^®) for Leafy Vegetable and Culinary Herb Growth

by Silvana Nicola, Giuseppe Pignata, Manuela Casale, Saeid Hazrati and Andrea Ertani

Horticulturae 2021, 7(5), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7050090 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3031

Abstract

New cultural techniques have been developed to improve the yield and raw material quality at harvest, and enhance the postharvest shelf life, by standardizing the growing system. Among the different Soilless Cultivation Systems, the New Growing System (NGS^®) is a closed-recirculating [...] Read more.

New cultural techniques have been developed to improve the yield and raw material quality at harvest, and enhance the postharvest shelf life, by standardizing the growing system. Among the different Soilless Cultivation Systems, the New Growing System (NGS^®) is a closed-recirculating system that was designed for open fields and protected cultivations. The aim of this work was to investigate the structural setting of the system and its functioning to harness the full potentiality of NGS^®. A lab-scale pilot plant (LSPP) was designed with NGS^® technology and the technical aspects have been set up to have a standardized and reproducible growing system. The trials were conducted on growing mature-leaf vegetable species; that is, on both head and multi-leaf vegetables, and on culinary herbs at high plant densities. Positive yield results were found for culinary herbs and leafy vegetables. Mints showed high yields for the two re-growths carried out after the first harvest. The LSPP can also be used in a series of reliable experiments and enable researches to test several species, substrates, hydroponic nutrient solutions, and fertigation scheduling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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12 pages, 288 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tree Planting Density and Canopy Position Affect ‘Cerasuola’ and ‘Koroneiki’ Olive Oil Quality

by Filipa Grilo, Sahar Sedaghat, Vita Di Stefano, Raffaele Sacchi, Tiziano Caruso and Riccardo Lo Bianco

Horticulturae 2021, 7(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7020011 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

To maximize orchard production and tree crop efficiency, optimization of both maximum orchard light interception and radiation distribution within the tree canopy are important strategies. To study the influence of planting density and fruit position within the canopy on oil quality from ‘Cerasuola’ [...] Read more.

To maximize orchard production and tree crop efficiency, optimization of both maximum orchard light interception and radiation distribution within the tree canopy are important strategies. To study the influence of planting density and fruit position within the canopy on oil quality from ‘Cerasuola’ and ‘Koroneiki’ olive (Olea europaea L.), fruits were harvested from the upper and lower canopy layers of trees in hedgerow planting systems at two densities: High at 1000 trees ha⁻¹ (HD) and Medium at 500 trees ha⁻¹ (MD). Tree crop efficiency and fruit weight, water and fat content were measured together with olive oil standard quality parameters, phenolic and volatile composition. Fruits in the upper layers of the canopy always showed a higher maturity index, 6% more fat content, and 4% less water content than lower layers. Upper layers of HD trees showed the highest phenol content, whereas lower layers of MD trees showed the lowest phenol content (36% less than the upper layers of HD). HD trees showed the largest differences in fruit maturation, water and fat content between upper and lower canopy positions, increasing quality and oil yield variability at harvest. ‘Koroneiki’ showed more stable oils with a 28% higher MUFA/PUFA ratio and 12% higher phenol content than ‘Cerasuola’ oils. This study provides further evidence of the fact that cultivar, planting density, and canopy architecture may be strong determinants of olive oil yield and composition in hedgerow planting systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

Review

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15 pages, 2557 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Can the Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Still Be Considered a Difficult-to-Propagate Crop?

by Francesco Sottile, Chiara Caltagirone, Cristiana Peano, Maria Beatrice Del Signore and Ettore Barone

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090316 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4241

Abstract

As a perennial xerophytic shrub, characterized by plesiomorphic features, the caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is naturally spread throughout the Mediterranean basin and occupies an important ecological role, as well as an economic one, in traditional and specialized systems for commercial production. This [...] Read more.

As a perennial xerophytic shrub, characterized by plesiomorphic features, the caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is naturally spread throughout the Mediterranean basin and occupies an important ecological role, as well as an economic one, in traditional and specialized systems for commercial production. This species, in spite of its wide diffusion, is currently considered at risk of genetic erosion, mainly due to overgrazing and overharvesting for domestic uses and for trade. This situation is made more serious because of the lack of efficient propagation techniques, determining the caper as a “difficult-to-propagate species”. In this review, we report the main available sexual and vegetative propagation techniques with the aim of assessing whether, and to what extent, this criticality is still true for caper as a horticultural crop. In terms of seed propagation, germination rates have generally been considered quite low or unsatisfactory, and are also affected by hybridization phenomena that are likely to occur among both the wild and cultivated forms. The seeds show a physiological dormancy that can be lowered by adopting hormonal treatments, but in situ germination remains a critical phase. Vegetative propagation appears quite effective, mostly as related to in vitro techniques that allow caper cultivation that is no longer affected by propagation for an economic dissemination of the species in more intensive orchards. The research needs for Caper spinosa L. as a horticultural crop, especially in the field of genetic improvement and breeding, are also underlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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20 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Biological Contribution of Ornamental Plants for Improving Slope Stability along Urban and Suburban Areas

by Alessandra Francini, Stefania Toscano, Daniela Romano, Francesco Ferrini and Antonio Ferrante

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090310 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4721

Abstract

Plants can reduce erosion during heavy raining periods and improve slope stability through their root morphology, development, biomass, and architecture. Heavy rains can increase erosion, becoming a danger for traffic and people who live around slopes. The control of slope stability is often [...] Read more.

Plants can reduce erosion during heavy raining periods and improve slope stability through their root morphology, development, biomass, and architecture. Heavy rains can increase erosion, becoming a danger for traffic and people who live around slopes. The control of slope stability is often required in urban and peri-urban environments, and for this reason ornamental species can be appropriately selected for a dual use, namely improving the aesthetical value of green areas along the urban and suburban roads and mitigating the erosion effects. The species used must have good tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as high and low temperature, drought, pollution and nutrient deficiency. Otherwise, their limited growth can reduce their beneficial effects. Ornamental plants that can be used for reducing the erosion of slopes must be in full growth during periods with a higher incidence of rains and must also be compatible with the temperature ranges in different seasons. These species can be also selected for their ability to avoid erosion and enhance the stability of slopes. In this review, the biological contribution of plants for improving slope stability has been reported and discussed with a special focus attention on the Mediterranean environment. Particular emphasis has been placed on root biomass changes and root growth parameters, considering their role as potential markers for selecting suitable plants to be used for enhancing slope stability. A brief description of planting on slopes and root growth has been also considered and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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13 pages, 800 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Advances and Challenges in RNA Interference Technology for Citrus Huanglongbing Vector Control

by Viviani Vieira Marques, Jéssika Angelotti-Mendonça and Sergio Ruffo Roberto

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090277 - 02 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3044

Abstract

Citrus species, including sweet oranges, grapefruits, pomelos, and lemons, are the most widely cultivated trees and consumed fruits worldwide. In citrus orchard management, the control of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease and its insect vector Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid, ACP) represents a major global [...] Read more.

Citrus species, including sweet oranges, grapefruits, pomelos, and lemons, are the most widely cultivated trees and consumed fruits worldwide. In citrus orchard management, the control of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease and its insect vector Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid, ACP) represents a major global challenge. Consumers have been increasingly pushing the citrus production chain toward a more sustainable system, including stringent measures to prevent the use of chemical pesticides. In recent years, biotechnological advances have offered safe and environmentally friendly alternatives for crop production. Technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing have emerged as innovative tools for agricultural pest management. Here, we provide an overview of RNAi as a promising approach for ACP control and discuss the associated challenges. Despite the availability of specific silencing sequences aimed at a target gene of the insect pest, the uptake of double-stranded RNA is limited in hemipteran insects. In this context, improved delivery methods, stability maintenance, and RNAi response are considered the factors contributing to the increased effectiveness of exogenous RNAi against hemipteran pests. These approaches can serve as potential tools for efficient ACP control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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18 pages, 1069 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Aulacaspis yasumatsui Delivers a Blow to International Cycad Horticulture

by Thomas E. Marler, Anders J. Lindström and Gillian W. Watson

Horticulturae 2021, 7(6), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060147 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3260

Abstract

The literature covering the biology, invasion chronology, host plant responses, and control efforts of the armored scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hempitera: Diaspididae) is reviewed. The small size of this cycad pest and complex surface morphology of the host cycad organs combine to make [...] Read more.

The literature covering the biology, invasion chronology, host plant responses, and control efforts of the armored scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hempitera: Diaspididae) is reviewed. The small size of this cycad pest and complex surface morphology of the host cycad organs combine to make visual detection of every cryptic infestation difficult or impossible to achieve. The international movement of Cycas revoluta Thunb. nursery plants and the presence of C. revoluta nursery industries in so many countries have enabled this pest to wreak havoc on the international cycad horticulture trade over the last 25 years. The short pre-oviposition period and considerable female fecundity lead to rapid population expansion on the plants initially infested in newly invaded regions. A depletion of non-structural carbohydrates accompanies long-term infestations and precedes plant death. Enemy escape within the invasive range allows the scale population growth to remain unchecked until anthropogenic efforts establish non-native biological control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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23 pages, 2095 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phenotyping Brown Rot Susceptibility in Stone Fruit: A Literature Review with Emphasis on Peach

by Majid Hassan Mustafa, Daniele Bassi, Marie-Noëlle Corre, Leandro Oliveira Lino, Véronique Signoret, Bénédicte Quilot-Turion and Marco Cirilli

Horticulturae 2021, 7(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7050115 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3920

Abstract

Plant disease phenotyping methodologies can vary considerably among testers and often suffer from shortcomings in their procedures and applications. This has been an important challenge in resistance breeding to brown rot, one of the most severe pre-and postharvest stone fruit diseases caused by [...] Read more.

Plant disease phenotyping methodologies can vary considerably among testers and often suffer from shortcomings in their procedures and applications. This has been an important challenge in resistance breeding to brown rot, one of the most severe pre-and postharvest stone fruit diseases caused by Monilinia spp. Literature about methodologies for evaluating stone fruit susceptibility to brown rot is abundant but displays significant variations across the described approaches, limiting the ability to compare results from different studies. This is despite the fact that authors largely agree on the main factors influencing brown rot development, such as Monilinia inocula, environmental conditions, cultivars, fruit stage, and management practices. The present review first discusses ways to control or at least account for major factors affecting brown rot phenotyping studies. The second section describes in detail the different steps of fruit infection assays, comparing different protocols available in the literature with the objective of highlighting best practices and further improvement of phenotyping for brown rot susceptibility. Finally, experimental results from multi-year evaluation trials are also reported, highlighting year-to-year variability and exploring correlations of evaluation outcomes among years and assay types, suggesting that choice of phenotyping methodology must be carefully considered in breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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16 pages, 13974 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Adaptive Management Lessons for Serianthes nelsonii Conservation

by Thomas E. Marler, Cameron Musser, April N. J. Cascasan, Gil N. Cruz and Benjamin E. Deloso

Horticulturae 2021, 7(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7030043 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3582

Abstract

The literature covering the biology, ecology, horticulture, and conservation of the critically endangered tree Serianthes nelsonii Merr. was reviewed. The roots, stems, and leaves of this charismatic legume tree revealed highly plastic traits and responded positively to horticultural manipulations to improve the quality [...] Read more.

The literature covering the biology, ecology, horticulture, and conservation of the critically endangered tree Serianthes nelsonii Merr. was reviewed. The roots, stems, and leaves of this charismatic legume tree revealed highly plastic traits and responded positively to horticultural manipulations to improve the quality of container-grown transplants. Pre-sowing seed treatments of seed coat scarification and 1 h of imbibition generated 85% to 90% germination at a temperature optimum of 26 °C. Adventitious root formation on air layers and successful unions on approach grafts were 100%. Seedling and sapling growth was maximum under 25% to 50% sunlight transmission, limited irrigation to ensure adequate root zone aeration, repetitive stem tip pruning to increase root:shoot quotient, and thigmic stress to retain an orthotropic orientation of stems. In situ regeneration on Guam was substantial but recruitment from seedling to sapling was nil. High quality leaf litter chemistry enabled rapid decomposition, and soils beneath the tree exhibited unique chemical traits that increased ecosystem health by creating spatial heterogeneity. The greatest unanswered questions focus on plant mortality. Research is needed to determine the reasons for the mortality of in situ seedlings, mortality within transplantation projects on Guam, and the mortality of 60% of the mature in situ tree population during the 26-year implementation of the national recovery plan. Horticultural researchers are ideally positioned to answer these urgent questions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Horticulturae Ⅱ)

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