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Horticulturae
Special Issues
Research on Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Horticulture Crops
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Research on Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Horticulture Crops

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 5481

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Juan Guillermo Cruz-Castillo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro Regional Universitario Oriente (CRUO), Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Km. 6, Carretera Huatusco—Jalapa, en Huatusco, Veracruz 94100, Mexico
Interests: fruit quality; phytochemicals; genetics; sensorial analysis
Prof. Dr. Kazem Arzani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Horticultural Science, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
Interests: fruit science; pomology; breeding; physiology; postharvest
Prof. Dr. Franco Famiani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Interests: agronomical characterization of olive genotypes; olive biology and physiology; olive growing; preharvest factors affecting olive oil quality; temperate fruit growing; use of growth regulators on fruit trees; photosynthesis and source-sink relationships in fruit trees; growth, physiology and biochemistry (with particular regard to carbohydrate, organic acids and nitrogenous compounds) of seeds and fruits of woody species

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticulture presents scientific advances that positively influence the consumption of vegetables and fruits, and the health and happiness of the human being. Sustainable horticultural processes require new physiological and genetic knowledge to boost production without harming the environment.

The molecular and phytochemical characterization of germplasm opens the possibility of obtaining new varieties. The determination of phytochemicals and their changes in postharvest and sensorial studies are vital to promoting particularities in the market of known commodities, underutilized crops and beverages.

This Special Issue welcomes studies on:

  • Physiological and genetic aspects of different horticultural crops, considering techniques oriented to reducing the damage to the environment.
  • Evaluation of phytochemicals in beverages and underutilized crops.
  • Sensorial evaluation of horticultural crops.
  • Molecular, morphological characterization and diversity of germplasm.

Dr. Juan Guillermo Cruz-Castillo
Prof. Dr. Kazem Arzani
Prof. Dr. Franco Famiani
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • beverage crops
  • natural plant biostimulants
  • neglected crops
  • ornamentals
  • rootstocks
  • sensorial analysis

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2500 KiB  
Article
Physical, Organoleptic, and Phytochemical Valuation of the Promising Greek Kiwifruit Genotype Arta Kiwifruit
by Anna Kosta, Nikoleta-Kleio Denaxa, Athanasios Tsafouros, Efstathios Ntanos, Efthalia Stathi, Eleni Tani and Peter Anargyrou Roussos
Horticulturae 2023, 9(12), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9121276 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 750
Abstract
To evaluate a new kiwifruit genotype named “Arta Kiwifruit”, a comparative analysis of fruit physical characteristics and biochemical composition in comparison to the widely cultivated Hayward cultivar took place, both at harvest and after a storage period for two successive years. The findings [...] Read more.
To evaluate a new kiwifruit genotype named “Arta Kiwifruit”, a comparative analysis of fruit physical characteristics and biochemical composition in comparison to the widely cultivated Hayward cultivar took place, both at harvest and after a storage period for two successive years. The findings revealed that “Arta Kiwifruit” holds a significant advantage, as it features a larger fruit size, is approximately 34% heavier than “Hayward”, and boasts a distinct shape characterized by a bigger length. Both genotypes exhibited similar dry matter content. No significant difference was observed in protein content, or total phenolic compounds between the two genotypes, while “Hayward” exhibited a significantly higher concentration of sugars and higher sweetness index. “Hayward” demonstrated also increased levels of chlorophyll at harvest, along with higher concentrations of carotenoids. “Hayward” during the first year presented higher antioxidant activity both at harvest and after storage. On the other hand, “Arta Kiwifruit” displayed elevated amino acid concentrations compared to “Hayward”, both at harvest and after storage. Phenotypic traits, as well as the genetic analysis using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers, further confirmed the distinct genetic profile of “Arta Kiwifruit”, highlighting its potential significance for kiwifruit breeding programs and commercial use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Horticulture Crops)
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12 pages, 3591 KiB  
Article
Harvest Season and Morphological Variation of Canistel (Pouteria campechiana) Fruit and Leaves Collected in Different Zones of Mexico
by Karen M. Granados-Vega, Silvia Evangelista-Lozano, Sandra L. Escobar-Arellano, Tomás Rodríguez-García, José F. Pérez-Bárcena and Juan G. Cruz-Castillo
Horticulturae 2023, 9(11), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9111214 - 08 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1105
Abstract
Canistel (Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni; yellow sapote, canistel) is an edible fruit that is native to Mexico; the tree is used as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Descriptive studies were carried out with the objective of characterizing the morphology of the fruit and [...] Read more.
Canistel (Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni; yellow sapote, canistel) is an edible fruit that is native to Mexico; the tree is used as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Descriptive studies were carried out with the objective of characterizing the morphology of the fruit and leaves of trees located in different regions of Mexico to select outstanding specimens for large scale reproduction. The selection of trees was carried out in three geographically neighboring areas, where visible differences have been observed in fruit morphology: size, shape, color, number of seeds, and leaf shape. Semi-ripe fruit were collected from each area, weight and measurements were noted, seeds were extracted, and a data matrix was obtained: (fruit weight (grams), fruit polar diameter (centimeters), fruit equatorial diameter (centimeters), pulp weight (grams), number of seeds, seed weight (grams), seed polar diameter (centimeters), seed equatorial diameter (centimeters), and total soluble solids (SST)). Leaves were collected at the mature stage, and an image analysis was carried out to evaluate morphometric parameters: area, perimeter, major diameter, minor diameter, circularity, solidity, and angle. An analysis of variance was performed to find significant differences in the fruit data and a principal component analysis was performed with the leaf data. In Zone 2, the fruit had three seeds, the highest weight in all the zones sampled (180 to 330 g), and the greatest amount of pulp (198.88 g); they were subglobose in shape, and 33% soluble solids. There were eight months to harvest in Zone 1 and nine months in Zone 3. The main variables in the principal component analysis were leaf area, perimeter, and minor diameter; 84.6% of the variability represented by the first three components is sufficient to explain the difference between the leaves of the three zones. This data can be used to assess the propagation of canistel in areas with favorable climatic conditions for fruiting in tropical and subtropical regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Horticulture Crops)
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15 pages, 1026 KiB  
Article
The Natural Alternatives: The Impact of Plant Extracts on Snowbush (Breynia disticha Forst.) Cuttings’ Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics
by Heba El-Banna, Samia A. Haroun, Tasahil S. Albishi, Afaf Abdullah Rashed, Muayad Albadrani, Khaled Abdelaal, Omar Abdullah Alkhateeb and Ahmed Hassan Abdou
Horticulturae 2023, 9(10), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9101122 - 11 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1627
Abstract
The utilization of cuttings remains a prevalent method for vegetative propagation in various plant species. Synthetic rooting hormones have conventionally been employed to enhance the rooting process; however, their high cost and potential environmental risks have necessitated the exploration of natural alternative compounds. [...] Read more.
The utilization of cuttings remains a prevalent method for vegetative propagation in various plant species. Synthetic rooting hormones have conventionally been employed to enhance the rooting process; however, their high cost and potential environmental risks have necessitated the exploration of natural alternative compounds. In this study, the efficacy of natural plant extracts (pure honey, aloe extract, willow extract, moringa extract, and cinnamon powder) and synthetic auxin derivatives (indole-3-butyric acid and α-naphthaleneacetic acid) at a concentration of 2000 ppm was compared for their influence on rooting and vegetative growth of snowbush (Breynia disticha) cuttings, a significant ornamental and medicinal shrub. Results demonstrated that while the synthetic hormones produced the highest survival percentages and root number, the roots were consistently short, thick, friable, and largely void of secondary roots. Conversely, the alternative natural plant extracts, particularly aloe extract, exhibited promising outcomes, showcasing good rooting percentage and root number, significantly increased root length, and fresh and dry root weight. Furthermore, aloe extract demonstrated the potential to enhance shoot length and alter the chemical constituents of the cuttings. The highest values of total phenols and nitrogen percentage were recorded with cuttings treated with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by cuttings treated with aloe extract. While using aloe extract, we recorded the highest values of total carbohydrates, phosphorus, and potassium percentages. Notably, the highest endogenous levels of indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid, along with the lowest abscisic acid concentration in cutting tissues, were associated with the highest rooting percentage observed with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by the use of aloe extract. We hypothesized that natural plant extracts, specifically aloe extract, have potential as a viable alternative for synthetic auxins in promoting successful rooting and vegetative growth in snowbush cuttings. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of these natural compounds in vegetative propagation techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Horticulture Crops)
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14 pages, 6738 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Profiles of Pomegranate Juices during Fruit Development and the Redirection of Flavonoid Metabolism
by Jianrong Zhao, Xiaoxiao Qi, Jiyu Li, Zhen Cao, Xin Liu, Qing Yu, Yiliu Xu and Gaihua Qin
Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080881 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 852
Abstract
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit is favorable for its nutrient-rich benefits to human health. However, the global metabolic profiles of pomegranate juice and the metabolic mechanisms of its essential metabolites are poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a widely targeted [...] Read more.
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit is favorable for its nutrient-rich benefits to human health. However, the global metabolic profiles of pomegranate juice and the metabolic mechanisms of its essential metabolites are poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a widely targeted metabolome, integrated with the transcriptome of juices (edible parts) of pomegranate fruits at 50, 95, and 140 days after flowering (DAF) to comprehensively investigate the metabolic profiles and potential metabolism of essential metabolites. Five hundred and nine metabolites, including 11 sugar and sugar alcohols, 17 common organic acids, 20 essential amino acids, and a variety of flavonoids, were detected in pomegranate juices. Among them, metabolites in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway greatly changed during fruit development. Notably, the redirection of metabolite flux from catechin and its derivative synthesis to anthocyanin synthesis occurred at the later developmental stages. The increased expression of Pgr021399.1 encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), Pgr017842.1 encoding anthocyanidin synthesis (ANS), Pgr015322.1 encoding anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase (BZ1), Pgr000447.1 encoding UTG75C1, and the decreased expression of Pgr024128.1 encoding leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) may trigger redirection. The results of this study provide a global view of the metabolic profiles of pomegranate juices and valuable information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the redirection of flavonoid metabolism. It also sheds light on the genetic regulation of flavonoid metabolism in pomegranate juices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Horticulture Crops)
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