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Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems

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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Vegetable Production Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2024 | Viewed by 18407

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Dr. Kalliopi Kadoglidou

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Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DEMETER (ex NAGREF), GR-57001 Thermi, Greece
Interests: physiology of vegetables under biotic/abiotic stress conditions; sustainable and organic vegetable cultivation; nutritional and phytochemical composition/secondary metabolites of vegetables; circular economy/reuse of crop residues in vegetable production; biofertilizers/biostimulants/composting; allelopathy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agroecological approaches in sustainable and organic vegetable production are spread worldwide and contribute to find solutions on the global challenges of agri-food sector. This shift in vegetables cultivation becomes more important from the consumer awareness on food quality and on environmentally friendly production. Consequently, innovative systems in greenhouse and in open field under sustainable and organic farming framework have attracted increasing attention in both research and consumer community in recent years. Towards this direction, the environmental friendly cultivation methods, the use of innovative fertilizers, the water and the energy management, the new approaches for integrated pest management (e.g., against fungi, bacteria, insects, and weeds), the exploitation of allelopathy of plants, the renewable resources (such as the reuse of crop residues or by-products) valorization in the frame of circular economy, the development and application of soil amendments, biofertilizers or biostimulants, as well as issues related to the carbon or environmental footprint of vegetables cultivation are more imperative now than ever.

The Special Issue of this publication is directed to provide a thorough presentation of the achievements of research community (in the form of, e.g., original research, review, communication, or brief report) related to the aforementioned trends. We strongly believe that this knowledge can constitute a potential tool for achieving an outstanding performance in sustainable and organic vegetable cultivation. We look forward to your precious contributions

Dr. Kalliopi Kadoglidou
Guest Editor

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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

sustainability
organic vegetable crops
nutrient, water and energy management
renewable inputs
soil amendment
integrated pest management
circular economy
carbon or environmental footprint
allelochemical

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 12487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Bokashi and Cow Urine as Organic Low-Cost Amendments Can Enhance Arugula (Eruca sativa L.) Agronomic Traits but Not Always Total Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity

by Fernando Teruhiko Hata, Diego Contiero da Silva, Natália Norika Yassunaka Hata, Michelle da Silva Pavinatto, Mariana Assis de Queiroz Cancian, Rogério Barbosa Macedo, Maurício Ursi Ventura, Juliano Tadeu Vilela de Resende and Wilma Aparecida Spinosa

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020155 - 07 Feb 2024

Viewed by 784

Abstract

Productive traits, total polyphenols (TPC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH) of arugula submitted to the combination (or not) of cow urine and doses of bokashi were evaluated in two experimental areas. Arugula was planted in cultivation bags with 55 dm³ of capacity in protected cultivation. The treatments were bokashi doses (0, 10, 20, and 30 g) and use (or not) of cow urine diluted 1% in water. The variables evaluated were fresh leaf biomass (FLB), dry leaf biomass (DLM), plant height (PH), chlorophyll index, TPC, and DPPH. In area 1, all agronomic variables were increased at 30 g and 20 g bokashi doses. FLB was increased by 87 and 76% with 30 g of bokashi. Cow urine only increased PH. In area 2, the use of bokashi + cow urine increased FLB, DLB, and PH with a positive quadratic response. At the maximum point, the FLB was increased by 159% with 28.92 g of bokashi. Bokashi increased FLB and DLB in the two areas in all evaluated doses. For TPC, with the use of cow urine, 10 g of bokashi increased TPC by 14%. Without the use of cow urine, increases of 17 and 33% with 10 and 30 g of bokashi were observed. The 30 g of bokashi is recommended because of increased productive traits and TPC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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18 pages, 1775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Different Temperature Control Systems in Tropical-Adapted Greenhouses for Green Romaine Lettuce Production

by Niracha Kumsong, Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Phanawan Imorachorn, Preuk Chutimanukul, Nuttaporn Pimpha, Theerayut Toojinda, Opas Trithaveesak, Eakkarach Ratanaudomphisut, Amporn Poyai, Charndet Hruanun, Suwan Yanuwong, Wanchai Pakhamin, Chaiwiwat Kayoontammarong, Maliwan Janpeng and Hiroshi Ehara

Horticulturae 2023, 9(12), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9121255 - 22 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1379

Abstract

The cultivation of lettuce in greenhouses is negatively impacted by high temperatures, especially in hot climates. Therefore, developing an efficient method to regulate the internal temperature of greenhouses is essential to sustain crop productivity throughout the year. This study intends to investigate differential temperature control systems for green romaine lettuce production in the greenhouse. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. The four treatments consisted of (1) control, (2) Fogging + ventilation fan, (3) Fogging + shading, and (4) Fogging + ventilation fan + shading. The different temperature control systems influenced the growth and yield parameters, in which shading operation appears to cause reductions in photosynthetic rate, leading to declines of marketable fresh weight. However, the operation of the fogging and ventilation fan was considered the appropriate method for improving indoor air temperature since this resulted in higher growth and yield and a greater sensory evaluation. Maintaining VPD values between 1.62 and 1.76 kPa and controlling light intensity within the 530–700 mol m⁻² s⁻¹ range were recommended to ensure a consistent lettuce yield of 65–82 g plant⁻¹ throughout the year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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20 pages, 2242 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

GIS-Facilitated Germination of Stored Seeds from Five Wild-Growing Populations of Campanula pelviformis Lam. and Fertilization Effects on Growth, Nutrients, Phenol Content and Antioxidant Potential

by Ioannis Anestis, Elias Pipinis, Stefanos Kostas, Evgenia Papaioannou, Eleftherios Karapatzak, Eleftherios Dariotis, Parthena Tsoulpha, Emmanouil Koundourakis, Eleni Chatzileontari, Georgios Tsoktouridis, Stefanos Hatzilazarou and Nikos Krigas

Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080877 - 02 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 848

Abstract

This study was designed to bridge extant research gaps regarding the vulnerable and protected local endemic Campanula pelviformis, a wild edible green traditionally consumed in Crete (Greece) with agro-alimentary and medicinal interest as well as ornamental value. The C. pelviformis ecological profile was generated using the climate and temperature conditions prevailing in its wild habitats through mapping of natural distribution linked with online bioclimatic databases in geographical information systems. We tested the germination of seeds from five wild-growing populations at four different temperatures (10, 15, 20 and 25 °C) and under different light conditions (light/dark and darkness), and we performed fertilization trails [integrated nutrient management (INF), chemical fertilization (ChFe), control] examining morphological and physiological characteristics, above- and below-ground macro- and micronutrients and phenol contents, as well as their antioxidant capacity. We found population and temperature effects on seed germination with their interaction being statistically significant. Campanula pelviformis germinated better at 10 and 15 °C (>85% for all populations) with no preference on light conditions (98.75% and 95% in light and dark conditions). The INF application increased root dry mass, chlorophyll content index and chlorophyll fluorescence compared to other treatments and was beneficial for macro- and micronutrient concentrations in above-ground parts compared to previously studied wild-growing material, while below-ground parts were positively impacted by both fertilization types. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were both increased by ChFe fertilization. The data furnished herein permitted the re-evaluation and upgrade of its sustainable exploitation potential in different economic sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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17 pages, 1358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Agricultural and Food Wastes as the Growing Media for Sunflower and Water Spinach Microgreens Production

by Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Nipawadee Sukree, Preuk Chutimanukul, Dusit Athinuwat, Wilawan Chuaboon, Phakpen Poomipan, Vorapat Vachirayagorn, Nuttaporn Pimpha, Panita Chutimanukul and Hiroshi Ehara

Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080876 - 01 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1708

Abstract

The growing media is one of the significant elements affecting microgreens’ yield and quality. This experiment investigated the possibility of waste utilization instead of employing peat moss to produce sunflower and water-spinach microgreens. The treatments consisted of peat moss (Control), coconut coir dust (CD), leaf compost (LC), food waste compost (FC), CD:LC = 1:1 v/v, CD:FC = 1:1 v/v, LC:FC = 1:1 v/v, and CD:LC:FC = 1:1:1 v/v. The results proved that the highest yield of sunflower microgreens was observed when cultivated in 1:1 v/v of CD:LC media (10,114.81 g m⁻²), whereas the highest yield of water spinach microgreens was recorded under the treatments of CD, Control, 1:1 v/v of CD:LC, and 1:1:1 v/v of CD:LC:FC media (10,966.67–9800.00 g m⁻²). The biochemical composition of the microgreens varied within the types. Our findings demonstrated that a tendency of an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents depended on the growth of both microgreens under different growing media. All growing media did not cause excess nitrate residue or pathogenic contamination in both microgreens, namely Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, almost all the growing media resulted in a higher population of Bacillus cereus contamination in both microgreens than the standard set limit, except for sunflower microgreens grown in the control and CD growing media. These findings could suggest that the 1:1 v/v of CD:LC and CD media were the most effective growing media for sunflower and water spinach microgreens, respectively, but further cleaning before consumption is recommended to avoid or reduce the foodborne incidences caused by B. cereus in microgreens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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24 pages, 3955 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

GIS-Facilitated Seed Germination, Fertilization Effects on Growth, Nutrient and Phenol Contents and Antioxidant Potential in Three Local Endemic Plants of Crete (Greece) with Economic Interest: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Exploitation

by Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Stefanos Kostas, Elias Pipinis, Ioannis Anestis, Evgenia Papaioannou, Vasiliki Aslanidou, Parthena Tsoulpha, Manolis Avramakis, Nikos Krigas and George Tsoktouridis

Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030335 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1632

Abstract

This multidisciplinary study is focused on the conservation and sustainable utilization of Lomelosia minoana (Dipsacaceae; subsp. minoana and subsp. asterusica) and Eryngium ternatum (Apiaceae), three local endemic plants of Crete (Greece) with economic interest. Using Geographical Information Systems and open-source geodatabases, detailed ecological profiles were compiled to illustrate the abiotic environmental conditions prevailing in their wild habitats. We examined for the first time temperature effects (10, 15, 20 and 25 °C) on seed germination and fertilization effects (INM, integrated nutrient management, and chemical fertilization compared to control) on growth parameters and nutrient content of leaves as well as their phenol content and antioxidant potential. L. minoana subsp. asterusica germinated better at 15 °C (61.25%), subsp. minoana at 10 and 15 °C (30% and 27.50%, respectively) while E. ternatum did not show significant differences. The seedling fertilization with INM resulted in 10–15-fold higher absorption of copper without toxicity compared with chemical fertilization and the control; INM was also superior to chemical fertilization in most of the macronutrients in leaves. The total phenol content and the antioxidant capacity of leaf extracts were positively affected by chemical fertilization in L. minoana subsp. minoana and E. ternatum. Both fertilization treatments almost equally affected the morphological and physiological characteristics of the examined taxa. In light of the above-mentioned and the research gaps bridged for the studied taxa, we re-evaluated and updated both the feasibility and the readiness timescale for their sustainable exploitation in economic sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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18 pages, 3505 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Shading and Nutrient Management on Yield Quality of Vegetable Fern

by Ornprapa Thepsilvisut, Rantiya Iad-ak and Preuk Chutimanukul

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020259 - 15 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1817

Abstract

This study investigated the optimization of shading and organic fertilizer applications on vegetable fern growth and yield quality in order to develop guidelines for farmers interested in sustainable vegetable fern production. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design in RCBD with four replications. There were three main plots; no shading, 75% shading, and 96% shading. The five sub-plots consisted of no fertilizer application (control), chemical fertilizer at a rate of 92.80 kg N ha⁻¹, and cow manure at rates of 92.80, 185.60, and 278.40 kg N ha⁻¹. A comparison between different shading and fertilizer treatments, combined, demonstrated that 75% shading with the application of cow manure at the rate of 185.60 kg N ha⁻¹ was the most appropriate management for vegetable fern production, with the highest marketable yield recorded (1128.54 kg ha⁻¹ month⁻¹) and a 10-fold yield increase compared to the control (no shading and no fertilizer). This treatment also resulted in good yield quality (crunchy and tender), high concentrations of chlorophyll and vitamin C, and a safe amount of nitrate accumulation for consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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11 pages, 1339 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Leafy Vegetables’ Agronomic Variables, Nitrate, and Bioactive Compounds Have Different Responses to Bokashi, Mineral Fertilization, and Boiled Chicken Manure

by Fernando Teruhiko Hata, Diego Contiero da Silva, Natália Norika Yassunaka-Hata, Mariana Assis de Queiroz Cancian, Isabella Accorsi Sanches, Caio Eduardo Pelizaro Poças, Maurício Ursi Ventura, Wilma Aparecida Spinosa and Rogério Barbosa Macedo

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020194 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1494

Abstract

In the current study, the effect of boiled chicken manure (BCM) doses by fertigation, bokashi, and mineral fertilization on the agronomic variables, bioactive compounds, and nitrate levels of two cultivars of lettuce (romaine and frisée types) and one cultivar of radicchio chicory was studied. Overall, higher agronomic variable values were found for the leafy plants in bokashi-fertilized plants. The BCM 5, 7.5, and 10% fertilization, in general, increased these variables in an apparent increasing trend. For chicory, bokashi presented higher means in comparison with BCM for TB, CB, and CI. For frisée lettuce, bokashi had the highest values for TB, CB, and PH. For romaine, bokashi presented the highest means for all the variables, except for PD. For bioactive compounds, each plant species responded differently when varying the fertilization source. For the nitrate content, higher values were observed in the bokashi and mineral treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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20 pages, 1342 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Assessing Physicochemical Parameters, Bioactive Profile and Antioxidant Status of Different Fruit Parts of Greek Eggplant Germplasm

by Kalliopi I. Kadoglidou, Konstantinos Krommydas, Parthenopi Ralli, Ifigeneia Mellidou, Apostolos Kalyvas and Maria Irakli

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121113 - 26 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1835

Abstract

Eggplant is an economically important vegetable with a potential for functional food production, mainly due to its high fruit antioxidant capacity. The goal of the present study was to investigate the main physicochemical and antioxidant parameters, and assess the bioactive profiles, of 19 eggplant genotypes of diverse origin, including Greek commercial varieties and hybrids, landraces and the related species S. macrocarpon. For that reason, the physicochemical traits (dry matter, pH, total soluble solids and total acidity) were assessed in the eggplant fruit and some important bioactive compounds (total phenols (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), total monomeric anthocyanin (TAC), chlorogenic acid (CA) and its isomers neo- and crypto-CA) were assessed both in fruit pulp and peel. In addition, the antioxidant capacity was assessed according to ABTS^•+, DPPH^• and FRAP assays. The results revealed significant differences between the studied genotypes for all the evaluated traits, for both fruit parts. Solanum macrocarpon showed a distinct bioactive profile and was superior for most of the pulp traits (TFC, neo-CA, crypto-CA, ABTS^•+, DPPH^• and FRAP). Among the eggplant materials, the landrace ‘KD054/07’ had very high values for pH and some pulp traits (TPC, CA, ABTS^•+ and FRAP), while the commercial F₁ hybrid ‘Nilo’ was superior for dry matter and most of the peel traits (TPC, TFC, ABTS^•+ and FRAP). The Greek commercial variety ‘Langada’ performed well for TAC and peel CA, ABTS^•+ and FRAP, while ‘Tsakoniki’ had very high anthocyanin and pulp TPC content. These results constitute a source of information for a subset of the Greek eggplant germplasm and could contribute both to the promotion of Greek varieties of high bioactive and antioxidant value, as well as to the targeted selection of parents in breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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Review

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23 pages, 432 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Current Trends in Organic Vegetable Crop Production: Practices and Techniques

by Juan A. Fernández, Miren Edurne Ayastuy, Damián Pablo Belladonna, María Micaela Comezaña, Josefina Contreras, Isabel de Maria Mourão, Luciano Orden and Roberto A. Rodríguez

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100893 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5713

Abstract

Organic farming is a holistic production management system that promotes and enhances agroecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and consequently, it is an efficient and promising approach for sustainable agriculture within a circular and green economy. There has been a rise in the consumption of organic vegetables in the last years because of their organoleptic properties, higher nutritive value and lower risk of chemical residues harmful to health. The recent scientific evidence regarding the use of the major elements responsible for organic vegetable crop production indicates plant material, soil management and crop nutrition, soil disinfection, crop management and pest, disease and weed management. These techniques are the focus of this study. In general, the main outcomes of this review demonstrate that a great effort of innovation and research has been carried out by industry, researchers and farmers in order to reduce the environmental impact of the established and innovative horticultural practices while satisfying the requirements of consumers. However, research-specific studies should be carried out in different farming systems and pedoclimatic conditions to achieve the highest efficiency of these horticultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Organic Farming of Vegetable Crops in Greenhouse and Open Field Systems)

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