Railways are anthropogenic habitats shaped by various disturbances and management practices. Consequently, many studies report on significant plant diversity and vegetation heterogeneity in railway environments. We present results of the first systematic study of railway flora in Slovenia, focusing on microecological differentiation of railway zones and the role of railways as corridors for non-native species. At 92 locations across 15 segments of the Slovenian railway network, we conducted floristic sampling by transect method, studying four distinctive railway zones – Sleeper Zone (SZ), Ballast Shoulder (BS), Ballast Toe (BT) and Intertrack Area (IA) separately. We compared taxonomic and functional diversity, ecological indicator values and vegetation cover among zones using generalised linear mixed models and multivariate analyses. We recorded 312 taxa from 67 families. Zone type significantly influenced species richness, vegetation cover and community composition. The BT supported the highest richness and densest vegetation, while the SZ and IA harboured thermophilous, heliophytic annuals adapted to the most extreme conditions. Hemicryptophytes and competitive species prevailed in outer zones; therophytes and ruderal species dominated inner zones. Ecological indicator values confirmed clear gradients of light, temperature and moisture across zones. Non-native species (13
With global warming and climate change, drought stress is nowadays a threatening problem for growing vegetable crops worldwide. The introduction of more resilient and less water-demanding varieties is a key aspect for sustainable vegetable production, especially in Mediterranean countries where water availability for agricultural uses is progressively decreasing. This review highlights different mechanisms of tomato plant, as one of the most important crops of the Mediterranean countries, which are activated at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels in response to drought. With regard to the root system architecture modification, osmotic adjustments, and hormonal and antioxidant regulations are discussed. For vegetative organs, plant architecture, leaf morphology adjustments and stomatal regulation are described. Major genetic traits related to drought stress, along with responsive genes, are listed. The metabolic pathways, which determine the tolerance to drought stress, are reported and their related molecular markers used for the molecular-assisted selection (MAS) are listed. Novel growing systems and techniques which can improve efficiency for mitigating drought are highlighted; in addition, different breeding methods, both conventional and new gene-editing ones, are mentioned.
Lupins (Lupinus spp.) are climate-resistant grain legumes gaining attention as sustainable protein sources. However, their use in the human diet is limited by quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs), a class of nitrogenous secondary metabolites. QAs represent a nutritional paradox: They are central to plant defence mechanisms, yet confer toxicity and bitterness that compromise food safety and consumer acceptance. Recent findings suggest that at sub-toxic concentrations, certain QAs may exert bioactivities that could be important for metabolic regulation. Thus, the sustainable integration of lupins into food systems depends on whether QAs are considered as undesirable contaminants or redefined as bioactive phytochemicals with dose-dependent functional potential. Significant methodological progress has been made over the last five years. Advances in high-resolution techniques and metabolomics have expanded the structural catalogue of QAs, facilitated species- and genotype-specific chemotyping and allowed first conclusions on biosynthesis. At the technological level, novel processing methods have improved the efficiency of QA removal while maintaining protein quality and, in some cases, have enabled the selective extraction of alkaloids for potential valorisation. This review critically synthesises recent advances in QA chemistry, biosynthesis, analytical methodologies, toxicology, processing strategies and emerging bioactivities. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including the lack of standardised analytical protocols, insufficiently defined sensory thresholds, fragmented regulatory frameworks and the absence of clinical validation. Future research should shift from exclusive alkaloid elimination towards controlled modulation and selective valorisation to establish lupins as safe, multifunctional crops contributing to food security, human health and sustainable agriculture.
Ethephon, a plant growth regulator that releases ethylene, has emerged as a pivotal tool for improving maize performance under diverse growing conditions. This review synthesizes existing findings on ethephon's role in modulating maize architecture that strongly influence lodging resistance and yield as well as nitrogen uptake. When applied at strategic growth stages and optimal doses between 280 and 840 g ha⁻¹, ethephon consistently strengthens stalks, lowers the center of gravity, and mitigates lodging risks, particularly under high-density planting. Although some studies report yield reductions when lodging threats are minimal, others demonstrate considerable yield gains up to 200% under drought and stress conditions, largely by redirecting assimilates toward reproductive structures and enhancing physiological resilience. Ethephon also interacts synergistically with other growth regulators, augmenting stem diameter, lignin deposition, and root anchorage. However, responses vary with genotype, environmental factors, and cultural practices, underscoring the importance of tailored application protocols. Collectively, the evidence points that its integration into maize production systems, especially where lodging pressures and water limitations prevail, offers both agronomic and economic benefits. Although numerous studies have clarified above-ground changes, the impact of ethephon on maize root architecture and nutrient uptake remains largely underexplored. Further refinement of dose-response relationships across diverse germplasm, planting densities, and nitrogen management regimes is essential to develop precise, context-specific guidelines. Systematic screening of hybrids will clarify genotype-by-ethephon interactions, guiding breeders in selecting lines with stable yield and improved lodging tolerance. Combining ethephon with other PGRs besides mostly used diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate should be studied.
This study examines the influence of agroclimatic indicators on the variability of maize crop yield in Slovenia. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted on three categories of agroclimatic indicators: temperature and heat stress during the growing season, spring frost conditions, and precipitation conditions during the growing season. Six principal components were identified, each accounting for at least 64% of the variability in the initial datasets. Spearman correlation analysis between the principal components and maize yield at two trial sites revealed statistically significant correlations for three components: 'high precipitation conditions,' 'temperature conditions during the growing season,' and 'maize plant heat stress conditions.' Maize yield at the trial sites exhibited a positive correlation with slightly above-average precipitation during the growing season, whereas a weak negative correlation was observed with elevated growing season temperatures and maize plant heat stress conditions. The historical spatial distribution of the principal components indicated average conditions across most of the region, with some regional variations. Future projections suggest an increase in the frequency of high precipitation events, primarily in regions that already experienced sufficient precipitation historically. Warmer growing season conditions and significantly more frequent heat stress conditions are also anticipated under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenario, particularly in the southwestern, central, and eastern parts of the country. The results of the study suggest a potential decline in future maize yields at the trial sites due to the projected increase in temperature and heat stress conditions. These findings offer valuable insights for agricultural planning and climate adaptation strategies in Slovenia.
