Valorizing bacterial biomass and phosphate sludge derived from phosphate extraction byproducts supports the circular economy and provides a sustainable strategy for mitigating the growing impact of drought stress, a major constraint on crop productivity under climate change. The present study aimed to assess the potential of a bioformulated consortium of six PGPR to improve drought tolerance in chia ( Salvia hispanica L.) grown in pots containing soil amended with 5% phosphate sludge under semicontrolled greenhouse conditions and exposed to severe drought stress (25% field capacity) for 30 days. The results showed that PGPR inoculation significantly mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress by maintaining plant growth and physiological performance. Compared with noninoculated drought‐stressed seedlings, PGPR‐inoculated seedlings exhibited significant increases in shoot length (32.7%), leaf number (56.9%), and internode distance (31.0%). In parallel, soil bioavailable phosphorus increased by 19.7‐fold following inoculation compared with the noninoculated treatment. Moreover, PGPR‐inoculated seedlings showed significantly increased chlorophyl a and b contents and a decrease in osmolyte accumulation, including proline and soluble sugars, indicating improved photosynthetic performance and reduced osmotic stress. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the PGPR consortium enhances drought tolerance through synergistic effects on nutrient mobilization, plant growth, and stress regulation, supporting its use with phosphate sludge as a sustainable strategy for chia cultivation under arid and semiarid conditions.
Sea barley ( Hordeum marinum ), a halophyte among the largely glycophytic Hordeum species, is a valuable genetic resource for elucidating salt tolerance mechanisms in cereals. This study assessed the physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant responses of two H. marinum genotypes (AR and SH) and the salt‐tolerant Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Rihane (RH) under 400 mM NaCl for 3 weeks. Results revealed a marked growth reduction in RH, correlating with higher accumulation of Na and Cl in leaves (six‐ and four‐fold, respectively) and roots (2.29‐ and 1.67‐fold, respectively) compared to AR and SH. In contrast, SH and AR maintained higher leaf osmotic potential (−1.96 and −2.11 MPa, respectively) and better root K acquisition under salinity. Despite an increase in leaf proline content and antioxidant enzyme activities, RH displayed elevated hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation compared to SH and AR, indicating insufficient antioxidant defenses against salt‐induced oxidative stress. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between Cl, Na, H 2 O 2 , and MDA, while negative correlations emerged with K, osmotic potential, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The superior salt tolerance of AR and SH was closely linked to their ability to maintain osmotic balance, regulate ion homeostasis, and mitigate oxidative stress. These traits offer promising targets for improving salt tolerance in cultivated barley and other cereals.
Containing essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, edible mushrooms are emerging as low-calorie alternative protein sources for dietary diversification worldwide. However, the Australian Northern Territory (NT) depends on interstate supply for mushrooms due to minimal production and the absence of an established commercial industry. This cross-sectional survey assessed the purchasing behaviours of 219 NT consumers and the feasibility of instituting a local mushroom trade. Among the evenly gender distributed participants, a stable consumer market was observed. Predominantly from supermarkets, the participants reported weekly, monthly, or occasionally purchasing mushrooms. Most participants also spent less than AUD 5 per week, while several spent between AUD 5 and AUD 10, with freshness, product quality, and affordability being key purchasing determinants. Moreover, mushrooms were purchased for taste and nutritional benefits and were primarily consumed cooked. Although interest in specialty varieties was significant, button mushrooms were the most consumed, followed by oyster mushrooms. Almost all participants (80%) also preferred locally grown mushrooms and placed a substantial value on sustainability.
‘Hass’ avocado ( Persea americana Mill.) is a major commercial crop, grown in many countries from which it is shipped to global markets. Commercial success in a competitive marketplace is dependent on supplying fruit of acceptable quality. After dispatch from the packhouse, quality is assessed at two main points in the supply chain, on arrival at the importer, at which time the fruit is still green skinned and unripe, and again once it has been ripened (either at a distribution centre or by the consumer). There are numerous causes of quality loss which can be generalised as being of physical, physiological or pathological origin. Specific quality problems may be more or less important at different places in the supply chain. This review summarises postharvest quality and disorders of a physiological or physical origin from a biological perspective in association with the conditions to which the fruit are exposed postharvest.
Turmeric ( Curcuma longa Linn.), a versatile crop with culinary, medicinal, cultural, and economic significance, holds immense potential for Fiji's agricultural sector. Despite the predominance of wild harvesting, Fiji ranks as a key global exporter, supplying high‐demand markets like the USA and New Zealand. This review synthesises current knowledge on turmeric production and markets in Fiji, evaluates its socioeconomic significance, and examines key challenges. Between 2016 and 2025, production increased fivefold, rising from 607.7 Mt to 3755.5 Mt, while the export volume grew from 981.298 t in 2018 to 2970.96 t in 2023. The FAO's One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative has supported the promotion of turmeric in Fiji, emphasising organic production and value‐added products to enhance livelihoods and climate resilience. The findings identify critical constraints and opportunities, providing a foundation to guide research, inform policy, and support strategies that enhance farmer livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Key recommendations include farmer education, quality seed propagation, tailored agronomic practices, and market research to capitalise on niche opportunities in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Future policies should enhance sustainable wild‐harvesting and commercial cultivation. Collaborative efforts among government, academia, and the private sector will be critical to unlocking the potential of this “golden spice.”
Suitable soil amendments are a prerequisite to overcome the hazardous effects of abiotic stresses such as salt stress (SS). Therefore, the present research evaluated the efficacy of banana peel compost (BPC) as an organic amendment for alleviating salt-induced phytotoxicity in a commercially important floricultural crop namely zinnia (Zinnia elegans L. cv Peter Pan). A pot experiment was conducted in a wire house using four SS levels (0, 25, 50, and 100 mM NaCl) with or without the amendment of 2% BPC. Increasing SS significantly reduced plant growth, biomass, leaf area, flower production, and chlorophyll contents, while increased sodium ions (Na+) accumulation and disturbed nutrient balance in the soil and plants. In contrast, the BPC application significantly recovered plant growth and physiological performance under SS conditions. The beneficial affects of BPC were more pronounced at moderate and high salinity levels (50 and 100 mM NaCl, respectively), where treated plants maintained greater biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll content, membrane stability, and antioxidant enzyme activities than plants grown in unamended soil. The addition of BPC also reduced the adverse effects of SS on nutrient uptake and osmotic stress, as indicated by lower proline accumulation and improved ionic balance. The BPC application improved soil chemical properties under SS conditions by decreasing electrical conductivity and exchangeable Na+ accumulation while enhancing the availability of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Compared with the unamended treatments, BPC significantly improved ionic balance by lowering Na+ uptake and promoting K+ accumulation in zinnia plants. Overall, the results demonstrate that BPC is an effective amendment for mitigating SS in zinnia while improving soil health and plant performance.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementary pollination of each of two hermaphrodite kiwifruit selections was likely to produce any significant improvement in seed set or fruit quality, compared with self-pollination alone. Three main pollination treatments were applied to floral shoots: self-pollination alone and self-pollination plus supplementary hand pollination with either self pollen or commercial male pollen. Fruit set and retention were recorded. Mature fruit were harvested and their weight, soluble solids content and dry matter content measured. Seeds were extracted, dried, weighed and counted. Results showed that these hermaphrodites can produce large fruit of good quality following self-pollination alone. However, in one hermaphrodite, self-pollination was associated with significant reductions in fruit weight, total seed number and total seed weight compared with supplementary hand pollination with commercial male pollen. In the other, self-pollination reduced total seed number and total seed weight in one of 2 years but had no significant effect on fruit weight. We found no significant differences among treatments in soluble solids content or dry matter content for either hermaphrodite. Larger trials in a more realistic situation are needed to confirm the commercial potential of hermaphrodite selections.
Diversifying food systems through climate-resilient, underutilized crops such as Amaranthus is essential for enhancing food security. However, its broader utilization is constrained by the limited availability of improved cultivars. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of agro-morphological diversity and utilization-based trait differentiation in Amaranthus germplasm from the Kashmir Himalaya, comprising 109 accessions representing 11 species and four utilization groups (grain, dual-purpose, vegetable, and weed). The germplasm was evaluated over three growing seasons (2022-2024) under field conditions using 21 morphological traits. Substantial morphological variation was observed, with high variability in branches per plant (CV = 67.3%), inflorescence length (CV = 63.4%), and leaves per plant (CV = 62.1%), whereas tepal number remained conserved. Quantitative traits significantly differentiated utilization groups, with tepal number, flowering time, and bract length showing the strongest effects (F > 400). Among qualitative traits, inflorescence spininess, terminal inflorescence shape, and stem color intensity exhibited strong associations with utilization group differentiation (Cramer's V > 0.5). Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among agronomic traits, with leaf length and leaf width showing the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), while inflorescence length was positively associated with plant height (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components accounted for 45% of the total phenotypic variation, capturing both vegetative and reproductive traits. These components revealed clustering of accessions according to utilization group, with partial overlap between cultivated and weedy taxa, indicating morphological continuity and incomplete domestication. Composite scoring revealed substantial variation in agronomic performance across species, with top-ranking accessions identified from both cultivated and weedy taxa. These findings highlight the rich diversity of Himalayan Amaranthus germplasm and underscore its importance as a valuable genetic resource for conservation, characterization, and future crop improvement efforts.
The “green smart city” offers a transformative model that integrates sustainability and advanced technologies to address global challenges, including food security, clean environment, and urban development. Protected cultivation techniques involved in development of green cities (GC) such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, vertical and roof top farming enable food production in limited spaces, reducing dependency on conventional techniques. Low carbon emission, supply of clean energy, waste management, and sustainable transportation systems are some other advantages of GC. The present review delves into the creation of GC and their various applications in sustainable urban planning. It further explores the emerging trends and innovations in urban horticulture, develop long‐term strategies for green smart cities, and integrate AI, machine learning (ML), robotics, and internet of things (IoT) into urban planning. Numerous challenges in developing such green smart cities are discussed. It is widely believed that integrating GC with smart technologies including Robotics, AI, ML, and IoT may help leveraging the natural resources and their sustainable production. Future research needs to be focused on rational and empirical approaches by employing various strategies in interdisciplinary fields in order to develop a realistic model for future cities with sustainability and zero hunger, waste, and carbon footprints.
Water scarcity is a pressing and emerging geopolitical and societal challenge that has intensified reliance on wastewater (WW) for irrigation, but its contamination with pathogens and noxious compounds such as heavy metals (HMs) poses serious risks to food safety and public health. This study highlights the need to evaluate the health risks associated with the potential consumption of tomatoe's irrigated with WW and the role of biochar (BC) in mitigating these risks. 2-year trials were conducted to evaluate tomatoes grown in BC-amended soil under WW irrigation at various locations of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Data revealed that escalated use of WW caused adverse effects on plant growth (15% to 18.9%) and fruit quality parameters. Moreover, heavy metal concentration in plant tissues was markedly higher in the 2nd year of the trial, likely due to cumulative heavy metal enrichment in WW-irrigated soils, and the trend of improvement was Uchkera site, followed by Satyana and UAF Farms. However, BC-treated soil significantly enhanced chlorophyll contents, secondary metabolites production, osmoregulation, antioxidant activities and curtailed reactive oxygen species accumulation, thereby restoring plant growth, biomass production and fruit quality. The present study offers compelling evidence for the integration of BC-soil amendment into WW-based irrigation systems to promote sustainable food security and safety.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with over 80% of terrestrial plants, enhancing nutrient exchange. This review synthesizes research on AM fungi's roles in mediating nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and carbon (C) dynamics and their impacts on plant growth. AM fungi facilitate nutrient acquisition through extensive hyphal networks and interactions with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria, boosting N fixation and transport. They enhance P uptake and maintain C: N P stoichiometry, improving root growth and nutrient absorption in nutrient‐poor soils. AM fungi also mitigate nutrient toxicity and increase plant resilience to abiotic stresses, serving as natural biofertilizers. In sustainable agriculture, they reduce chemical fertilizer use by improving nutrient cycling and soil aggregation, enhancing soil health and crop resilience. Despite these benefits, gaps remain in understanding species‐specific interactions and environmental influences on AM fungi efficacy, necessitating further research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AM fungi's contributions to nutrient dynamics, offering insights for advancing mycorrhizal research and sustainable farming practices.
Flowering processes in orchids possess both similarities and differences with characterized model plant species, such as Arabidopsis . This review examines the complex mechanisms governing flowering in orchids, contrasting them with model species. While mechanisms of characterized models rely heavily on photoperiod and vernalization, orchids exhibit a more pronounced reliance on hormonal signaling, often overriding other cues. Seven flowering pathways were compared among model species and orchids, revealing species‐specific responses to temperature and photoperiod. Three models of orchid flower development were evaluated, highlighting their strengths and limitations and the need for species‐specific approaches. Understanding these complexities is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and harnessing orchid diversity for horticultural applications, particularly in the face of climate change and the potential for genetic manipulation to enhance flower traits. The sophisticated sensory systems driving orchid pollination also warrant further investigation. A multidisciplinary approach integrating genomic data, advanced computational methods, and species‐specific analyses is essential for fully unlocking the secrets of orchid flowering.
Cereal production, including oats, is often limited in dry areas due to low moisture. To ensure food security and use innovative agronomic techniques to enhance crop resilience, a split‐plot factorial design was used in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 to evaluate the effects of fertilizers, including bulk and nanoparticle forms of Si (Si‐NPs) (20–30 nm) and Ti (Ti‐NPs) (10–30 nm) at three concentrations: 0, 100, and 200 mg L −1 either separately or in combination in well‐watered (WW) and late‐season water deficit (WD) environments on oat. In WW, the average yields of seed, protein, and biomass were 7357, 828, and 24185 kg ha −1 , and WD significantly reduced them by 18.8%, 18.4%, and 30.1%, respectively. Bulk and NP treatments of Ti and Si fertilizers under WW and WD prevented a significant reduction in these traits. The superiority of Ti‐NPs and Si‐NPs over their bulk counterparts was significant. The combined treatment of Ti‐NPs + Si‐NPs at 200 mg L −1 was the most effective fertilizer treatment, resulting in significant increases in yield of grain, protein, and biomass of 27.4%, 67.8%, and 24.4%, respectively. Ti‐NPs and Si‐NPs significantly enhance oat yield, outperforming bulk forms and offering a sustainable approach to cereal production in arid areas.
Aflatoxin contamination of pistachios represents a significant global food safety challenge, posing substantial risks to public health and imposing considerable economic constraints on international trade. A periodic review of RASFF data indicates a persistent problem of aflatoxin contamination in nuts, particularly pistachios, within international trade, highlighting the need for sustainable and preventive control strategies. The primary etiological agents are toxigenic species of Aspergillus , principally A. flavus , which can colonize the nut during preharvest, harvest, and postharvest stages. A critical juncture for infection is the initial colonization in the orchard, frequently facilitated by early nut splitting, insect damage, and various abiotic stressors. The prevalence and severity of fungal colonization and subsequent aflatoxin biosynthesis are profoundly influenced by a complex interplay of environmental factors. Consequently, a multifaceted approach to mitigation is essential. Foundational strategies involve the implementation of sound horticultural and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), including optimizing orchard design, cultivar selection, irrigation, and nutrition, alongside timely harvesting and meticulous postharvest management. Among advanced control measures, biological control has emerged as a promising strategy. The application of competitive, nontoxigenic A. flavus strains, such as the commercially deployed AF36, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing aflatoxin contamination by up to 45%. This intervention, sanctioned by regulatory bodies and widely adopted in major production regions like California, serves as a paradigm for scalable and sustainable mycotoxin management in global pistachio production systems.
Salinity is one of the leading abiotic stresses affecting agricultural efficiency globally by hampering several physio‐biochemical and molecular processes. Due to salinity, 1.5 million hectares of land lost their productivity, and the total economic loss exceeds 27 billion dollars throughout the globe each year. To overcome this loss, Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa), known as facultative halophyte, could be a good solution that has the potential to survive under saline conditions. In quinoa, important attributes appear to be an efficient control of sodium sequestration in leaf vacuoles, xylem sodium loading, better potassium retention, effectual control over stomatal aperture, higher production of antioxidants and exhibited higher expression of cation transporter genes, i.e., SALT‐OVERLY‐SENSITIVE ( SOS1 ), SODIUM/HYDROGEN EXCHANGER ( NHX1 ) and POTASSIUM TRANSPORTER ( HKT1 ), AND CATION TRANSPORTER GENE , CHLORIDE CHANNEL PROTEIN ( CLC ), NITRATE‐TRANSPORTER ( NRT ), and CELL CATION CHANNELS ( SLAH ). This review summarizes the present knowledge of the salt tolerance mechanisms in quinoa under salinity stress. A brief appraisal of omics approaches to uncover the salt‐tolerance mechanismsss in quinoa has also been presented. Salinity tolerance in quinoa involves multiple genes, such as SOS1 , NHX1 , HKT1 , and P5CS , that can be transferred to other crop species to enhance their ion regulation, osmotic adjustment, and overall salt stress tolerance.
Forage maize cultivated in El Minea (Algeria) is affected by salt and pH stress concomitantly. Two forage maize varieties TWC‐352 and MAS‐55.N as well as three factors with five levels were studied: Na 2 SiO 3 (0, 1, 3.5, 6, and 7 mM), NaCl (0, 25, 87.5, 150, and 175 mM) and pH (4, 5, 7, 9 and 9.8). Different factors combinations were carried out using the Response Surface Method (RSM). The results show that the Na 2 SiO 3 supply is an efficient improvement strategy in the case of the tolerant variety MAS‐55.N whether it is under stress or not. On the other hand, for the sensitive variety TWC‐352, the efficiency is observed only in the event of saline‐pH stress; in the absence of stress, the supply of Na 2 SiO 3 inhibited the germination. Na 2 SiO 3 is particularly effective during simultaneous NaCl–pH alkaline stress. By exploiting the derivative of the trendline curves of the evolution of the Na 2 SiO 3 –NaCl and Na 2 SiO 3 –pH interaction coefficients, theoretical frequency supply was determined and then successfully confirmed by experimentation. Our results showed that three applications on 1‐day alteration improved germination by 10% and the vigor index by 100% in the MAS‐55.N in soil‐2 stress conditions.
Climate change and declining water resources adversely affect rice production. Conventional continuous flooding in rice cultivation requires high water input, posing challenges under water scarcity and contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) is a water‐saving irrigation method that addresses water limitations in flooded cultivation. A Scopus literature search resulted in 1,830 articles, of which 77 were selected for quantitative analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The critical review revealed that AWD reduces water input, increases water productivity and use efficiency. Physiological adjustments include enhanced indole acetic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinin regulation, and increased enzymatic activities of sucrose and starch synthases. These changes improve root architecture and gas exchange traits, and facilitate efficient assimilate partitioning to maintain stable grain yield. AWD mitigates GHG emissions, reduces pests and disease incidences. Integration of organic amendments enhances soil health and moisture retention capacity. However, widespread adoption is hindered by weed infestations, sociocultural resistance, and economic risk perceptions. Research gaps include limited integration of weed and nutrient management, uncertain AWD performance under extreme weather events, and yield variations due to agroecological conditions. Addressing these through targeted research, local agricultural policies and farmer‐centric strategies is key to promoting AWD for sustainable rice cultivation.
The “Queen of fruits,” Litchi chinensis Sonn. is esteemed for its delicious fruits developed from apetalous flowers that bloom on terminal portions of the current season's growth. However, its ability to transition between vegetative and reproductive phases is increasingly challenged by climate change. Litchi's sensitivity to climatic variations—including temperature, rainfall, and nutrient availability—profoundly impacts its flowering and fruiting. Deviations from optimal conditions often reduce yield. Climate change also exacerbates the cyclic vegetative flushes litchi undergoes. Typically, three flushes are required to support fruiting, with staggered emergence at 2–3‐week intervals. Altered climatic patterns disrupt this timing, compromising yield. Maintaining an appropriate C:N ratio is also difficult under shifting conditions. At the molecular level, climate change interferes with genes regulating flowering. Key genes like LFY/LEAFY and APETALA are impacted, potentially leading to dis‐regulated flowering. Hormones such as auxins, gibberellins, and ABA, essential for flowering and fruit retention, are also affected. Understanding and mitigating these effects are imperative for sustaining litchi production under evolving conditions.
The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, nutritional value, and health benefits of edible flowers in the Asian region. Edible flowers have been highly valued in traditional medicine and cuisine in Asia for centuries. They are rich in macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, which confer the anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, and cardiovascular effects. These properties contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress, managing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular functions. This review highlights the importance of these properties, supporting the application of edible flowers in functional foods and dietary supplements. It further evaluates the safety and the potential toxicity of edible flower consumption and the innovative approach of using edible flowers in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. The results of this study suggest that edible flowers are a promising plant‐based alternative to synthetic food additives. However, further studies and guidelines are required to ensure safe consumption and facilitate commercial applications. Overall, this study bridges the traditional knowledge and the modern science, highlighting the potential of Asian edible flowers to contribute to plant‐based innovations, public health, and sustainable food systems for broader societal benefits.
With growing global demand for sustainable livestock systems and nutritious animal products, the importance of resilient and high‐quality forage crops is becoming increasingly evident. Conventional forages often fail to meet both the nutritional and climatic resilience needs of modern livestock systems. Small millets, traditionally underutilized and often classified as orphan crops, offer a promising alternative. These hardy cereals can thrive in marginal environments, require low inputs, and possess superior nutritional profiles, high calcium and iron, making them valuable for animal health and productivity. Despite their well‐established role in human nutrition, their potential as forage crops remains largely underexplored. This review highlights the suitability of small millets for forage production, especially in regions facing climatic challenges such as those in the Asia–Pacific. We emphasize their relevance to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and discuss how emerging technologies, such as omics‐driven breeding and genetic engineering, can unlock their underutilized genetic potential. Although research on small millets is less advanced than in pearl millet or sorghum, their ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes them suitable for resilient forage systems. Using small millets as forage can improve food security, promote sustainable farming, and ease pressure on conventional feed sources.
