IntroductionUrban green spaces require planting strategies that simultaneously enhance biodiversity, reduce maintenance inputs, and improve resilience to climate change. Herbaceous perennial mixtures represent promising alternatives to conventional lawns and simplified ornamental plantings, although their long-term performance under low-input management remains insufficiently documented. This study evaluated the suitability of different perennial mixtures for sustainable urban landscaping, focusing on vegetation performance, management requirements, ornamental value, and insect biodiversity.MethodsTwelve mixtures of ornamental perennial species were evaluated over three consecutive years under field conditions in northwestern Italy, without irrigation or fertilization. Plant performance was assessed through ground cover, weed suppression, ornamental quality, and flowering dynamics. In 2023–2024, carabid beetles and butterflies were monitored as bioindicator groups to assess the potential contribution of the experimental area to insect biodiversity.ResultsPerennial mixture significantly affected vegetation performance, with marked differences in establishment and persistence. Mixtures dominated by Stachys byzantina, Sedum reflexum, Carex flacca, Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’, Phlox subulata, Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’, and Geranium × cantabrigiense ‘Karmina’ rapidly achieved stable canopy closure (>89%), maintained high ornamental quality (>81%), and effectively suppressed weeds. Conversely, mixtures lacking persistent canopy-forming species showed poor establishment, limited ground cover, and greater weed biomass. Flowering was strongly seasonal, peaking in late spring, while mixtures containing complementary flowering taxa provided more continuous floral resources. Biodiversity monitoring recorded 6,897 carabid beetles and 2,271 butterflies, with insect abundance showing pronounced seasonal variation. Species of conservation interest, including Lycaena dispar and Lucanus cervus, were also recorded.DiscussionFunctional composition, rather than species richness alone, emerged as a key determinant of perennial mixture performance by influencing canopy development, weed suppression, ornamental quality, and habitat structure. Combining flowering-rich mixtures that provide seasonally complementary floral resources with structurally persistent, weed-suppressive vegetation may therefore represent an effective strategy for simultaneously supporting pollinators and ground-dwelling arthropods. Trait-based perennial mixtures can provide resilient, biodiversity-friendly, and low-maintenance solutions for climate-adapted urban green infrastructure.
Weed management in orchards often relies on herbicides, increasing the risk of resistance and highlighting the need for effective nonchemical alternatives. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology delivers short, high field-strength pulses that disrupt cell membranes; however, the efficacy of soil-applied PEF for orchard weed control remains largely untested. This study evaluated soil-applied PEF for weed management and hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) tolerance under field conditions and assessed how soil incubation time influences weed susceptibility to PEF under controlled conditions. In a young hazelnut orchard, treatments included a nontreated control, a hand-weeded control, and soil-applied PEF at 1, 10, and 100 J cm-³, applied once using opposing vertical-pin soil electrodes. Weed control was assessed up to 60 days after treatment, and crop response was evaluated through visual injury and physiological measurements. In parallel container experiments, tubers of Cyperus esculentus and seeds of Echinochloa crus-galli and Amaranthus palmeri were planted and incubated for 0, 3, 5, or 7 days prior to PEF application at 0, 25, 50, or 200 J cm-³ using a parallel-plate applicator. In the field, soil-applied PEF caused minimal crop injury and had no consistent effect on physiological parameters, indicating high crop tolerance; however, weed suppression was limited even at 100 J cm-³. In contrast, under controlled conditions, PEF reduced weed biomass, with efficacy strongly influenced by incubation time and species identity. Increasing incubation time by 3 to 7 days increased susceptibility across species and reduced the energy required for effective control, with substantial biomass reductions observed at 25–50 J cm-³. These results demonstrate that soil-applied PEF provides limited weed control under current field application method, likely due to inefficient energy delivery. In contrast, the parallel-plate application in containers effectively controlled weed propagules. Improving applicator design and optimizing energy delivery pathways will be critical to enhance the performance of PEF technologies in orchard systems.
IntroductionEfficient propagation protocols for Osmanthus are needed to support nursery production and cultivar preservation, yet rooting success varies widely among species and cultivars.MethodsThis study evaluated survival and rooting performance of non-lignified, semi-lignified, and lignified stem cuttings from nine Osmanthus genotypes representing three species (O. fragrans, O. heterophyllus, and O. fortunei). Cuttings were collected in early summer, treated with 0, 1000, or 4000 ppm KIBA, and grown under intermittent mist for 12 weeks.ResultsAcross all treatments, 52% of cuttings remained alive at six weeks, and 22% developed at least one root by twelve weeks. Species, cultivar, and wood maturity were the strongest determinants of rooting success. Twelve-week rooting percentages averaged 26.3% for O. fortunei, 32.3% for O. fragrans, and 8.8% for O. heterophyllus. Lignified cuttings rooted most successfully (34.2%) compared to semi-lignified (28.7%) and non-lignified (0%) material. Cultivar-level variation was pronounced; for example, O. fragrans ‘Fodingzhu’ rooted at 63%, while other cultivars averaged 11–21%. Auxin concentration had minimal effect on survival but increased root system quality: lignified cuttings treated with 4000 ppm KIBA averaged 3.8 roots per cutting, compared to 1.0 roots in untreated controls. Mean root area was 990 mm² across all species and treatments, with O. fortunei producing the largest root systems and O. heterophyllus the smallest.DiscussionThese findings indicate that rooting success in Osmanthus depends primarily on species, cultivar, and cutting maturity, while auxin improves root quality rather than survival. Practical recommendations include avoiding non-lignified shoots, prioritizing lignified or semi-lignified cuttings, and tailoring propagation protocols to species- and cultivar-specific differences.
IntroductionOnion (Allium cepa L.) is the second most commonly produced and consumed vegetable worldwide. In West Africa, high heat and moisture are key constraints for onion productivity during the rainy-season. This study aimed to assess the combining ability, heterosis, and genetic variability of five onion genotypes and 10 F1 hybrids generated through a half diallel mating design to identify superior parental lines and hybrids adapted to heat and moisture conditions.MethodThe experiment involved five parents: Prema 178, EW001, Violet d’Abéché, Violet de Galmi and AC980. The trials were implemented on station at the World Vegetable Center in Samanko by using a randomized complete block design. Twelve morphological, physiological, and agronomic traits were evaluated.ResultsAnalysis of variance showed substantial genetic variability. Significant general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects indicated that both additive and non-additive gene actions influence key traits. The best general combiner was Parent P1 (Prema 178), which had the best positive GCA effects on plant survival rate (5 and 4.98), plant height (2.36 and 2.53), number of bulbs (5.82 and 3.38), and bulb yield (2.09 and 2.44). The hybrids P4×P5 (Violet de Galmi x AC980) and P1xP5 (Prema 178×AC980) had the most positive SCA effects and the best heterosis values over the midparent (105.26%) and better parent (94.56%) for bulb yield, as well as strong vigor and root growth.DiscussionThese results demonstrate that the hybrids P4×P5, P1×P5, and P3×P5 are good candidates for multilocation testing in high heat and high moisture prone conditions.
Plumeria rubra L. is an important ornamental species cultivated in subtropical nursery production; however, its response to combined light and fertilization management remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the effects of light intensity and fertilization on plant growth, physiological performance, and substrate nutrient dynamics under container conditions. A split-plot completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with two light environments (full sun and shade) as the main factor and five cumulative fertilizer rates (0, 90, 105, 120, and 150 g/plant) as the subplot factor. Plant growth, physiological traits, and leachate properties were assessed at 180 days after treatment (DAT). Both light intensity and fertilization significantly affected plant growth and physiological responses (p < 0.05), whereas a significant light × fertilizer interaction was detected only for SPAD. Plant height increased from 103.58 cm in the unfertilized control to 136.59 cm at 120 g/plant, followed by a decline at the highest fertilizer rate. Leaf number increased progressively with fertilization, reaching 29.9 leaves at 150 g/plant. SPAD values increased with fertilizer application under both light environments, while NDVI increased from 0.69 in the control to approximately 0.80 in fertilized plants. Fertilization significantly increased NO3- and Ca2+ concentrations, whereas light intensity affected Ca2+, Na+, pH, and total dissolved salts in the leachate. Principal component analysis explained 76.04% of the total variation in the first two dimensions and showed that increasing fertilizer rates were associated with greater plant growth and physiological performance. A fertilizer rate of 120 g/plant was associated with the greatest plant growth and physiological performance. Fertilization had a greater effect on plant growth and substrate nutrient dynamics than light intensity, providing guidance for nutrient management in nursery production of P. rubra.
Strawberry production is confronting a plateau in key regions, due to competition for land and intensifying climate-based stressors, all amid a surge in global demand. We discuss how the expansion of solar energy may help overcome this plateau. We review the scales at which solar farms are built and design elements that facilitate crop production under and between photovoltaic panels. We consider the two general categorical designs for solar farms based on their primary purpose: agriculture-centric and energy-centric designs. By considering both the scale and design approaches for solar farm development, we identify potential new locations for strawberry cultivation. Integrating strawberry production into utility-scale, energy-centric solar farms directly addresses two major constraints underlying the current production plateau: limited access to farmland and increasing climate stress. A summary of previous studies reveals evidence that solar farms offer multifaceted benefits including the mitigation of extreme weather through increased soil moisture retention and shading that alleviates heat stress, all critical for sustaining and potentially improving strawberry yields. We examine strawberry’s physiological responses to shading, highlighting how a plant with a C3 photosynthetic pathway can thrive in a solar farm. We conclude by highlighting key steps needed to ensure that agrivoltaics practices could be allowed at a solar farm to ensure sustainable production. Integrating a high-value crop into utility scale, energy-centric solar farms offer a sustainable pathway to address urgent challenges in food security and climate resilience by simultaneously increasing strawberry production and potentially advance renewable energy production.
Insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera comprise a large number of economically important pests in agricultural systems. Although their control still largely relies on the use of synthetic insecticides, increasing attention is being directed toward the development of alternative, nature-based solutions that are environmentally sound and sustainable. In this context, urban green spaces and managed landscapes constitute an underutilized reservoir of green waste that can serve as a raw material for the development of botanical insecticides. This review aimed to analyze recent studies investigating plant-derived materials obtained from ornamental species for the production of extracts and essential oils evaluated against lepidopteran pests. A systematic literature search was performed in the Web of Science database, targeting peer-reviewed original research articles published within the last ten years. According to the predefined selection criteria, a total of 72 plant species from 32 families were identified and included in the analysis. Approximately 80% of examined taxa exhibited insecticidal properties, while antifeedant activity was reported for extracts and essential oils derived from 54% of the species. The insect species tested for susceptibility to these plant-based preparations belonged to ten families, with the most frequently investigated pests including Plutella xylostella (Plutellidae), Spodoptera frugiperda (Noctuidae), Spodoptera litura (Noctuidae), and Lymantria dispar (Erebidae). Ornamental plant species included in this review represent a heterogeneous group of woody and herbaceous taxa that generate considerable amounts of biomass. However, variability in biomass quantity and quality, together with challenges related to its acquisition and management, represent key limitations in the conversion of green waste into value-added products. Once these challenges are effectively addressed, biomass valorization for biopesticide development has the potential to support the principles of a circular bioeconomy and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
This study evaluated the effects of supplemental red (R) and far-red (FR) light against a white (W) background on the growth, photochemical performance, and phytochemical accumulation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and kale (Brassica oleracea L.) under controlled conditions. Four lighting treatments were evaluated in this study: white light (W, control), white supplemented with red light (W+R), white supplemented with far-red light (W+FR), and white supplemented with both red and far-red light (W+R+FR). Plants were cultivated in a controlled-environment plant factory under a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 100 μmol m-2 s-1, a 16 h photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark), a temperature of 23 ± 2 °C, and a relative humidity of 35 -40%. In lettuce, R increased leaf number, leaf area, and dry weight by 34.5%, 56.5%, and 18.8%, respectively, while FR increased plant height and fresh weight by 56.4% and 27.2%, respectively, compared to W. In kale, W+R+FR increased plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and fresh weight by 54.7%, 17.3%, 43.9%, and 23.4%, respectively. Photochemical efficiency remained stable, with Fv/Fm increasing by 10.6% (lettuce) and 16.7% (kale) under W+R+FR. Stomatal conductance increased by 62.5% in FR for lettuce and 46.2% in W+R+FR for kale. FR increased chlorophyll a and b in lettuce by 35% and 36.5%, and R+FR increased carotenoids and anthocyanins by 54% and 30.9%, respectively. In kale, chlorophyll increased by 66.5% and 43.2% under W+R, while anthocyanins rose by 572% under W+R+FR. Total phenolics increased by 11.1% in lettuce under W+R+FR and by 10.7% in kale under W+R, while flavonoids increased by 30.8% in lettuce under W+R+FR and by 18.1% in kale under W+R. DPPH antioxidant capacity increased by 4.3% in lettuce under W+R+FR and by 6.2% in kale under W+R, while FRAP values increased by 14.1% in lettuce under W+R+FR and by 56.9% in kale under W+R and W+FR. Amino acids were unaffected, but nitrate content increased under FR treatments (lettuce: +53.6% in W+R+FR; +39.8% in W+R; kale: +64.8% in W+FR; +69.1% in W+R+FR). PCA indicated species-specific responses, with lettuce associated with pigment biosynthesis and kale with nitrogen metabolism and antioxidant activity. Overall, combined R and FR enhanced growth, photochemical efficiency, and phytochemical accumulation, while increasing nitrate levels, highlighting the importance of spectral optimization for regulating plant growth and bioactive compounds in controlled-environment agriculture.
Apple Replant Disease (ARD) symptoms usually appear shortly after planting when apple trees are replanted in soils where the same or a closely related species has grown previously. In an orchard study, we showed that amendment with AMF and biocontrols resulted in significantly better tree development. In the same experiment, rhizosphere soils were sampled three times and subjected to 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing. In this paper, we report the long-term effects of microbial amendment on rhizosphere community structure and relative abundance of specific microbial taxa. Apple rhizosphere microbial communities varied greatly with spatial locations and sampling time. There was a lack of long-term effects of microbial soil amendment on the overall microbial structure in the apple rhizosphere. Microbial amendment significantly affected the relative abundance of many microbial taxa, most of which had very low abundance. This finding implies that improved girth expansion associated with AMF and biocontrol amendments are likely attributable to changes in specific taxa within the rhizosphere rather than community-wide changes. Predominance of spatial and temporal effects on the rhizosphere microbiome indicates the importance of controlling spatial heterogeneity and temporal dynamics in soil microbial communities when designing microbiome field experiments.
Hollow stem formation can cause substantial quality and yield losses in broccoli production. This physiological disorder is closely associated with weight and stem diameter of the inflorescence. These head traits vary depending on variety and growing conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the susceptibility of different broccoli varieties to hollow stem formation under contrasting seasonal weather conditions and to evaluate increased plant density as a crop management strategy to mitigate this disorder. For this purpose, three field experiments were conducted using twelve commercially available varieties (‘Ares’, ‘Batavia’, ‘Covina’, ‘Ironman’, ‘Larsson’, ‘Malibu’, ‘Naxos’, ‘Neliam’, ‘Parthenon’, ‘SV1002BL’, ‘Triton’, and ‘Vicario’), grown at two plant densities (4.5 and 9.3 plants m-2) and across three seasons (early summer, summer, and fall). Vegetative growth, head traits, and the occurrence of stem cavities were evaluated. Four varieties (‘Ares’, ‘Ironman’, ‘Larsson’, and ‘SV1002BL’) exhibited low susceptibility to pith cracking, whereas three varieties (‘Batavia’, ‘Parthenon’, and ‘Vicario’) were highly affected. Under dry conditions during vegetative development, the proportion of heads exhibiting hollow stem remained below 9%, whereas it increased to 53% under warm and humid conditions. Close plant spacing markedly reduced stem and head width and almost completely suppressed cavity formation. Variety-specific threshold values for head weight and stem diameter were identified, above which the severity increased linearly. Overall, the results demonstrate that both variety choice and plant density represent effective management tools for minimizing hollow stem formation in broccoli production.
The use of locally produced organic fertilizers has attracted increasing attention as a promising option to commercial organic fertilizers in horticultural systems. This study investigated the effects of homemade organic fertilizer on the growth, development, yield, and fruit quality of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) under field conditions in Northern Vietnam. A randomized complete block design was employed with four treatments: control (water), Divital-Germany, Biooptima 2, and homemade organic fertilizer, each with three replicates. The results demonstrated that homemade organic fertilizer significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, and leaf number, with performance comparable to or exceeding that of commercial organic fertilizers. Although most yield components were not significantly affected, fruit set percentage was improved under organic fertilization. Notably, plants treated with homemade organic fertilizer produced significantly higher yields than the control treatment at the 5% significance level, reaching 1.8 kg plant-¹ and an actual yield of 30.1 t ha-¹, which were comparable to yields obtained from the commercial organic fertilizers. In terms of fruit quality, homemade organic fertilizer increased soluble solids content (°Brix), contributing to improved fruit taste, while maintaining nitrate levels within safe limits (<150 mg kg-¹). These results suggest that homemade organic fertilizer was able to support tomato productivity and fruit quality at levels comparable to commercial organic fertilizers. As derived from locally available materials, homemade organic fertilizer is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable fertilizer option. Its adoption can reduce dependence on commercial inputs and promote circular agricultural practices, making it particularly suitable for smallholder farming systems in Northern Vietnam.
IntroductionBacterial wilt of tomato, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), is a major constraint to tomato production in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The deployment of resistant cultivars remains the most effective and sustainable management strategy. Despite this, there is limited information on the diversity of RSSC populations and the availability of resistant germplasm in Ghana.MethodsIn this study, RSSC isolates from two identified disease hotspots in the Upper East Region (Soogo and Teshie communities) were characterized, and selected tomato genotypes were evaluated for resistance to representative virulent strains under greenhouse conditions. Twenty isolates recovered from symptomatic plants were all identified as biovar 3, with thirteen belonging to phylotype I and seven to phylotype III. Fifteen tomato genotypes were evaluated using a 2 × 15 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications.ResultsSignificant differences (p < 0.05) in disease response among tomato genotypes were observed, while the genotype × strain interaction was not significant, indicating consistent performance across strains. Mean plant survival across strains ranged from 0.0 to 83.3%. Two genotypes, CRA66 (WorldVeg) and TmL114-42-N-H.T.P Early, demonstrated stable resistance, characterized by high plant survival and lower AUDPC values. Most genotypes were moderately resistant, while two were susceptible.DiscussionThe absence of significant strain-specific effects under the tested conditions indicates that these resistant genotypes may provide broad-based protection. These findings identify promising sources of resistance for breeding and provide a foundation for developing tomato cultivars with durable resistance to bacterial wilt in Ghana and similar tropical tomato-growing environments.
Urban controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) has emerged as a technologically advanced approach to food production that seeks to address land scarcity, climate instability, and the growing demand for fresh produce in cities. This review examined the role of smart technologies and automation, sustainability and economic performance, and the major challenges and future directions shaping urban CEA. The evidence shows that sensor-based monitoring, IoT-enabled control systems, predictive models, and automation have improved precision in environmental regulation, nutrient delivery, and light management, thereby strengthening productivity and operational consistency. Urban CEA also demonstrates important advantages in land-use efficiency, water conservation, and nutrient-use control, particularly in hydroponic and vertically stacked systems. However, these gains are moderated by high energy demand, infrastructure costs, operational complexity, and dependence on a limited range of high-value crops. The literature further reveals important research gaps in multi-crop optimization, cultivar development for indoor systems, and integrated assessments of technical, economic, and environmental performance. Policy support, regulatory alignment, and context-specific scale-up strategies remain critical to long-term viability. Urban CEA therefore holds significant promise, but its future depends on whether innovation can move beyond technical efficiency toward economically resilient, environmentally credible, and socially relevant production systems.
IntroductionTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide, yet its production is constrained by limited knowledge of locally cultivated varieties. Breeding of high-performing varieties requires a clear understanding of available genetic resources. This study aimed to characterize tomato accessions cultivated in Togo based on morphotype variation, with implications for conservation and genetic improvement.MethodsA total of forty-five (45) accessions collected across the country were phenotyped under field conditions at the Coastal Agricultural Research Center (CRAL/Davié) station using a randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of eleven morphological traits were recorded according to the tomato crop ontology. Descriptive statistics, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), and cluster analysis were carried out to assess the germplasm diversity and its structure. Results and discussionMCA revealed substantial variability among accessions in plant size, vigor, stem pubescence, foliage density, leaf shape, and severity of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and bacterial wilt. Field evaluation under natural infection conditions indicated that several accessions exhibited tolerance to bacterial wilt (91%) and TYLCV (76%), underscoring their value for genetic improvement programs. Cluster analysis revealed five distinct morphotypes, highlighting considerable diversity among the accessions. Morphotype 1 (6 accessions) comprised large, vigorous genotypes susceptible to TYLCV but tolerant to bacterial wilt, whereas morphotype 2 (18 accessions) included intermediate, vigorous genotypes with the inverse response. Morphotype 3 was represented by a single, distinct accession exhibiting tolerance to bacterial wilt. In contrast, morphotypes 4 (13 accessions) and 5 (7 accessions) grouped short-statured genotypes exhibiting dual field tolerance, differing in plant vigor and leaf architecture. The identified polymorphic traits constitute robust phenotypic descriptors for preliminary varietal identification and offer practical entry points for targeted breeding strategies. Collectively, this germplasm provides a valuable genetic reservoir for the development of high-yielding, resilient tomato cultivars adapted to local agro-ecological conditions, with significant implications for enhancing food and nutritional security in Togo.
IntroductionEfficient irrigation management and cultivar selection are critical for improving water productivity and sustaining yield stability in protected vegetable production systems under increasing climatic variability. High tunnel (HT) environments can modify temperature and evapotranspiration dynamics, thereby influencing crop responses to irrigation management. This study aimed to identify bell pepper cultivars with high productivity and stable performance under deficit irrigation strategies in contrasting HT and open field (OF) environments.MethodsA two-year field study was conducted during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons to evaluate the performance of Bell pepper cultivars under three irrigation strategies in HT and OF production systems. Irrigation treatments included 10% management allowable depletion (MAD), 30% MAD, and conventional time-based irrigation scheduling. Yield components, marketable and unmarketable yield, fruit number, and fruit size attributes were measured to assess cultivar productivity, irrigation responsiveness, and performance stability across environments.ResultsThe HT environment moderated diurnal temperature fluctuations while maintaining consistently higher minimum temperatures than the OF environment, with seasonal increases ranging from 1.1 to 5.2 °C and maximum temperatures occasionally reaching 40.7 °C. Significant cultivar × irrigation interactions were observed under HT conditions for total yield, marketable yield, and fruit number, indicating differential cultivar responses to soil moisture management. Cultivars such as Early Sunsation and King Arthur produced greater yields under MAD-based irrigation treatments, demonstrating strong responsiveness to optimized soil water depletion and improved production efficiency under deficit irrigation. Conversely, cultivars including Ninja and X3R Red Knight maintained relatively stable yields across irrigation treatments, suggesting greater physiological stability and adaptability to reduced irrigation inputs. Under OF conditions, irrigation treatments did not significantly influence yield parameters, likely because rainfall and lower evaporative demand minimized differences in soil water availability among treatments. However, cultivar effects significantly influenced unmarketable yield, primarily due to physiological disorders such as sunscald and blossom-end rot. Fruit size characteristics remained relatively stable across irrigation treatments and were predominantly determined by genetic factors.DiscussionThe results demonstrated substantial genotypic variation in irrigation responsiveness and water-use efficiency among bell pepper cultivars under protected cultivation. Deficit irrigation strategies based on MAD thresholds improved irrigation efficiency without compromising productivity in adapted cultivars, particularly under HT conditions where elevated thermal demand increased the importance of precise soil moisture management. Cultivars exhibiting both high productivity and stable performance under reduced irrigation represent promising genetic resources for sustainable protected vegetable production. Integrating cultivar selection with precision irrigation management may therefore enhance yield stability, resource-use efficiency, and climate resilience in HT bell pepper production systems.
IntroductionThe use of growing media in soilless culture enables reductions in soil fumigants, enhances resource use efficiency, and increases crop yields. Global demand for growing media is rising, driven by population growth, rising incomes, changing consumer preferences, and the need to adapt to climate change. The supply and selection of raw materials are shaped by performance, economic, and environmental factors. A key question is whether sufficient viable raw materials will be available to meet this demand. This study addresses two questions: (1) What is the projected geographical consumption of growing media by 2050? and (2) What is the potential availability of raw materials for growing media by 2050, and what is their projected use in growing media production?MethodsDemand projections for 2050 are based on 2022 usage data and expected increase in product demand. Five market segments are considered: food crops, ornamentals, tree nurseries, mushroom casing for button mushrooms, and the hobby market. Eight main constituent groups are analyzed: peat, coir, wood fiber, bark, compost, mineral wool, perlite, and soil/tuffs. Availability estimates are based on current industry data and trends.ResultsThe results indicate that demand is expected to increase up to 250-290% by 2050, with particularly strong growth in the ornamental and tree nursery sectors. The most significant increases are expected in China and emerging markets in Asia, South America, and Africa. Raw materials are projected to be sufficient to meet demand in the high-availability scenario, while the low-availability scenario will require approximately 17 Mm3 of new materials.DiscussionRather than a static forecast, this study provides an evolving tool for future improvements. Projections assume maximum production scaling, but existing industrial challenges may alter these outcomes. Consequently, investigating new raw materials and improved processing techniques for lower quality inputs is essential.
IntroductionIntraspecific genotypic variation arising from artificial selection can shift how plants allocate resources, often unbalancing traits related to growth, reproduction, and defense. Such trade-offs may increase susceptibility to herbivory, particularly in genotypes subjected to strong selection. While perennial plants often retain ancestral traits, the effects of selective breeding on their morphological and chemical characteristics—and their consequences for plant–herbivore interactions—remain poorly understood. Here, we examined how intraspecific genotypic variation shaped by artificial selection influences morphological and biochemical traits in guava (Psidium guajava), and how these traits affect herbivory.MethodsWe evaluated seven guava genotypes, two wild, two landraces, and three cultivated to capture genetic variation using material from a germplasm bank in Zacatecas, Mexico. We measured tree, leaf, and fruit morphology; total soluble solids (°Brix); water content; and total phenolic compounds in leaves and fruits. Folivory and frugivory were also quantified.ResultsMost traits varied significantly among genotypes. Cultivated guavas generally had larger leaves, greater fruit biomass, and heavier seeds, but lower concentrations of chemical defenses in both leaves and fruits. However, no trade-offs were detected between morphological and defensive traits. Foliar herbivory varied among genotypes but was not associated with the origin of the plant. Moreover, herbivory showed no correlation with any morphological or biochemical traits.ConclusionAlthough artificial selection appears to have reduced certain defensive traits in some guava genotypes, the extent to which it has shaped trait expression and herbivore resistance in wild versus cultivated populations remains unclear.
The term “sustainable growing media” is widely used in horticultural research, policy, and industry, yet its meaning remains ambiguous, inconsistently applied, and often unsupported by evidence, undermining the very decisions it is meant to guide. Materials are frequently characterised as sustainable based on single attributes, such as being peat-free, recycled, renewable or aligned with policy priorities, without demonstrating reliable horticultural performance, economic viability, social responsibility or reduced environmental impact within real production systems. This paper examines why defining sustainable growing media has proven persistently challenging and why a single, universal definition may be neither achievable nor even useful. Drawing on existing literature and policy initiatives, we analyse sustainability through its environmental, economic and social pillars, highlighting how narrow or assumption-based assessments obscure trade-offs and shift, rather than reduce, environmental and social burdens. We argue that sustainability in growing media is not an inherent material property but a context-dependent outcome that must be demonstrated within a defined production system. Rather than proposing a new definition, we outline eight minimum conditions for responsible use of the term, emphasising measurable impacts, functional performance, economic feasibility, and explicit treatment of trade-offs. Where such evidence is lacking, precise, verifiable descriptors should replace broad sustainability claims.
This study proposes salinity indices based on plant and substrate measurements to define reference thresholds for salinity management in potted crops, using Cestrum nocturnum as a model species. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with plants grown in containers and irrigated with nutrient solutions at three electrical conductivity (EC) levels (2.0, 4.5, and 7.0 dS m-¹). Plant responses were assessed through vegetative growth, visual quality, flowering intensity, continuous stem diameter variation (maximum daily stem shrinkage, MDS), cumulative evapotranspiration (ETa), and substrate bulk EC monitored with sensors. Increasing salinity reduced vegetative growth, particularly shoot biomass, while enhancing flowering intensity at 4.5 dS m-¹, indicating a shift from vegetative to reproductive development. The moving average of MDS (avgMDS) responded to salinity, showing both increases and decreases depending on stress intensity, and, when expressed as signal intensity (SI: control/salinity), discriminated between stress levels, establishing alert (1.10) and critical (1.38) thresholds. Salinity decreased ETa by 35% and 65% at 4.5 and 7.0 dS m-¹, respectively, and ETa-based SI defined alert (1.20) and critical (1.55) thresholds. The hourly moving average of bulk EC (avgECb) enabled continuous assessment of salinity dynamics, minimizing the influence of substrate moisture variability. The use of avgMDS, ETa, and avgECb enables the detection and interpretation of salinity stress by integrating plant physiological responses with substrate conditions, while the combined use of two or more indices improves the robustness of the assessment, providing a quantitative framework for salinity management in potted crops.
Raspberries are a profitable and delicate fruit that are susceptible to a range of fungal pathogens. In recent years, UK growers have reported problems with Cladosporium on raspberries, potentially due to the movement of production from open fields to polythene tunnels. As Cladosporium is an understudied pathogen of raspberries, there is insufficient research on its epidemiology and management. In the present research, five commercially available biological control organisms were initially screened in dual-culture plate assays to determine if they could significantly reduce Cladosporium cladosporioides mycelial growth. All tested biological control organisms significantly inhibited Cladosporium mycelial growth in plate assays. The tested Trichoderma sp. was the most effective, with the rest having similar effects. In addition to the Trichoderma sp., two other Bacillus-based biological control products were selected for field studies: Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713 and B. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24. All three biological control organisms led to significant reductions in the proportion of fruit with skin lesions caused by Cladosporium in the field, irrespective of whether they were used before (preventive) or after (curative) Cladosporium inoculation. Of the three biological control organisms, the Trichoderma sp. was the most effective in reducing Cladosporium development on raspberry (28% preventatively, 27% curatively). Further large-scale experiments closer to industry standard applications are essential before these biological control products can be used in commercial raspberry production.
