Compost tea (CT) is increasingly recognized as a promising tool in sustainable production, aligning with the principles of enhancing soil biodiversity and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. This review critically evaluates current scientific knowledge on the role and efficacy of CT, examining its production methods, mechanisms of action, application schemes, and documented effects on fruit perennials and trees. Evidence suggests that when properly formulated and applied, CT can offer multiple benefits for fruit crops, including improved growth, enhanced yield and fruit quality, and suppression of certain diseases. Major barriers to widespread adoption include concerns over human pathogen safety, regulatory hurdles, and the logistical constraints of on-farm production. To transition CT from a practice of promise to a reliable agricultural tool, future research must focus on demystifying the "black box" through microbial and chemical characterization, establishing standardized production protocols, and conducting long-term, context-specific field trials. Investigating synergistic approaches that combine CT with other organic amendments and biostimulants appears to be a particularly promising avenue for unlocking its full potential in sustainable horticulture.

Abstract This document provides the conclusions of the pest survey card that was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission. The full pest survey card for Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum is published and available online in the EFSA Pest Survey Card gallery at the following link and will be updated whenever new information becomes available: https://efsa.europa.eu/plants/planthealth/monitoring/surveillance/ralstonia-pseudosolanacearum

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have emerged as sustainable tool for managing plant diseases. This study investigates the potential of a Pseudomonas-based biocontrol agent to manage bacterial blight (BB) in pomegranate. This major disease is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) and it is traditionally controlled with antibiotics. Of the 151 bacterial isolates obtained from the pomegranate rhizosphere, three (UHSPS15A, UHSPS33, and UHSPS54) demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects against Xap in vitro, and their identification as Pseudomonas was confirmed through DNA analysis. Greenhouse trials with Xap-inoculated plants revealed that preventive application of each of the three isolates was more effective than curative, with UHSPS15A providing the highest protection. A talc-based formulation was developed using UHSPS15A. After evaluating its stability and efficacy in greenhouse Xap-inoculated pomegranates plants, open-fields trials indicated that among the three different treatment modes tested, the combined soil and foliar application achieved the highest disease protection and fruit yield, topping the standard antibiotic control. These findings recommend that integrating Pseudomonas-based bio-formulations into disease management strategies could significantly reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, offering a sustainable alternative for controlling BB in pomegranate.

In this study, the performance of the modified soil moisture analytical relationship (MSMAR) in concurrent estimation of deep soil moisture (DSM), evapotranspiration (ET), and deep percolation (DP) derived from surface soil moisture (SSM) variations on a sprinkler-irrigated Triticale farm in northeast Iran was investigated. Soil moisture content across the growing season was monitored using time-domain reflectometry (TDR) sensors at seven depths down to 3 m, deployed at five locations on the farm. For model evaluation, HYDRUS-1D served as the benchmark, utilizing initial soil hydraulic parameters derived from RETC and ROSETTA software based on soil texture measurements. As a resource-efficient model, MSMAR underwent two calibration schemes employing MATLAB's genetic algorithm. The first scheme aimed to minimize the MSMAR's DSM errors with the TDR measurements, resulting in MSMAR's consistent DP and ET estimates comparable to those of HYDRUS-1D. Notably, the performance of the MSMAR's DSM estimates is equal or superior than those of HYDRUS-1D depending on the soil simulation depth. The second calibration scheme aimed to minimize the errors between the MSMAR's outputs with those of HYDRUS-1D (i.e., SM, ET and DP) demonstrating MSMAR adaptability relying on minimal information about soil texture, climate, and surface soil moisture variations. Detailed analysis via percentage root mean square error and R2 values across depths highlighted MSMAR's superior performance within the 50-100 cm soil depth. HYDRUS-1D's consideration of root water uptake led to sharp declines in DSM and DP at the Triticale root depth (100 cm), contrasting MSMAR's gradual decline continuing to 200 cm. As a promising tool, MSMAR can be implemented in diverse environmental applications, notably in resource-scarce regions.

The changing environmental constraints require even more adaptations of management techniques in agriculture and the qualitative improvement of wine production represents a sector of international strategic importance. Many wine-producing areas are located in environments currently suffering, or are expected to experience in the future, water deficits that can affect grape and wine quality. In the framework of the CISAV project (financed by the University of Naples Research Funding - FRA), three years of irrigation experiments (from 2021 to 2023) have been carried out on the autochthonous Piedirosso’ cultivar (Vitis vinifera sp) planted in a vineyard of volcanic environment, at the footslope of the Somma Vesuvius Complex (Campania Region, southern Italy), in temperate Mediterranean climate. The preliminary application of geophysical and radiometric proximal soil sensors (i.e., EMI and γ-ray) allowed to state the high homogeneity of the vineyard soils and the selection of adjacent zones where to conduct and monitor irrigated and non-irrigated control treatments. A non irrigated zone characterized by lava outcropping (lava zone - LZ) was monitored separately from the remaining control zone (not irrigated - NIZ) and the treated one (irrigated zone - IZ). Three soil profiles (one for each zone) were dug up to 120 cm of depth. Young, poorly developed, very deep, loamy sand, from slightly acid to neutral the pH, and deeply rooted are the soils. Soil properties suggest behavior as excessively drained and scarcely retaining water and nutrients for the plant supply. In the IZ, 50% of the calculated crop evapotranspiration (ETc) has been returned to the plants by drip irrigation system in post-veraison until harvest. By a meteorological point of view, 2022 was the year with the highest Huglin bioclimatic index (2768), the rainiest veraison-harvest period (206 mm) but also that with the highest calculated water deficit (-225 mm). Measures of midday stem water potential (MSWP) and stomatal conductance (gs) performed in pre- and post-veraison until harvest were consistent with an improved health status of the plants during the irrigation treatment over the 3 years, since the MSWP and the gs of the IZ were always higher than those measured for the NIZ vines. The response of the grapevines in terms of grape quality parameters was compared between treatments and over the years. The irrigation treatment produced significantly different grape characteristics (i.e. berry weight and volume, total soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity) and phenolic compounds content at harvest (i.e., anthocyanins, tannins and total phenols in skin and seeds), and significantly improved fruit yield, allowing the grapes to achieve the quality parameters required by the “Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOP” production protocol.

Organic farming is an environmentally friendly management practice that excludes the use of synthetic inputs, but at the same time is associated with lower yields than conventional production. In an attempt to compensate for yield reduction, resulting from foregoing the use of synthetic fertilizers, we hypothesized that the use of biostimulant products could provide much-desired food security. In light of this, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare and evaluate the effects of the foliar application of three different non-microbial biostimulants (a seaweed extract, a plant protein hydrolysate, and a plant extract) on the yield, mineral profile, and physiological response of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) grown in an organic farming context. Regardless of the type of biostimulant, treated plants showed significant improvement in photosynthetic performance. Specifically, the application of plant-derived protein hydrolysate increased ACO2 by 34.5% compared with control. Despite this, only the application of plant-derived protein hydrolysate significantly increased fruit yield per unit area (+13.5%). The improved performance of plants treated with plant-derived protein hydrolysate was associated with an overall improvement in mineral profile (compared to control +49.4 and 33.0% in NO3− and Mg2+ concentration, respectively). In contrast, application of the seaweed biostimulant increased (+17.4%) fruit antioxidant activity (DPPH) compared with control plants. These results underscore how the diverse origins of non-microbial biostimulants are responsible for specific responses in crops that can be exploited by organic growers to increase productivity.

The ‘Annurca’ apple, an EU Protected Geographical Indication product, undergoes a mandatory post-harvest reddening in the ‘melaio’. This traditional practice enhances color and aroma but initiates detrimental textural degradation, creating a paradox where key quality attributes develop in conflict. This study aimed to characterize the sensory evolution of ‘Annurca’ apples during extended cold storage and its impact on consumer preference. A cohort of 551 untrained consumers evaluated the sensory profile at seven time points over a 221-day cold storage period. Multivariate data analyses were employed to identify preference drivers and define consumer segments. Consumer overall liking and market acceptability followed a significant non-linear, U-shaped trajectory, declining from an initial high (89.4% acceptability) to a minimum at day 159 (46.6% acceptability), before partially recovering. This trend inversely correlated with a peak in perceived mealiness, while hardness and crunchiness remained stable. Juiciness and aroma intensity were consistently identified as powerful positive liking drivers, whereas mealiness was the most significant and consistent negative driver. Sweetness’s importance as a preference driver significantly increased over storage time. Cluster analysis on highly rated samples revealed three distinct consumer preference profiles, challenging the traditional notion of a single ideal ‘Annurca’ apple. This study deconstructs the ‘melaio’ paradox, demonstrating that sensory evolution is a dynamic process defined by a trade-off between flavor development and textural decay. The findings provide a data-driven framework for optimizing the commercial strategy for this unique PGI cultivar, suggesting the need to mitigate mealiness and develop targeted marketing strategies for distinct consumer segments.

The ‘Annurca’ apple, a traditional Italian cultivar protected by the “Melannurca Campana” EU PGI designation, undergoes a mandatory, traditional postharvest reddening process in a melaio. While essential for developing its characteristic flavor and color, this process can also lead to significant textural degradation, resulting in a mealy and soft fruit that conflicts with modern consumer expectations. This study investigated an integrated postharvest strategy to resolve this quality trade-off. We evaluated the sensory profile and consumer acceptance of ‘Annurca’ apples subjected to three treatments: traditional melaio reddening (Melaio), a 1-methylcyclopropene treatment alone (MCP), and a combined treatment of MCP followed by melaio reddening (MCP+Melaio). A panel of 534 consumers evaluated the apples for overall liking and the intensity of seven key sensory attributes. The results showed that the integrated ‘MCP+Melaio’ treatment was significantly preferred (Mean liking = 6.61) over both the traditional ‘Melaio’ (M = 5.91) and ‘MCP’ alone (M = 5.91) treatments. This preference was driven by a superior sensory profile that combined the high crunchiness and low mealiness of the MCP treatment with the high perceived aroma intensity and sweetness developed during the melaio phase. Furthermore, consumer segmentation analysis identified four distinct preference clusters, revealing that the integrated treatment’s success derived from its ability to satisfy the divergent priorities of the two largest segments: “Melaio Fans” (37%) and “Texture & Flavor Seekers” (35%). Our findings demonstrate that combining 1-MCP with traditional practices creates a synergistic effect, producing a high-quality apple that is texturally superior, aromatically intense, and has an extended sensory shelf-life. This integrated approach offers a scientifically validated and practical solution to enhance the quality and consistency of ‘Annurca’ apple production.

Grape pomace is the most abundant winery solid waste, accounting for about 60%. Still, it is an unvaluable source of bioactive molecules that can be recovered and reused in the frame of circular economy. In this study Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) obtained with choline chloride and organic acids by far outperformed conventional solvents (methanol and acetone). In particular, choline chloride:oxalic acid (1:1 at 40°C) emerged as the best one affording a total phenolic content of 43.0 mg/g (dry weight). By means of LC-MS/MS analysis, specific phenols were identified and quantified including anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, phenolic acids and stilbenes. DES extracts also exhibited superior DPPH-based antioxidant activity than conventional ones. These results demonstrated the efficacy of DES in recovering phenolics. The adoption of green solvents for treating waste biomass can significantly benefit wineries and other food industries by increasing their sustainability and diversifying their profits in the frame of circular economy.

The ‘Annurca’ apple (Malus domestica), a PGI-protected Italian cultivar, undergoes a mandatory postharvest reddening process (melaio). While crucial for skin color development, this process is associated with flesh softening, creating a conflict with consumer demand for crispness. To resolve this quality trade-off, this study compared different postharvest strategies over a five-month commercial cold storage. Specifically, we performed a time-series analysis of the evolution of ripening and skin color dynamics under three strategies: traditional reddening (Melaio), 1-methylcyclopropene application (MCP), and a 1-MCP treatment followed by reddening (MCP+Melaio). While 1-MCP effectively arrested firmness loss, maintaining firmness above 47 N compared to the Melaio-only treatment which dropped to 35.9 N by the end of storage, the pathways of skin color development differed profoundly. The MCP-only strategy led to a highly non-uniform and visually inconsistent appearance (average Total Color Difference, ΔE* > 12) that persisted throughout storage. In contrast, the traditional melaio process proved indispensable for guiding the fruit towards a significantly more homogeneous final coloration (∆E* ≈ 5.5). The integrated MCP+Melaio strategy successfully reconciled these divergent effects, preserving high flesh firmness (47.9 N) while achieving the superior skin color uniformity characteristic of the traditional process (final ΔE* ≈ 5.6). This study demonstrates that pre-treating ‘Annurca’ apples with 1-MCP before the melaio period offers a viable, scientifically validated approach to resolving the critical trade-off between texture and skin color, enabling the ‘Annurca’ industry to meet modern textural expectations while preserving its unique cultural and quality traditions.

Grape yield and quality are tightly linked to soil moisture (SM), making SM monitoring critical, especially as climate change increases reliance on irrigation in rain-fed areas. Sentinel-1 (S1) radar and Sentinel-2 (S2) optical satellites offer valuable high-resolution, frequent data streams ideal for measuring surface SM dynamics. However, despite the recognized potential of satellite remote sensing, Change Detection (CD) techniques have not been widely applied for SM monitoring within more challenging hillside grapevine vineyard environments. To address this gap, this study developed and validated two CD methods for retrieving SM at 20 m resolution using Google Earth Engine. The first method (CDS2) used S2 optical bands (Red, NIR, SWIR), while the second (CDS1S2) combined S1's C-band radar (VV polarization) with S2 optical data. The methods were tested in two hillside vineyards (northern/southern Italy) and validated using independent reference data from flat bushlands (TxSON, Texas). Comparisons with in-situ measurements showed both methods effectively captured SM dynamics. However, combining S1 and S2 data (CDS1S2) provided significantly more accurate estimates than using S2 alone (CDS2), achieving higher R2 (0.23-0.41 vs. 0.16-0.21) and lower RMSE (3.6-5.7 % vs. 3.8-7.1 % [m3/m3]). This improvement is attributed to S1's ability to penetrate vegetation and operate under various atmospheric conditions. This research demonstrates a scalable, user-friendly, and reproducible geospatial approach for precision viticulture. It highlights the potential of integrating advanced remote sensing technologies to enhance vineyard water management and sustain agricultural productivity amidst environmental changes.

Understanding vineyard spatial structure can help optimise grape production and ultimately wine quality by targeting the application of inputs through precision viticulture methods. We explored the spatially dependent variability of various soil, vine and fruit parameters, including yield and grape composition, in a South Australian Shiraz vineyard located in the Barossa Valley during the 2022/23 season. Our aim was to investigate the interdependencies between spatial structures within a vineyard block as related to soil and vine metrics, including predawn leaf water potential, midday stem water potential and leaf gas exchange under different soil moisture conditions. Maps of each parameter were produced using 114 spatially separated data points per variogram. Yield components were measured at harvest, and fruit composition was assessed at harvest across the vineyard at the same points. Soil parameters were found to have stronger spatial structure than vine parameters (e.g., leaf gas exchange, stem water potential) and were therefore deemed to be better predictors of overall vineyard variability. The pattern of spatial variability of a given soil or vine parameter was influenced by the spatial pattern of the underlying parameters that influence it.

The demand for high-quality strawberries continues to grow, emphasizing the need for innovative agricultural practices to enhance both yield and fruit quality. In this context, the utilization of natural products, such as biostimulants, has emerged as a promising avenue for improving strawberry production while aligning with sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural approaches. This study explores the influence of a bacterial filtrate (BF), a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (PH), and a standard synthetic auxin (SA) on strawberry, investigating their effects on yield, fruit quality, mineral composition and metabolomics of leaves and fruits. Agronomic trial revealed that SA and BF significantly enhanced early fruit yield due to their positive influence on flowering and fruit set, while PH treatment favored a gradual and prolonged fruit set, associated with an increased shoot biomass and sustained production. Fruit quality analysis showed that PH-treated fruits exhibited an increase of firmness and soluble solids content, whereas SA-treated fruits displayed lower firmness and soluble solids content. The ionomic analysis of leaves and fruits indicated that all treatments provided sufficient nutrients, with heavy metals within regulatory limits. Metabolomics indicated that PH stimulated primary metabolites, while SA and BF directly affected flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis, and PH increased fruit quality through enhanced production of beneficial metabolites. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing strawberry production and fruit quality by harnessing the potential of natural biostimulants as viable alternative to synthetic compounds.

The size and number of the berries and the rachis length are the main elements that define bunch compactness in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). This trait is of scientific and commercial interest because it strongly influences phytosanitary status and quality of the fruits. In this work, we investigated the effect of different canopy management strategies based on apical shoot and/or leaf removal applied at the early stage (pre-bloom) in altering the key determinants of bunch compactness. Specifically, we compared apical defoliation (removal of the first half of the shoot leaves from the top), basal defoliation (removal of the second half), and shoot trimming (removal of the apical half of the shoot) to untreated controls. The work was carried out in two red varieties ('Aglianico' and 'Casavecchia') that have contrasting bunch compactness (compact and loose, respectively). We measured relevant morphological traits, photosynthetic rates, fertility, fruit set, bunch architecture, and fruit main compositional parameters. This study demonstrates that the position of the removed shoot leaves along with the shoot trimming differentially modified fruit set, the number of berries per bunch, and berry fresh weight and composition at harvest. Nonetheless, the influence on bunch compactness was limited mainly because of photosynthetic and morphological factors strongly associated with the cultivar.

Sambucus is a cosmopolitan plant genus that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and nutritional value. Sambucus nigra, the most studied species, contains a wide range of bioactive compounds that have been linked to various health benefits. Moreover, the fruit of the elderberry is a rich source of phytochemicals and is used to make a variety of food products. In this review, after an introduction of the species, we outline the main points for its cultivation and production. We then illustrate the major phytochemical components and related beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pharmaceutical activities. We also provide insights into genetic variability, functional diversity, and some evolutionary relationships that were evaluated with DNA-based techniques. We discuss that despite its long history of use and potential benefits, Sambucus nigra has received relatively little attention in terms of horticulture, breeding, and molecular genetics, while studies on its biochemical composition and health benefits are well developed. Further research is also needed to better understand the pre-harvest and post-harvest factors that influence plant growth and production, as well as to explore new applications and industrial uses of this underutilized species.

The global community faces an ever-increasing demand for food production and economic stability. The rapid population growth, climate change, and resource constraints have escalated the need for innovative solutions. Horticultural research is nowadays a multifaceted and broad field that encompasses the scientific study of the biology, the ecology, and the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, as well as a range of topics such as plant breeding, crop production, plant physiology, and plant pathology. As the world is changing at an unprecedented pace, horticultural scientists will need to rapidly adapt their research to meet the needs of the future. The main challenges ahead are (a) increasing crop productivity, (b) improving the nutritional content of crops, (c) fostering economic growth and income generation, and (d) mitigating climate change impact on crops. Horticultural research will have to continue to have a pivotal role in enhancing crop productivity through various means. The development of improved crop varieties with enhanced yield potential, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stresses is the key factor to enable farmers to produce more food per unit of land. Additionally, research into innovative cultivation techniques, such as precision agriculture, hydroponics, and vertical farming, has the potential to significantly increase crop productivity in limited spaces. Horticultural research will also play a critical role in improving the nutritional content of crops, which is vital for combating malnutrition and promoting public health. Scientists need to focus on breeding programs with a focus on the enhancement of the vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient content of horticultural products. By developing biofortified crops and promoting their cultivation, horticultural research can positively impact on human health, lowering healthcare costs linked to diet-related illnesses. Horticultural research also needs to increase and exploit its potential to foster economic growth and income generation at various levels. The horticulture sector provides employment opportunities, in rural and in urban areas, thereby reducing poverty and improving livelihoods. Horticultural research is expected to facilitate the development of value-added products and create new market opportunities. This can contribute to economic diversification and resilience, leading to increased stability during times of crisis. Finally, as climate change poses significant challenges to global food production, horticultural research has to play a crucial role in developing climate-resilient crops and modifying cultivation practices. By identifying and breeding climate-tolerant genotypes (cultivars and rootstocks), optimizing water and nutrient management, and implementing sustainable pest and disease control strategies, horticultural research helps ensure food security even in the face of changing climatic conditions. Moreover, the adoption of climate-smart horticulture practices is a concrete contribution to greenhouse gas mitigation and the preservation of natural resources. These aspects are particularly relevant considering that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global food systems and economies, amplifying the urgency of horticultural research in mitigating post-pandemic challenges. Longer term, horticultural research can improve sustainable land-use practices, reducing deforestation, and conserving biodiversity. The contribution of Italus Hortus to scientific research in horticulture In 2022, Italus Hortus completed its third year of publishing activity since it became an international journal in horticultural science. In this year, the journal had an intense editorial activity that resulted in a total of 20 published papers (9 Reviews, 9 Original Research Papers, and 2 Brief Research Reports) and 1 Editorial (Figure 1A). Between 2020 and 2023, Italus Hortus has had an increasing international contribution with the percent of published papers having corresponding authors based in countries different from Italy that passed from 29% (2020) to 43% (2021), and then to 67% (2022). Furthermore, in the same period, the performance of Italus Hortus in the ranking of bibliometric indicators has steadily improved. The Editorial Board is committed to giving proper attention to the above mentioned research priorities. The journal also welcomes papers on well-established or emerging areas such as the use of plants for medicinal purposes, environmental remediation, and space exploration. As the field of horticultural research continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting advances in the years to come. The Editors of Italus Hortus are grateful to prof. Brunella Morandi (University of Bologna, Italy) and prof. Giandomenico Corrado (University of Naples Federico II) for having served Italus Hortus as Guest Associate Editors for some of the manuscripts submitted in 2022.