In the scenario of ongoing climate changes, the selection of plant genotypes with high salt tolerance is emerging as the most sustainable strategy to safeguard crop yield and quality and make productive use of salinized soils. Glassworts are annual and perennial halophytes found in inner and coastal wastelands, indistinctly consumed as high-nutritional green vegetables. Traditional taxonomic classification based on morphological traits can be very challenging in glasswort, due to phenotypic plasticity, reduced plant morphology, and inbreeding. In this work, we used DNA-based molecular tools to overcome such constraints and assess inter-generic and inter-specific genetic diversity in a collection of ecotypes from different Apulian areas. A fast and reliable Allele-Specific PCR assay was optimized to enable molecular detection of annual and perennial genera. Species-level classification was obtained through a similarity- and phylogeny-based approach relying on matK and rbcL DNA barcoding. Combined DNA tools identified perennial samples as Sarcocornia fruticosa and Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, along with annual Salicornia europaea, and phylogenetic trees unveiled genetic distances between glassworts, which clustered according to life cycle. The relationship between genotypes and nutritional profiles was finally investigated, suggesting that environmental factors may play a predominant role over taxonomic relatedness in shaping interspecific differences in nutrient composition of the analyzed samples.

Aligning with the growing demand for salt reduction strategies and the need to protect food biodiversity, this study aims to develop healthy savory biscuit-like snacks with reduced sodium content. An ancient (Automonia B) and modern (Bolero) soft wheat variety were combined with various concentrations of salt (0 %, 1 %, 2 %) and glasswort powder (1 %, 4 %, and 8 %). Physical and microstructural analysis revealed that Bolero samples exhibited significantly higher hardness values (76.88 f 15.4 N) compared to Autonomia B (54.5 f 11.5 N). However, hardness decreased in both varieties as the concentration of glasswort increased, reaching average values of 67.17 f 5 N for Bolero and 41.6 f 3.5 N for Autonomia B. The total porosity of Bolero snacks was lower compared to Autonomia B, but other microstructural attributes, e.g. structure thickness and separation, were closely linked to textural properties. Salt and glasswort concentrations significantly influenced the sensory properties of biscuits formulated with two wheat varieties, while visual attributes remained consistently acceptable. Saltiness perception was mainly driven by salt but was also significantly enhanced by glasswort, supporting its role as a natural "green salt" ingredient. Overall taste showed a non-linear response, with moderate salt and glasswort levels maximizing pleasantness. These results highlight glasswort as a promising strategy for sodium reduction without compromising sensory quality, offering an innovative, scalable and biodiversity-enhancing strategy solution for industry-driven salt-reduction programs.

Cultivated cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis) is a resilient, multipurpose Mediterranean crop capable of high biomass yields and phenolic accumulation even under low-input conditions in marginal lands. Multi-harvest field experiments were conducted for two growing seasons in two different Mediterranean environments (Sicily and Apulia; southern Italy) to assess the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation (Myco+ vs. Myco-) and plant density (D1 = 2 plants m⁻²; D2 = 4 plants m⁻²) on leaf biomass dynamics and total phenols (TP) production in lamina and midrib under a repeated-cut system. The same factorial design, harvest schedule, and low-input irrigation and fertilization regime were adopted at both experimental sites. The Sicilian testing environment generally promoted higher cumulative leaf fresh and dry biomass, whereas the Apulian crop generally showed higher leaf dry matter concentration and higher TP yield per hectare. Lower plant density enhanced biomass per plant, whereas D2 generally maximized biomass and TP yield per hectare. Myco+ effects on biomass yield were context-dependent, being limited in the Sicilian site but becoming increasingly positive in Apulia. Root colonization indices and qPCR outcomes confirmed exogenous AMF establishment and persistence, although colonization levels were not always mirrored by biomass gains. However, Myco+ improved midrib TP concentration. Overall, TP-oriented cardoon production should optimize phenolic yield per hectare by balancing environment, plant density and AMF inoculation, with high density as the main agronomic lever and AMF as a complementary tool under constrained conditions.

This study investigated the development of a novel ready-to-eat vegetable product based on glasswort from the Apulia region, combining nutritional characterization, natural preservation strategies, and consumer acceptance evaluation. Fresh samples showed a total phenol content of 2648 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ dw and a total flavonoid content of 413 mg QE 100 g⁻¹ dw. Despite a moderate reduction in phenolic compounds following blanching (~40% and ~26% for total phenols and flavonoids, respectively), substantial levels of bioactive compounds were retained. Blanching also reduced oxalate content (~53%) and increased calcium concentration, suggesting improved mineral bioavailability in the processed product.The RTE-VP was preserved using thyme essential oil (T) and grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) under ordinary atmosphere and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and subjected to a microbiological challenge test with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Enterobacter agglomerans at 4°C and 15°C. GFSE demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, and the combination of MAP and GFSE proved the most effective strategy, maintaining bacterial loads below 5 log CFU g⁻¹ over 90 days at 4°C. Both antimicrobials effectively reduced yellowing during storage. A consumer survey (n = 129) revealed high willingness to try the product (82.2%) and strong interest.

IntroductionHumans cannot synthesize folates, so they must be acquired through dietary sources, with plants serving as a primary source. To enhance folate levels in vegetables, this study investigated the pre-harvest application of elicitors on kale (‘Cavolo Nero’) baby leaves under greenhouse-autumn conditions in Southern Italy.MethodsPhenylalanine (0.37 µM) and salicylic acid (250 µM) were applied three times and compared to a water control. Folate content, alongside biometric traits (yield, leaf area and number, dry matter), bio-physiological parameters (chlorophyll content; measurements of gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence), and compositional properties (nitrate, vitamin C, phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidant capacity) were determined.ResultsThe treatments maintained yield (1.0 kg m-2, on average), while both elicitors increased the folate concentration (1,283 µg 100 g-1 d.w., on average) compared to the control (1,203 µg 100 g-1 d.w.). Salicylic acid application enhanced antioxidant compounds (vitamin C, carotenoids) without modifying antioxidant capacity and nitrate levels. In contrast, phenylalanine decreased antioxidant compounds (phenols, vitamin C) along with antioxidant capacity, and enhanced nitrate level (+56%).DiscussionConsidering the limited literature available on this topic, the present work provides an important first step toward producing folate-biofortified baby leaf vegetables with enhanced beneficial traits.

Efficient soil moisture monitoring is fundamental to precision agriculture, enabling improved irrigation management, enhanced crop productivity, and sustainable water use. This review comprehensively evaluates soil moisture sensing technologies, classifying them into invasive and non-invasive approaches. The underlying operating principles, strengths, and limitations, as well as documented practical applications, are critically discussed for each technology. Invasive methods, including dielectric sensors, matric potential devices, heat-pulse sensors, and microstructured optical fibres, offer high-resolution data but require careful installation and calibration to account for environmental and soil-specific variables such as texture, salinity, and temperature. Non-invasive technologies—such as microwave remote sensing, electromagnetic induction, and ground-penetrating radar—enable large-scale monitoring without disturbing the soil profile; however, they face challenges in terms of resolution, cost, and data interpretation. Key performance factors across all sensor types include installation methodology, environmental sensitivity, spatial representativeness, and integration with decision-support systems. The review also addresses recent innovations such as biodegradable and Micro–Electro–Mechanical Systems sensors, the incorporation of Internet of Things platforms, and the application of artificial intelligence for enhanced data analytics and sensor calibration. While sensor deployment has demonstrated tangible benefits for irrigation efficiency and yield improvement, widespread adoption remains constrained by technical, economic, and infrastructural barriers, particularly for smallholder farmers. The analysis concludes by identifying research gaps and recommending strategies to facilitate the broader uptake of soil moisture sensors, with a focus on cost reduction, calibration standardisation, and integration into climate-resilient agricultural frameworks.

The transformation of organic by-products derived from waste into value-added resources represents a promising strategy to advance circular economy principles and bolster environmental and agricultural sustainability, especially in soilless cultivation. This study evaluates the viability of three organic by-products—wood fiber (WF), coffee silverskin (CS), and brewer’s spent grains (BSGs)—as partial peat replacements in horticultural substrates. Ten growing media formulations were assessed, incorporating increased doses (0–40% v/v as peat replacement-PR) of each alternative by-product. The effects on physical and hydraulic substrate properties, along with plant growth traits, were examined using two ornamental Salvia genotypes, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Amistad’. To synthesize the multivariate growth data into a single, biologically meaningful metric, based on the first principal component, a Growth Index (GI), a PC1-derived index, was calculated, providing a powerful, unified metric to rank substrate efficacy. WF-based substrates exhibited increased porosity and diminished water retention, whereas media enriched with CS and BSG enhanced moisture availability, particularly at 20–40 PR. The bulk density was highest at PR40 for both WF and BSG treatments, and at PR20 in CS-based substrates. Electrical conductivity increased in CS and BSG treatments with rising PR levels. The results on the vegetative growth of ornamental sages have highlighted that differential PR rates are required depending on the specific organic by-product and plant genotype. In ‘Victoria’, GI indicates that a 20% replacement of peat with BSG provided the optimal conditions for holistic plant development; the lowest GI for WF substrates across nearly all peat replacement levels indicated that it was the most detrimental alternative for this cultivar. In ‘Amistad’, the analysis of the GI scores revealed that the CS20 and BSG20 of peat replacement yielded the highest overall growth, with GI scores significantly greater than those of the peat control. CS10 and BSG40 also showed high GI scores in ‘Amistad’. WF10 had GI scores similar to those of the peat control. In general, the GI-based approach confirms that moderate inclusion of brewer’s spent grain (BSG20) is a highly effective peat replacement for both genotypes. At the same time, coffee silverskin (CS) is particularly effective for the ‘Amistad’ genotype. This analysis underscores that optimal substrate formulation is not only dependent on the amendment type and rate but also critically on the plant genotype.

Halophytes are increasingly recognized as sustainable crops that offer a wide range of nutrients. This study provides a nutritional characterization of annual (Salicornia europaea) and perennial (Sarcocornia fruticosa, Arthrocaulon macrostachyum) species of glasswort, collected from different coastal habitats in southern Italy. S. europaea was also cultivated under non-saline conditions. Results showed differences in mineral content, and bioactive compounds among genotypes, but they were modulated by environmental conditions, leading to significant site-specific variation. S. europaea, regardless of the collecting sites, exhibited the highest concentration of minerals (K, Ca, and Mg), chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds as well as antioxidant activity. A. macrostachyum stood out for its high flavonoid and sterol content, exhibiting other nutritional traits comparable to S. europaea when collected in a more arid site. A. macrostachyum and S. fruticosa displayed similar compositional features, showing the highest anthocyanin and iodine (187.8 µg 100 g−1 FW, on average) content. Sodium and potassium—critical for hypertension management—varied, exceeding the recommended Na/K ratio (1) for human consumption, especially in A. macrostachyum grown close to the sea. The most promising result was observed in non-saline S. europaea and in an A. macrostachyum sample (1.7, on average). Overall findings confirm the potential of both annual and perennial glassworts as nutritionally rich, sustainable crops for marginal environments.

IntroductionCakile maritima is a succulent halophyte from the Brassicaceae family, commonly found along sandy coasts. Understanding its response mechanisms to sodium excess is crucial for its exploitation under sustainable biosaline farming.MethodsFor the first time, this research investigated the pinnatifid C. maritima population from the Apulia region (Italy) grown under varying levels of NaCl (0 -T0, 100 -T100 and 400 -T400 mM NaCl).ResultsThe T100 plants showed higher leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA) compared to T0, with a slight reduction in succulence index (SI). In T400 plants, a reduction in shoot and root fresh weight, water content (WC), leaf dry weight, LA, and SLA was observed, alongside an increase in SI and dry matter concentration. No changes were detected in leaf Na and Cl concentrations, whereas T400 stems accumulated Na. Leaf K, Mg, and Ca concentrations remained stable. The operating efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII) was similar across treatments. In salt-exposed plants, the decrease of Fv’/Fm’ was counteracted by an improvement of qP, with carotenoids and anthocyanins appearing to be involved in photoprotection. Salt-exposed plants maintained stomatal opening (gs), allowing a higher CO2 assimilation rate (An), especially in T100. Despite unimpaired An, T400 plants exhibited reduced canopy-level photosynthesis due to lower LA, leading to reduced shoot biomass. Among antioxidants, ascorbic acid and anthocyanins were effective in improving the antioxidative defence of T400 plants.DiscussionThe results indicate that C. maritima employs a complex protective strategy involving morphological adjustments, selective ion accumulation, efficient photoprotection, maintained gas exchange, and a potent antioxidant system to mitigate salinity stress, demonstrating its strong potential for biosaline agriculture.

Beneficial bacteria adapted to hypersaline conditions represent a promising biotechnological tool for enhancing crop productivity in salt-affected agricultural systems, particularly as soil salinization constitutes an increasingly critical global challenge impacting extensive cultivated areas. Halotolerant Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) can stimulate plant growth by increasing soil carbon, nitrogen, and mineral availability and uptake. The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and select potential halotolerant PGPB from Cakile maritima plants collected in two sites located in Margherita di Savoia, in Apulia. This coastal region harbors a unique and taxonomically diverse indigenous microbiota that remains largely unexplored, potentially serving as a valuable reservoir of beneficial microorganisms adapted to high salinity. Microbiological sampling was conducted in triplicate at three phenological stages (seeding, vegetative growth, and anthesis) of the plant’s life cycle in 2023. A total of 180 isolates (150 rhizobacteria and 30 endophytes) were recovered and characterized using morphological, biochemical, and molecular approaches. Halotolerant isolates exhibiting plant growth promoting traits, including phosphate and silicon solubilization, indole acetic acid and siderophore biosynthesis, ammonia production, and drought and salt tolerance, were selected and genotypically identified. The main result was the selection of three promising isolates (assigned to the genera Pantoea and Bacillus) warranting further validation under field conditions.

The Mediterranean Basin hosts a rich diversity of wild halophyte species that have evolved remarkable adaptations to saline and arid environments. This narrative review explores the potential exploitation of four Mediterranean halophytes - Crithmum maritimum, Cakile maritima, Atriplex halimus, and Suaeda maritima - with applications ranging from high-quality vegetable and spice production to ornamental use. Each species is described in terms of botanical traits, environmental adaptability, chemical composition, and current or potential food or non-food uses. Particular attention is given to the challenges and opportunities associated with seed germination and propagation techniques as agronomic development. Their ability to thrive under salinity, drought, and nutrient-poor soil conditions highlights their suitability for cultivation in marginal areas increasingly affected by climate change. The multifunctional role of these plants - spanning nutritional value, phytochemical richness, soil fertility improvement - makes them promising candidates for sustainable cropping systems aimed at biodiversity conservation and rural development. Further research is encouraged to develop effective agronomic protocols and value chains that support their transition from wild species to economically viable crops. This review underlines the relevance of integrating halophyte species into diversified and resilient agricultural models, particularly in Mediterranean regions and other salt-affected environments.

A greenhouse trial was conducted in Southern Italy to examine the effects of foliar applications of two substances, methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) and a zeolite, on the harvest and post-harvest performance of two hydroponically grown baby leaf genotypes (leafy chicory ‘Cicoria costa rossa’; kale ‘Cavolo nero’). MeJA is a phyto-hormone primarily studied for fruit and post-harvest applications, while zeolite is typically used for pest and disease biological control. MeJA (Sigma-Aldrich Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), and a commercial zeolite (Big-Zeo, Agricola Internazionale s.r.l., Pisa, Italy) (BigZeo) were sprayed twice at the second and fourth true leaf stages (BigZeo, 5 kg ha−1; MeJA, 250 µM). Bio-physiological (yield, dry matter DM, chlorophyll CHL, weight loss WL) and qualitative (nitrate, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity) traits were evaluated in both raw and fresh-cut (7 day-cold-stored) products. Treatments did not significantly affect yield (1.0 kg m−2), while plant responses to the substances concerning other traits were genotype-dependent. MeJA enhanced greenness (CHL), texture (DM), and antioxidant activity (by increasing carotenoids and flavonoids) in chicory. In contrast, zeolite improved greenness, texture, and antioxidant activity (by increasing carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenols), and reduced nitrate in kale. Treatments did not affect weight loss (2.2 g 100 g−1 f.w., on average). After 7 days of storage, MeJA-treated chicory and zeolite-treated kale exhibited improved textural and nutritional quality.

Microgreens combine visual, taste, flavor and bioactive qualities based on genetic selection, making them a gastronomic novelty. In the present study, ten microgreen genotypes were investigated in terms of biometrical traits (fresh yield, dry matter concentration, and main color indices) alongside compositional analyses, involving cations, nitrate, vitamin C, phenols, and glucosinolate profile. The genotypes were selected from Brassicaceae (five), Chenopodiaceae (one), Portulacaceae (one) and Asteraceae (two) families, according to the availability of unexploited local varieties beyond the commercial ones. The microgreens were cultivated hydroponically in a controlled environment. Distinct genotypic variations were observed for each measured biometric and qualitative trait, with substantial differences noted between and within species. Among the ten genotypes, the underutilized purslane stood out for vitamin C (30 mg 100 g-1 f.w.), Mg (39 mg 100 g-1 f.w.), and the remarkably low nitrate content (7 mg 100 g-1 f.w.). White mustard exhibited the highest levels of glucosinolates (171 mg kg-1 f.w.), phenols (190 mg g.a.e. 100 g-1 f.w), and notable concentrations of cations such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. From a nutritional perspective, ‘Mugnolo’ (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) proved less suitable as a microgreen due to its highest Na/K ratio (2.28) and generally the low content of other minerals, phenols, vitamin C, and glucosinolates. The findings of this study hold significance for selecting new microgreen species/varieties that align with the preferences and requirements of both consumers and producers.

The foliar application of zeolites has been proven to positively affect plant physiology suggesting that it could improve plant growth, however, this topic has been little studied. Two field trials were carried out (in 2021 and 2022) to study the potential beneficial effect of natural zeolite particle films on processing tomato crops. Natural zeolites i) clinoptinolite + and mordenite (CubZeo) and ii) micronized clinoptinolite (BigZeo) were sprayed onto the plants six times in the central crop cycles. In both trials, BigZeo promoted leaf and fruit dry mass (DM) accumulation, and leaf area from the early crop stage compared to the water-sprayed plants (Control). The final aerial DM of BigZeo plants enhanced more in the year with favourable (+39.2%) (2022) than in that with more stressing thermal conditions (2021) (+12.1%). Concurrently, the marketable yield was improved by + 36% in both years with positive effects also on fruit total soluble solids. Under heat stress, the CubZeo crop showed even lower aerial DM than the Control, however, the marketable yield remained similar due to higher fruit DM and higher incidence of blossom-end-rot (BER) in untreated plants. In 2022, CubZeo promoted DM accumulation, leaf expansion and yield even if to a lesser extent than the BigZeo treatment. In the fruits the concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg rose in zeolite-treated plants. The improved Ca level in the fruits can explain the lower occurrence of BER in the zeolite-treated plants, particularly with CubZeo. Si was observed at the highest level in fruits and stems of BigZeo-treated plants, followed by CubZeo and Control ones. The accumulation of Si could explain the best crop responses elicited by BigZeo, whereas the observed responses did not appear to involve changes in the photosynthetic machinery. However, further and comprehensive investigations are needed to define the zeolite film particle characteristics and the related physiological and nutritional changes in the plants.

Iodine is an essential mineral for the human body and inadequate intake causes iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) worldwide. Agronomic biofortification is a promising complementary approach to other strategies to avoid IDDs. It consists of the enrichment of fruit and vegetables with nutritional elements through preharvest techniques. Tomato is an important, nutritious, and widely consumed crop. Despite a poor iodine accumulation in the fruit, tomato is an iodine accumulator. Our research focused on iodine enrichment of two table tomato types (cherry and mini-plum) in a commercial mediterranean greenhouse. Potassium iodate (KIO3) was applied four times through foliar spray at three concentrations (0, 1, 5 mM) at two localized sites of application (at plant apex and at the three leaves above the target truss, "target leaves") until the mature green stage of a target truss (untreated and the same for each treatment). The application of 1 mM KIO3 solution at the target leaves was the most suitable approach for adequate fruit enrichment. The accumulation of 110 mu g center dot 100 g-1 of fresh weight (FW) in cherry and 130 mu g center dot 100 g-1 FW for mini-plum tomato largely satisfy the iodine recommended dietary allowance for adults, pregnant and lactating women. Plant health, yield and commercial quality of fruit (color, size, dry matter content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH) were not affected, while some carotenoids and total phenolics were slightly incremented, indicating a possible positive influence on the nutritional quality. In conclusion, foliar application of iodine for the preharvest enrichment of tomato was a successful approach to biofortification in a commercial greenhouse. That suggests further research is needed to investigate and improve the iodine biofortification techniques in different crops and systems.

Cakile maritima subsp. maritima Scop. (sea rocket) is a succulent halophyte with significant potential as a nutritious food source, being rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This annual species exhibits two distinct leaf morphotypes: entire lamina (EL) and pinnatifid lamina (PL). Our understanding of their ecophysiological and nutritional profiles is still limited. The present study investigated the wild EL and PL sea rocket plants from southern Italy during their vegetative stage. The bio-morphological traits (leaf mass area-LMA, dry matter and chlorophyll concentrations), main inorganic ions, key antioxidants (carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, vitamin C as ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid), and antioxidant activity (by FRAP, DPPH, ABTS assays) were analyzed. Additionally, photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured. PL plants showed thicker leaves (higher LMA) and greater accumulation of photo-protective pigments (carotenoids and anthocyanins), despite similar chlorophyll levels. The PL plants also demonstrated higher photosynthetic activity, transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance, with reduced non-photochemical quenching. The EL morphotype had higher cation (K, Mg, Ca, Na) and vitamin C (135.3 mg 100 g-1 FW) concentrations, while no significant disparities were observed between the morphotypes in phenolic concentration (208.5 mg g.a.e. 100 g-1 FW), flavonoids (71.5 mg q.e. 100 g-1 FW), or glucosinolates (61 mg g-1 FW). Interestingly, while the EL type had higher vitamin C, the PL morphotype showed superior antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH) and seems to be better adapted to water/nutrient scarcity typical of southern Italy. Both morphotypes offer potential as high-nutritional foods, however, future research should investigate the genotype-specific production of antioxidant compounds in EL and PL plants in response to environmental stresses, including salinity for potential exploitation as a new crop.

Nitrate is a compound that accumulates in the leaves of some leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and rocket, and the European Regulation No. 2023/915 establishes maximum limits, due to some health effects. Nitrite should be absent or present only in traces in leafy vegetables. However, some recent studies demonstrated that not negligible concentrations of nitrite (higher than 50 mg kg-1) may be quantified in leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce. In this work, several possible sources of nitrite formation in leafy vegetables, agronomic, environmental, microbiological, and processing have been investigated to evaluate the main factors which led to this accumulation. Microbiological contamination, particularly Enterobacteriaceae, of "fresh-cut" samples of spinach, Swiss chard and wild rocket, has been ascertained as the main source of nitrite accumulation, regardless of other considered factors (agronomic, environmental, processing, etc.). The correlation between Enterobacteriaceae count and nitrite concentration was assessed at 0.98, confirming this one as the main source of nitrite increase, also at very high levels, in processed leafy vegetables.

The gut microbiota plays a key role in health and disease, but it could be affected by various factors (diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, etc.). Focusing on diet, while the role of the different styles and choices (Mediterranean vs. Western diet, vegan or vegetarian diets) has been extensively studied, there are a few comprehensive papers on the effects of additives and food processing. Therefore, the main goal of this manuscript is to propose an overview of the link between ultra-processed foods and the gut microbiota based on papers and data available in the literature. The literature search was performed on PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov, and after the selection of the most relevant articles, the paper proposes a synopsis of the effects of some classes of additives (sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, glutamate, etc.), as well as of some treatments, on the gut microbiota and some pathological conditions.

Understanding seed germination is crucial for refining the propagation techniques of Cakile maritima, a wild halophyte species with significant potential for biosaline agriculture. However, research on seed germination within intact fruits of this species is limited. Four trials were conducted to study the seed germination of a population from the Apulia region. The focus was on seeds that had undergone after-ripening for 3 years (20AR3) or 2 years (20AR2) (both collected in 2020), or 1 year (22AR1) (collected in 2022), and freshly harvested seeds in 2022 (22AR0) and 2023 (23AR0). The seeds were either incubated as naked or moist-stratified within intact fruits. A portion of 2022 AR0 siliques was submerged in saline water before stratification. The naked seeds collected in 2022 and 2020 (22AR0 and 20AR2) did not germinate, whereas a portion of the 23AR0 (67%), 20AR3, and 22AR1 (45%, irrespective of after-ripening) lots quickly (T50 = 3.5 days) germinated, underlining a lower dormancy level for seeds harvested or dry stored in 2023. Seed germination in the intact fruits was lower than the naked seeds, confirming the role of the pericarp in inducing seed dormancy. Stratification of the shelled seeds was much more effective in improving the germination time (140 days) and levels in the 23AR0 (81%), 20AR3, and 22AR1 (66%, irrespective of after-ripening) lots than in the 22AR0 (34%) and 20AR2 (61%) ones, which required 240 days to germinate. The saline solution imbibition of fruit seems only to delay the occurrence of the maximum emergence. The physiological seed dormancy of this C. maritima population has been proven, which may be variable in depth according to the year of fruit collection, ranging from intermediate to non-deep.