Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are increasingly recognized for their potential to contribute to sustainable diets, improved nutrition and resilient food systems. However, their integration into research, policy, and dietary assessment frameworks remains limited, due to inconsistent definitions of NUS, heterogeneous classification across data systems, and incomplete compositional information in food composition databases (FCDBs). The objective of this study is to critically examine the conceptual, nutritional and data-related dimensions of NUS with a particular focus on their representation in major FCDBs and the methodological challenges associated with harmonizing and interpreting heterogeneous data sources. Thirteen NUS were assessed using a semi-quantitative coverage mapping approach across major publicly available FCDBs and selected national databases. NUS showed variable representation across FCDBs, with generally moderate coverage for macronutrients and selected micronutrients, but limited or missing data for bioactive compounds, fatty acids and cultivar-level variation. Several species were absent or poorly represented across databases. The findings highlighted significant gaps in the representation of NUS in FCDBs and the need for improved data harmonization and structured metadata systems that integrate nutritional, biodiversity and environmental dimensions. Strengthening database interoperability and species-level resolution is essential for accurately assessing the contribution of NUS to sustainable and nutritious food systems.

Complex sex determination and a large genome hinder conventional spinach breeding. To address this challenge, a biotechnological approach could be used to establish a reliable protocol for somatic embryogenesis and apply genetic tools such as CRISPR. However, spinach is recalcitrant to somatic embryogenesis, with substantial inter- and intrapopulation variability in embryogenic capacity. In this study, we assessed the impact of environmental conditions during donor plant growth on the embryogenic capacity of the resulting seedlings. Seed populations, selected for differing embryogenic capacities, were sown in greenhouses at two distinct locations, and cross-pollination was only permitted between plants of the same origin. The resulting seeds were aseptically sown, and the embryogenic capacity of the seedlings’ root apices was determined. Root explants from seedlings originating from Ukraine and Poland showed low regenerative capacity regardless of cultivation locality, with a maximum of 22.71% regenerating explants and 1.3 somatic embryos per explant. Conversely, seedlings originating from Slovenia exhibited high regeneration potential, with significant differences between cultivation localities: 89.36% vs. 59.72% regenerating explants and 12.04 vs. 3.77 somatic embryos per explant. Therefore, the embryogenic capacity in spinach is strongly influenced by environmental conditions during donor plant growth and could be further increased by manipulating these factors.

IntroductionThe concept of functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, encompassing a diverse array of dietary items that extend beyond basic nutrition to confer specific health benefits, has received increasing attention in contemporary nutrition science. The study evaluated the effects of different LED light treatments on the morphological traits, pigment composition, antioxidant potential, and polyphenolic profile of pea microgreens and sprouts.MethodsPea sprouts and microgreens were grown under different LED light spectra (blue, red, blue–red, cool white and darkness) in controlled growth chamber conditions, followed by evaluation of morphological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activity, and phenolic composition. Photosynthetic pigments were determined spectrophotometrically, total phenolics and flavonoids were analyzed using Folin–Ciocalteu and AlCl₃ assays, antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the DPPH method and phenolic profiling was performed using HPLC-DAD analysis.Results and conclusionResults indicated substantial differences in fresh weight (FW) and dry weight content (%DW) under various light conditions. The highest growth was observed under blue-red (BR) light in sprouts and blue (B) light in microgreens (0.169 and 0.291 g FW, respectively). In sprouts, these responses are likely associated with light-induced photomorphogenic processes rather than fully developed photosynthetic activity, while microgreens, which possess functional chloroplasts, respond directly through photosynthesis. Cool white (CW) light resulted in the highest %DW in both growth stages (10.197% in sprouts and 11.651% in microgreens). Pigment content analysis showed that total chlorophyll concentrations were highest under BR light in both sprouts and microgreens (0.912 and 9.257 mg/g DW), with microgreens exhibiting elevated pigment levels overall. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) varied across treatments, with the highest TPC value under blue light in sprouts (5.869 mg GAE/g DW) and CW light in microgreens (7.531 mg GAE/g DW). TFC was highest under BR light for both developmental stages (1.046 and 1.759 mg QE/g DW). Antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity, indicated that CW and blue light promoted the strongest antioxidant potential in both sprouts and microgreens. Analysis of phenolic compounds revealed substantial variability, with gallic acid and epicatechin being dominant under different light treatments. Exploratory molecular docking analysis indicated that rosmarinic acid has the highest predicted binding affinity for xanthine oxidase among the tested compounds, suggesting that experimental validation of these hypothesis-generating findings is needed. Overall, the results indicate that specific LED light treatments significantly influence the growth characteristics and biochemical properties of pea sprouts and microgreens.

The aim of the research was to examine the influence of different light treatments on the growth, phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of broccoli microgreens. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under LED (light-emitting diode) cold white, red and blue light and under fluorescent cold white light (control). The results showed that white and blue light treatments were the best for microgreen growth. Higher concentration of pigments was recorded in plants grown under LED light compared to those grown under FL (fluorescent lamp) light. The content of phenols and flavonoids had a positive and significant correlation with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidative capacity (r = 0.66 and r = 0.90, respectively). The first two principal components account for 97.92 % of the total variation of all observed traits in this trial. Based on the PCA (principal component analysis) results, it can be concluded that the traits total phenols content, carotenoid content, chlorophyll a and b content make up the largest share of variability in the obtained results and that the red light conditions were the most unfavourable for the content of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant potential.

The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and chia. After ingestion, it can be incorporated in to body lipid pools (particularly triglycerides and phospholipid membranes), and then endogenously metabolized through desaturation, elongation, and peroxisome oxidation to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with a very limited efficiency (particularly for DHA), beta-oxidized as an energy source, or directly metabolized to C18-oxilipins. At this moment, data in the literature about the effects of ALA supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans are inconsistent, indicating no effects or some positive effects on all MetS components (abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired insulin sensitivity and glucoregulation, blood pressure, and liver steatosis). The major effects of ALA on MetS seem to be through its conversion to more potent EPA and DHA, the impact on the n-3/n-6 ratio, and the consecutive effects on the formation of oxylipins and endocannabinoids, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion, as well as adipocyte and hepatocytes function. It is important to distinguish the direct effects of ALA from the effects of EPA and DHA metabolites. This review summarizes the most recent findings on this topic and discusses the possible mechanisms.

The influence of the developmental stage of zygotic embryos and the composition and pH of the Gamborg induction medium B5 on the initiation and development of somatic embryos was investigated. The optimal medium was B5 medium with a pH value of 5.0 and without plant growth regulator, at which the highest frequency of somatic embryogenesis (56.67%) and the highest average number of somatic embryos per explant (3.35) were achieved. Somatic embryos appeared directly on the hypocotyls of the explants, without the callus stage. On zygotic embryos in the early cotyledonary phase, three times higher regeneration was achieved compared to larger embryos in the cotyledonary phase. The induction of somatic embryogenesis did not occur during the growth of explants on the medium containinig 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, nor on zygotic embryos in the late cotyledonary phase. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis showed the genetic stability of somatic embryo-derived plants, which makes this newly established protocol suitable for the regeneration and propagation of desirable broccoli genotypes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different LED lights on the growth of cauliflower microgreens and to determine which combination of LED light best increases tolerance to salt stress and promotes the growth and accumulation of secondary antioxidants in the presence of salt stress in vitro. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under different LED light treatments (red light, blue light, a combination of red and blue light, and cool white light) and in MS media with different NaCl concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mM). The effects of the different light qualities and salt stress conditions on growth, content of photosynthetic pigment, flavonoids, phenol, proline, and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. The best treatments for microgreen development, according to the data, were those that combined red and blue light. In addition to increasing stress tolerance and enabling plant growth at a lower salt concentration (50 mM NaCl), the combination of blue and red light also enhanced the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites and the antioxidant potential of microgreens grown in vitro, which may have nutritional and pharmaceutical value.

Evaluation of genetic resources of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) from different geographical areas using molecular markers (RAPD) is of great importance in the breeding process. A total of 90 polymorphic amplified products were obtained from 10 decametric RAPD primers, used to analyse the genetic diversity of 20 genotypes of eggplant (16 local and 4 genotypes of foreign origin). The highest polymorphism was determined using the OPAF-16 primer (70.83%). The number of detected bands ranged from 13 (OPF-04) to 24 (OPAF-16), while the average number of bands per primer was 17.2. The lengths of the amplified fragments ranged from 400 to 9 000 bp. The value of the Jaccard's genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.095 to 0.35, and the dendrogram constructed using the UPGMA method showed that 16 local and 4 foreign genotypes were grouped into nine groups (clusters). Populations K1, K8/1, K19, K22, K25 and K38 represent genotypes that separated from the others and formed single clusters. The lowest value of the calculated genetic distance was 0.095 between domestic genotypes K13 and K12, which also showed morphological similarity in terms of shape and colour. On the other hand, the highest value of genetic distance was calculated between foreign genotypes K19 and K25 (0.35), K19 and K34 (0.34) and K19 and K38 (0.34). Genetically distinct genotypes identified using RAPD markers could be potential starting genetic material for crossing with other genotypes to obtain new and improved eggplant varieties.

One of the goals in eggplant breeding (Solanum melongena L.) is higher yield. This study included 20 different genotypes that are part of the collection of the Institute for Vegetable Crops Smederevska Palanka. Sixteen genotypes originated from Serbia, two originated from the Netherlands, one originated from Italy, and one originated from Israel. The experiment was conducted at Vranovo (44°36′6.35″ N, 20°59′55.47″ E, altitude 87 m) using a randomized complete block design and three replications. The yield parameters (earliness, plant height/centimeter, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight/gram, fruit length and width/centimeter, and fruit yield per genotype/kilogram) were examined to study the relationships among traits and their effects on eggplant yield. The number of fruits per plant had a positive and significant correlation with yield (r = 0.685 **). Additionally, the results showed positive correlations between plant height and fruit length (r = 0.812 **), between plant height and fruit weight (r = 0.147), and between fruit width and fruit weight (r = 0.523 *). These characteristics had direct or indirect positive effects on yield, so they can be used as selection criteria to increase the final yield of eggplant. Because there is genetic variability between the tested genotypes, progress in breeding will depend on this variation. Earliness had a negative correlation with yield (r = −0.044) and with all other parameters.

A series of greenhouse experiments were conducted in order to determine the biological nutritional value of the substrate mixtures based on newly designed zeolite soil enhancers made to replace an earlier registered commercial enhancer (ZeoPlant™). Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as a test species. Plant height, number of leaves, and fresh plant mass were measured. During the preliminary experiments, the optimal ratio of enriched zeolites in the peat-based substrate mixtures was verified (about 25% volumetric), as well as the usability of Pirotski peat for the preparation of substrate mixtures. Enriched zeolites (EZa, EZb, EZc, EZd) were mixed in optimal ratio with Pirotski peat and compared to a commercial zeolite-based substrate mixture that was used as a control treatment. The control treatment showed the best results. On the other side, the differences between other treatments were not significant, but they indicate that some of the examined soil enhancers have a great potential for application in vegetable seedling production.

One of the goals in eggplant breeding (Solanum melongena L .) is higher yield, as well as adaptation to different environments. Our study included 20 different eggplant genotypes. The experiment was conducted at three different locations (Smederevska Palanka, Vranovo and Kusadak) using a randomized complete block design in three replications. The influence of two factors on yield per plant was examined: genotype and location. Two-factor ANOVA showed a significant influence of genotype, location as well as genotype x location interaction on yield per plant . After the analysis of 20 genotypes at three different locations, the recorded average yield per plant was 2 .47 kg. Significantly higher yields per plant than the general average were recorded for genotypes K13 (3 .02 kg), K20 (2 .99 kg), K21 (3 .44 kg), K34 (4 .35 kg), K39 (4 .28 kg). The hig-hest yield had the genotype K34 at the location Vranovo (4 .71 kg). At the locatio of Smederevska Palanka, genotype K39 had the highest average value, while genotype K1 (1 .09 kg) had the lowest yield below the general average. Genotype K39 had a significantly higher yield per plant above the average value at the Kusadak site. Based on the results of AMMI analysis, it can be concluded that there are significant differences between locations, genotypes as well as interactions (Table 3). Of the total sum of squares, 86 .10% refers to the effect of genotype, while the sum of squares of genotype × location is three times higher than the sum of squares of location (10 .25% compared to 3 .07%). The most stable location based on the AMMI stability coefficient (0 .92) was Smede-revska Palanka, while the least stable was Kusadak (2 .34). Genotypes K13, K39, K36, with a yield above the general average, had a low value of PC1, which indicates that they were less influenced by locations, ie. that they had good yield stability in all locations . Genotype K34 stood out as the most productive genotype. Genotypes K3, K7, K16, K19 and K38 were below the average yield value but proved to be stable . The strongest interaction (ASV) was observed in genotypes K1 (below average yield) and K21, K25 (above average yield), where the last two are closely adapted to the location Kusadak.

High variability in somatic embryo (SE)-forming capacity has previously been observed in several spinach cultivars. Such variability frequently accounted for more variation in embryogenic response of the explants than the factor being investigated. Hence, the variability in embryogenic capacity was examined in the present study at both the population and the single-seedling level, using seeds of spinach cultivar Matador obtained from nine European seed companies. Seed population obtained from Slovenia (Sl) was superior to others, with the highest regeneration frequency (100%) and the highest mean SE number (14.4). A total of 82% of these seedlings had 80–100% of regenerating explants, while in populations with intermediate embryogenic capacity approximately 40% of seedlings had 20–60% of regenerating explants. The explants from the majority of seedlings (52–100%) in the least responsive populations were irresponsive. Furthermore, the explants from Sl seedlings regenerated from 10–20 (43.5%) up to > 20 (27.6%) SEs on average, while the explants from the majority of seedlings belonging to other populations regenerated 1–10 SEs. The present study strongly indicates that the variability of plant material must not be overlooked, because choosing more responsive individuals for one treatment and less responsive ones for another may lead to misinterpretation of the data.

The aim of this research was to determine insect pests on vegetable crops in Smederevska Palanka area. By using standard methods, equipment and tools, insect pests that caused significant and less significant damages have been determined on vegetable crops: pepper, tomato, cucumber, melon, zucchini, cabbage, pea, bean, spinach and beet at the arable area at the Institute for Vegetable Crops. The most significant insect pests, causing the most damages were Frankliniella occidentalis and Tuta absoluta, and also several species of aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae, Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii, Aphis fabae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae), stink bugs (Nezara viridula, Eurydema spp.) and flea beetle (Phyllotreta spp.). These insects caused direct and indirect damages. The most significant damages have been noted in green houses due to favourable conditions for insect reproduction and sufficient food supplies.

In the process of cabbage breeding and seed production, one of the most important characteristics is the time of flowering. In order to investigate the influence of genotype, season and term of sowing on the flowering process, as well as the genetic control of this trait, an experiment was conducted with three genotypes of cabbage N, B and Scc of different geographical origin and different vegetation length, as well as three new F1 hybrids N x Scc , B x Scc and B x N obtained by hybridization between genotypes. The experiment was conducted during three temperature different seasons S1, S2 and S3 (average cold, cold and warm seasons), in three different sowing terms: August 15 (I), September 1 (II) and September 15 (III). During the winter period favorable for vernalization, two treatments with 300 ppm GA3 were performed. A statistically significant influence of all examined factors: genotype, year, sowing term and gibberellin GA3 treatment, on flowering time was determined. AMMI analysis determined the degree of adaptability of genotypes depending on the growing season, sowing terms and GA3 treatment for the trait time of flowering. The highest stability based on ASV values for flowering time was shown by hybrid BxN and its parental component genotypes B and N, while the hybrid Scc x B proved to be the most unstable in terms of flowering time. The pattern of relative expression of the most important flower repressor BoFLC2 gene showed a certain correlation with the flowering time of genotypes. The lowest quantitative expression of this gene was found in genotype B and it had the earliest flowering in all seasons, while genotype N had the highest relative expression of the BoFLC2 locus and the latest flowering.

Despite numerous positive effects on the environment, increased demands, intense research, and adequate public attention, crops grown according to the principles of organic production still occupy considerably small areas. It is difficult for certified producers to decide to expand the production of certified organic vegetables. One of the reasons is the insufficiently developed growing technology of different vegetable species in accordance with the law and regulations on organic production. Intercropping, growing of subsequent crops, and application of microbiological fertilizers are considered as the most useful techniques for yield increases in sustainable growing practices. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibilities for enhancing root yield of beetroot and radish, when grown as second crops in an organic double-cropping production system. The effects of intercropping and applying microbial fertilizers on the vegetable root weights were assessed. Intercropping was with green beans, implemented by replacement series method. Two microbial fertilizers were applied, one containing selected strains of Bacillus megatherium, B. licheniformis, B. suptilis, Azotobacter chrocoocum, A. vinelandi and Derxia sp. (M1), and other with Bacillus subtilis, Azotobacter sp., Penicillium oxalicum and Fusarium sp. (M2). Intercropping and microbial fertilizers contributed to the root weight increase. The highest root weights were noted for the intercropped plants treated with M1 (beetroot, 151.8 g) and M2 (radish, 351.0 g), which was 23.5% and 15.5% higher than in the sole crop unfertilized control. The results imply combining intercropping and the appropriate microbial fertilizers as an effective strategy for increasing yields of organically grown beetroot and radish.

Cauliflower is exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses, including increased salinity due to the intensive irrigation of crops. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are universal signal transduction modules that play important roles in regulating innate immune responses in plants. Based on involvement of tobacco MAP kinase kinase kinase (NPK1) in stress response, the effect of the expression of NPK1 transgene to NaCl salt stress tolerance in cauliflower KFRM4 lines was studied. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol, using EHA101(pSHX004) vector harbouring the NPK1 and phosphinothricin N-acetyltransferase (bar) genes, the cyclic somatic embryogenesis regeneration pathway, the application of acetosyringone (AS) during co-cultivation and a delayed phosphinothricine (PPT) selection procedure provided sufficient transformation efficiency of 7.33% without escapes. PCR analysis indicated the integration of both NPK1 and bar transgenes in regenerated cauliflower lines. Transgenic cauliflower lines, exposed to NaCl stress in vitro, showed higher growth rates, greater ability to retain chlorophyll and carotenoids, and increased osmotic regulation capacity compared with non-transformed control plants. The tolerance level of transformed lines correlated with the level of NPK1 gene expression estimated by RT-qPCR, and the L2 line with the highest NPK1 expression displayed the greatest tolerance to NaCl stress. None of the obtained cauliflower transformed lines grown in greenhouses showed any morphological or yield differences compared with non-transformed plants. Furthermore, the expression of the bar gene facilitated the tolerance of transformed lines to the total herbicide PPT, applied at concentrations 2–3 times higher than those routinely used for weed control in the crop field. The results underlined that constitutively expressing NPK1 can significantly contribute to enhanced salt stresstolerance in cauliflower, suggesting that this could be a promising basis for the creation of new stress tolerancecruciferous vegetable lines.

The development of weeds and soil pathogens in greenhouse significantly reduces the yield of cultivated crops. Suppression of soil pathogens using conventional methods (chemicals) leads to contamination of both soil and water. An alternative method is a solarization - biological soil disinfection using high temperatures under the influence of solar energy. The influence of solarization on the development of weeds, as well as diseases in three vegetable species: tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, was examined in the greenhouses of the Institute for Vegetable Crops. The effect of solarization on the yield of these crops was also examined. The experiment was carried out in 2 greenhouses. Solarization was carried out in one greenhouse for 8 weeks. In the second greenhouse, the process of solarization was not carried out and it served as a control to evaluate the effects of solarization. The irrigation, as well as the basic and supplementary nutrition of the plants, was done in the same way in both greenhouses. The results showed significantly less weed development after solarization, symptoms of the disease were less frequent and milder in plants grown in a solarized greenhouse. The yield of all three species was significantly higher in the greenhouse where the solarization was carried out. The yield of peppers was 9.94% higher, tomatoes 4.37% and cucumbers 38.46% higher than the yields in control, greenhouses. The application of this method of soil disinfection in a greenhouse is significant for producers, breeders, and seed producers. The use of chemicals for soil disinfection and plant protection is decreasing, which is in line with the principles of organic production, which is becoming more and more prevalent in our areas.

One of the main tasks for every certified organic vegetable producer is to grow healthy and well-developed transplants. The aim of this study was to examine different substrates designed for the production of organic tomato transplants. On the basis of preliminary experiments, seven substrates consisting of different parts of natural peat, vermicompost, shrub and tree leaves compost and zeolites were compared with standard commercial substrates using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) transplants grown in pots. The data concerning plant height, number of leaves, fresh plant mass, appearance of flower buds were collected. The differences in the examined traits were not significant for the majority of substrates. The zeolite-based substrate with high peat and vermicompost content achieved the best results and its production for the market should be considered. Three zeolite-based substrates with high rates of vermicompost and compost should be used as a model for tomato transplants substrate preparation.

with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Slovene Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) have the honor to welcome all engaged in research, development, producers, teaching, extension and public services, suppliers of horticulture materials, cooperatives, private sector and stakeholders related to vegetable and potatoes production to attend the 7th South

This study was undertaken to investigate the possibilities for breeding drought tolerant tomatoes of different growth type and fruit size. The effects of drought were analyzed and the relationships among the observed traits at optimal irrigation and drought were interpreted using biplot analysis. Greenhouse pot experiment included 40 tomato accessions grown under optimal irrigation and drought (volumetric soil water content 35.0% and 20.9%), designed in complete randomized blocks. Observations were made at the intensive vegetative growth phase. The selection criterion for drought tolerance was plant dry weight. The accessions differed in: the whole plant, shoot and root dry weight, root proportion in plant dry weight (RP), plant height, number of leaves below the first flower branches (NL), number of lateral branches, and the first and second order lateral branches length. Drought resulted in significant decline, with the exceptions of the increased RP and NL. Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes were not significantly different in drought tolerance, implying that both types may be bred for tolerance to the stress; however, the accessions of larger fruit size had comparatively higher water requirements. Results of the biplot analysis indicated that drought tolerance in tomato does not necessarily have to be associated with robust root system and therefore the indirect selection strategy may rely on shoot traits.