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Anthocyanins, soluble sugars, and organic acids play a vital role in the color and flavor of grape berries. N and KH2PO4 are essential nutrients for grape growth and development. However, the research on the effects of foliar spraying of KH2PO4 on the skin color and flavor of grapes under different N levels were not systematic. In this study, "Flame seedless" grapes were used as the test material. There were six treatments in this experiment, including low nitrogen (LN), low nitrogen + KH2PO4 (LNK), moderate nitrogen (MN), moderate nitrogen + KH2PO4 (MNK), high nitrogen (HN), and high nitrogen + KH2PO4 (HNK). Foliar spraying of KH2PO4 on grapes significantly increased total K, anthocyanin contents, and the color index of red grapes (CIRG) in LN, MN, and HN. In the N and KH2PO4 treatments, foliar spraying of KH2PO4 significantly increased the content of methylated, acetylated, and coumarylated anthocyanins under MN treatment. The glucose and fructose contents of MNK were the highest compared to other treatments. The sole use of N showed the highest glucose and fructose contents with MN application. Anthocyanin had a significant positive correlation with soluble sugars; and showed a significant negative correlation with organic acids. Overall, foliar spraying of 0.5% KH2PO4 improved the color and flavor of "Flame seedless" grapes under all N levels, with the most significant effect at MN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the results of a 3-year field trial aimed at assessing the yield and quality of raw material for ensiling in the cultivation of three maize varieties differing in their agronomic and genetic profile, conditioned by the selection of nitrogen fertilizer. Maize cultivar ES Metronom showed a significant advantage over other cultivars when fertilized with UltraGrain stabile, or alternatively Super N-46. The application of nitrogen-stabilized fertilizers or urea + N-Lock significantly increased the yield of maize green fodder for ensiling. The "stay-green" maize cultivars were characterized by a higher content of non-structural carbohydrates, including starch and water-soluble sugars, and a lower content of structural carbohydrates, compared to the conventional cultivar, which increased their suitability for ensiling. The negative effect of maize fertilization with ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate + N-Lock on the chemical composition of green fodder was demonstrated by a reduced starch content and increased structural carbohydrate contents, including crude fiber and NDF. In turn, the positive effect of maize fertilization with urea and urea + N-Lock on the chemical composition of maize fodder was shown by increased starch content and reduced structural carbohydrate contents, including crude fiber and its NDF and ADF fractions. The analysis of the number and weight of leaves may indicate a highly effective utilization of nitrogen ("stay-green" maize hybrids), leading to the faster formation of leaves with a larger assimilation surface, which is the basis for the efficient absorption of solar radiation. The results obtained clearly show that only the correct choice of maize variety for silage cultivation, combined with nitrogen fertilizer guaranteeing access to N during the growing season, can guarantee a high yield for ensiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Crop-forcing" is an effective technique to delay grape maturation to a period of lower temperatures, and in this way, improve grape quality. Because of the aggressiveness of this technique (removal of leaves and fruit to reinitiate a second vegetative cycle), it may affect the level of reserves and could provoke progressive vine exhaustion. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the short- and medium-term evolution of carbohydrate reserves in different plant organs and the effect of "crop-forcing" under different irrigation regimes on seasonal biomass production and its distribution. The study was carried out over a four years period (2017–2020), applying "crop-forcing" in three consecutive years (2017–2019) to the same vines on two different dates and using two irrigation strategies. The application of "crop-forcing" did not decrease root reserve levels in either the year of application or the following year, but did modify starch and soluble sugar levels in shoots and leaves in some moments of the vegetative cycle during the years of "crop-forcing" application. Total biomass production in terms of grams per vine was lower in the "crop-forcing" treatments and continued to be so when "crop-forcing" was no longer applied. The percentage of biomass in vegetative organs increased at the expense of productive organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffea arabica L. is as a tropical crop that can be grown under monocrop or agroforestry (AFS) systems, usually at altitudes greater than 600 m, with suitable environmental conditions to bean quality. This study aimed to assess the effect of altitude (650, 825, and 935 m) and light conditions (deep shade—DS, and moderate shade—MS provided by native trees, and full Sun—FS) on the physical and chemical attributes of green coffee beans produced in the Gorongosa Mountain. Regardless of altitude, light conditions (mainly MS and FS) scarcely affected most of the studied physical and chemical attributes. Among the few exceptions in physical attributes, bean mass tended to lower values under FS in all three altitudes, whereas bean density increased under FS at 650 m. As regards the chemical compound contents, sporadic changes were found. The rises in trigonelline (MS and FS at 935 m), soluble sugars (FS at 935 m), and the decline in p-coumaric acid (MS and FS at 825 m), may indicate an improved sensory profile, but the rise in FQAs (FS at 825 m) could have a negative impact. These results highlight a relevant uncertainty of the quality changes of the obtained bean. Altitude (from 650 to 935 m) extended the fruit maturation period by four weeks, and altered a larger number of bean attributes. Among physical traits, the average sieve (consistent tendency), bean commercial homogeneity, mass, and density increased at 935 m, whereas the bean became less yellowish and brighter at 825 and 935 m (b*, C* colour attributes), pointing to good bean trade quality, usually as compared with beans from 650 m. Furthermore, at 935 m trigonelline and 5-CQA (MS and FS) increased, whereas FQAs and diCQAs isomers declined (in all light conditions). Altogether, these changes likely contributed to improve the sensory cup quality. Caffeine and p-coumaric acid showed mostly inconsistent variations. Overall, light conditions (FS, MS, or DS) did not greatly and consistently altered bean physical and chemical attributes, whereas altitude (likely associated with lower temperature, greater water availability (rainfall/fog), and extended maturation period) was a major driver for bean changes and improved quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable product quality is an important consideration for consumers. Long-term root cooling could improve certain food quality of horticultural crops, but often comes at the expense of reduced shoot biomass or yield. Since few studies have investigated how fast Chinese broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey) responds to changes of root temperature, we shortened the duration of the root cooling treatment to one week before harvest to make the production system more effective. The aim of this study was to improve the food quality of Chinese broccoli without causing deleterious effects on plant growth and yield. The seedlings were cultivated hydroponically at two root temperatures (10 and 20 °C) during the last week prior to harvest in summer 2018 (Exp-1) and autumn 2019 (Exp-2). Plant growth, yield, physiological variables, soluble sugars, total chlorophyll, glucosinolates and mineral elements concentration were examined. The results showed that the yield reduction was alleviated compared to results over the long-term. Specifically, yield was not affected by root cooling in Exp-1 and reduced by 18.9% in Exp-2 compared to 20 °C. Glucose and fructose concentrations of the leaves were increased when the root temperature was 10 °C in both experiments with a more pronounced impact in Exp-2. In addition, root cooling produced a significant accumulation of individual glucosinolates, such as progoitrin, gluconapin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, in the stems of Exp-1 and the leaves of Exp-2. Minerals, such as N, showed reductions in the shoot, but accumulation in the root. Therefore, compared to long-term root cooling, short-term (one week) reduction of the root temperature is more economical and could help improve certain quality characteristics of Chinese broccoli with less or even no yield reduction.

Lead (Pb) is one of the major environmental heavy metal pollutants, known as being neither essential nor beneficial for any living organisms, and which is detrimental to plant fitness, growth, and productivity, as well as human health. This study investigated the changes in the morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties of rice cultivars exposed to lead (Pb). Therefore, soil was contaminated with a solution containing 0.6 mM or 1.2 mM Pb four weeks prior to transplanting. Then, 4-week-old rice seedlings of Tunnae, Ilmi, Yasmen, Mashkab, and Amber Barka were transplanted into the contaminated soil and grown until maturity. The results showed that a high concentration of lead (1.2 mM) induced significant reduction in the plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles per plant, and the number of spikelets per panicle in Pb-sensitive rice cultivars, while in Pb-tolerant cultivars, a balanced growth of plants and non-significant change in the major yield components were recorded. However, all rice cultivars showed a reduced biomass dry weight. Under the same conditions, we observed a differential enzymatic antioxidant activity, with catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) being the most active. In addition, the proline accumulation and sucrose content increased concomitant with an increase in the Pb concentration, while the total protein and chlorophyll contents significantly decreased. Of all the soluble sugars analyzed, sucrose was the most abundant in response to Pb treatment. Interestingly, the rice cultivars Tunnae and Mashkab exhibited a high degree of tolerance towards Pb stress, with a balanced plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles, and number of spikelets per plant. Therefore, all results collectively suggest that the tolerance to Pb-induced oxidative stress observed in Tunnae and Mashkab could be a result of a synergetic action of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, leading to a balanced reduction–oxidation status in rice.

In this study, we sought to evaluate and compare the effects of constant and dynamic lighting on red and green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Red Cos and Lobjoits Green cos) cultivated in a controlled environment. Plants were illuminated with the combination of red 662 and 638 nm, blue 452 nm, and far-red 737 nm at 16 h photoperiod and constant daily light integral (DLI) of each component. Five constant or dynamic lighting treatments were performed: (BR) constant flux of both B452 and R662; (B*R) constant flux of R662, but the DLI of B452 condensed in 8 h in the middle of photoperiod doubling the PPFD of blue light; (BR*) constant flux of B452, but the DLI of R662 light condensed in the middle of photoperiod; (BdynR) constant flux of R662, but the flux of B452 varies in the sinusoidal profile during 16 h photoperiod, imitating diurnal increase and decrease in lighting intensity; and (BRdyn) constant flux of B452, but the flux of R662 varies in sinusoidal profile. The lettuce’s response to dynamic lighting strategies was cultivar specific. Dynamic lighting strategies, mimicking natural lighting fluctuations, did not have a remarkable effect on photosynthesis and antioxidative parameters, but the dynamic flux of blue light component had a pronounced effect on higher macro and microelement contents in lettuce leaves.

Plant-beneficial microorganisms are determinants of plant health and productivity. However, the effects associated with secondary plant metabolism and interactions in the rhizosphere for Cancer bush Lessertia frutescens (L.) is unclear. The study was conducted to understand the mechanism of rhizobium inoculation for L. frutescens, variations in phytochemicals, soluble sugars, and soil–plant interactions in the rhizosphere. Four rhizobium inoculation levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 g) were evaluated under the field conditions to establish the antioxidant properties, soluble sugars, and rhizosphere soil microbial diversity at 150, 240, and 330 days after planting (d.a.p). Although inoculation did not significantly affect plant biomass and N2 fixation of L. frutescens, total phenolics and flavonoids were enhanced with the application of 200 g at 240 days after planting. The antioxidant values analyzed through FRAP (Ferric reducing power assay) were highest with 100 g inoculation at 240 days after planting. Water-soluble sugars such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose increased with the application of 400, 200, and 100 g rhizobium inoculation. The rhizosphere′s carbon source utilization profiles (CSUP) did not vary significantly, depicting the weaker ability in converting C, P, and N profiles. The lowest ß glucosidase activity was observed in the bulk soil with the lowest alkaline and acid phosphatase activities. Soil microbial populations present in the bulk sample demonstrated the smallest overall enzyme activities. The variation of different variables studied indicate the potential of rhizobium inoculation. However, further studies are required to ascertain the inoculation′s effectiveness for plant growth and rhizosphere microbial populations of L. frutescens.

In broccoli production a big challenge is preparation of seedlings, which must be delivered during a strictly defined period to vegetable producers that are often in distant places. The goal of the present study was to investigate the response of 5-week old broccoli transplants cv. Parthenon F1 to 2 and 6 weeks of storage at 4 °C under two LED light spectra (L1: 29% red 660 nm + 14% red 630 nm + 42% blue 250 nm + 15% green 520 nm and L2: 38% red 660 nm + 18% red 630 nm +26% blue 450 nm + 15% green 520 nm + 3% UV-A 330 nm; photoperiod 16/8 h day/night and PPFD 30 ± 10 µmol m−2 s−1) and darkness. Control 5-week-old seedlings were not stored. Light treatment improved the morphology and physiological parameters of seedlings. The yield of broccoli from control seedlings was similar to that obtained after L2 treatment, regardless of seedling storage duration. The most promising effects were obtained by adding 3% UV-A radiation to the lighting spectrum. The results are applicable to the transport of broccoli transplants to remote locations or storage for several weeks, in cases where it is necessary to delay planting.

The aim of the research was to assess the content of protein and soluble sugars and the yield of Festulolium braunii treated with different fertilizers. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. When the grass was fully developed (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times a year. Mineral nitrogen fertilizer in combination with Tytanit increased the yield and the concentration of proteinin the plants. Each year the highest yield was recorded on plots treated with mineral nitrogen at a dose of 160 kg ha−1 in combination with the foliar application of Tytanit at a concentration of 1%. In the 1st and 2nd years of the research, Festulolium braunii treated with one dose of Tytanit at a concentration of 1% contained more soluble sugars than plants from plots treated with nitrogen.

Root temperature has long been considered an essential environmental factor influencing the plant’s physiology. However, little is known about the effect of root temperature on the quality of the food produced by the plant, especially that of horticultural crops. To fill this gap, two independent root cooling experiments (15 °C vs. 20 °C and 10 °C vs. 20 °C) were conducted in autumn 2017 and spring 2018 in hydroponics with Chinese broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey) under greenhouse conditions. The aim was to investigate the effect of root temperature on plant growth (biomass, height, yield) and food quality (soluble sugars, total chlorophyll, starch, minerals, glucosinolates). A negative impact on shoot growth parameters (yield, shoot biomass) was detected by lowering the root temperature to 10 °C. Chinese broccoli showed no response to 15 °C root temperature, except for an increase in root biomass. Low root temperature was in general associated with a higher concentration of soluble sugars and total chlorophyll, but lower mineral levels in stems and leaves. Ten individual glucosinolates were identified in the stems and leaves, including six aliphatic and four indolic glucosinolates. Increased levels of neoglucobrassicin in leaves tracked root cooling more closely in both experiments. Reduction of root temperature by cooling could be a potential method to improve certain quality characters of Chinese broccoli, including sugar and glucosinolate levels, although at the expense of shoot biomass.

The exploitation of genetic diversity within agricultural plants, including grapevine, is suggested as a valuable tool to cope with the negative impacts of climate change on yield and crop quality. In some winegrowing regions of Europe, there is a renewed interest in knowing the grapevine genetic resources available, focusing on the prospection, recovery, and study of ancient cultivars typical of every zone. Grapevines are naturally associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which provide some benefits to the host plant, although such effects depending on many factors, including variety. Therefore, the aim of this research was to characterize the potential fruit quality of eight old grapevine varieties recovered in Navarre (northeastern of the Iberian Peninsula), associated or not with AMF. The study was carried out on fruit-bearing cuttings grown under controlled conditions (greenhouse). Overall, AMF inoculation reduced bunch and berry mass, as well as phenolic content in fruits. In some varieties, AMF association improved some berry traits by increasing the concentrations of soluble solids and anthocyanins; in others, berry colour, total phenolic and anthocyanin content were diminished in AMF-inoculated plants. The results, therefore, suggest that intraspecific diversity of old grapevines could include different abilities to respond to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.

Vegetable product quality is an important consideration for consumers. Long-term root cooling could improve certain food quality of horticultural crops, but often comes at the expense of reduced shoot biomass or yield. Since few studies have investigated how fast Chinese broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey) responds to changes of root temperature, we shortened the duration of the root cooling treatment to one week before harvest to make the production system more effective. The aim of this study was to improve the food quality of Chinese broccoli without causing deleterious effects on plant growth and yield. The seedlings were cultivated hydroponically at two root temperatures (10 and 20 °C) during the last week prior to harvest in summer 2018 (Exp-1) and autumn 2019 (Exp-2). Plant growth, yield, physiological variables, soluble sugars, total chlorophyll, glucosinolates and mineral elements concentration were examined. The results showed that the yield reduction was alleviated compared to results over the long-term. Specifically, yield was not affected by root cooling in Exp-1 and reduced by 18.9% in Exp-2 compared to 20 °C. Glucose and fructose concentrations of the leaves were increased when the root temperature was 10 °C in both experiments with a more pronounced impact in Exp-2. In addition, root cooling produced a significant accumulation of individual glucosinolates, such as progoitrin, gluconapin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, in the stems of Exp-1 and the leaves of Exp-2. Minerals, such as N, showed reductions in the shoot, but accumulation in the root. Therefore, compared to long-term root cooling, short-term (one week) reduction of the root temperature is more economical and could help improve certain quality characteristics of Chinese broccoli with less or even no yield reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is one of the major environmental heavy metal pollutants, known as being neither essential nor beneficial for any living organisms, and which is detrimental to plant fitness, growth, and productivity, as well as human health. This study investigated the changes in the morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties of rice cultivars exposed to lead (Pb). Therefore, soil was contaminated with a solution containing 0.6 mM or 1.2 mM Pb four weeks prior to transplanting. Then, 4-week-old rice seedlings of Tunnae, Ilmi, Yasmen, Mashkab, and Amber Barka were transplanted into the contaminated soil and grown until maturity. The results showed that a high concentration of lead (1.2 mM) induced significant reduction in the plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles per plant, and the number of spikelets per panicle in Pb-sensitive rice cultivars, while in Pb-tolerant cultivars, a balanced growth of plants and non-significant change in the major yield components were recorded. However, all rice cultivars showed a reduced biomass dry weight. Under the same conditions, we observed a differential enzymatic antioxidant activity, with catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) being the most active. In addition, the proline accumulation and sucrose content increased concomitant with an increase in the Pb concentration, while the total protein and chlorophyll contents significantly decreased. Of all the soluble sugars analyzed, sucrose was the most abundant in response to Pb treatment. Interestingly, the rice cultivars Tunnae and Mashkab exhibited a high degree of tolerance towards Pb stress, with a balanced plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles, and number of spikelets per plant. Therefore, all results collectively suggest that the tolerance to Pb-induced oxidative stress observed in Tunnae and Mashkab could be a result of a synergetic action of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, leading to a balanced reduction–oxidation status in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Girdling, based on the accumulation of photosynthetic products above the girdling zone, is a common technique applied to tree species to increase the yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the girdling effects on photosynthesis and soluble sugars (Sols) of leaves in fruiting shoots and, for the first time, on quality variables of 'Franquette' walnuts harvested at two harvests, early and late, 43 and 84 d after treatment, respectively. Girdling was conducted on a part of four-year old branches at the onset of kernel growth. At late harvest, coinciding with commercial harvest, girdling advanced the mature fruit percentage, kernel weight, and oil content, whereas decreased kernel moisture and slightly affected the color brightness, although kernels remained with an extra light color. Advanced maturation increased linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) fraction in oil, whereas it decreased palmitic acid and the saturated fatty acid (SFA) fraction in oil, kernel total antioxidants, and Sols (sucrose, glucose, fructose) in kernels and leaves and leaf photosynthesis (Pn), whereas girdling had no effect on these variables. Oil rancidity remained stable throughout the experiment. Development of callus was observed on tree wounds 84 d after treatment. Conclusively, girdling enhanced the fruit maturation, resulting in higher uniformity of maturity and increased oil yield with no quality deterioration or apparent tree damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we sought to evaluate and compare the effects of constant and dynamic lighting on red and green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Red Cos and Lobjoits Green cos) cultivated in a controlled environment. Plants were illuminated with the combination of red 662 and 638 nm, blue 452 nm, and far-red 737 nm at 16 h photoperiod and constant daily light integral (DLI) of each component. Five constant or dynamic lighting treatments were performed: (BR) constant flux of both B452 and R662; (B*R) constant flux of R662, but the DLI of B452 condensed in 8 h in the middle of photoperiod doubling the PPFD of blue light; (BR*) constant flux of B452, but the DLI of R662 light condensed in the middle of photoperiod; (BdynR) constant flux of R662, but the flux of B452 varies in the sinusoidal profile during 16 h photoperiod, imitating diurnal increase and decrease in lighting intensity; and (BRdyn) constant flux of B452, but the flux of R662 varies in sinusoidal profile. The lettuce's response to dynamic lighting strategies was cultivar specific. Dynamic lighting strategies, mimicking natural lighting fluctuations, did not have a remarkable effect on photosynthesis and antioxidative parameters, but the dynamic flux of blue light component had a pronounced effect on higher macro and microelement contents in lettuce leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-beneficial microorganisms are determinants of plant health and productivity. However, the effects associated with secondary plant metabolism and interactions in the rhizosphere for Cancer bush Lessertia frutescens (L.) is unclear. The study was conducted to understand the mechanism of rhizobium inoculation for L. frutescens, variations in phytochemicals, soluble sugars, and soil–plant interactions in the rhizosphere. Four rhizobium inoculation levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 g) were evaluated under the field conditions to establish the antioxidant properties, soluble sugars, and rhizosphere soil microbial diversity at 150, 240, and 330 days after planting (d.a.p). Although inoculation did not significantly affect plant biomass and N2 fixation of L. frutescens, total phenolics and flavonoids were enhanced with the application of 200 g at 240 days after planting. The antioxidant values analyzed through FRAP (Ferric reducing power assay) were highest with 100 g inoculation at 240 days after planting. Water-soluble sugars such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose increased with the application of 400, 200, and 100 g rhizobium inoculation. The rhizosphere′s carbon source utilization profiles (CSUP) did not vary significantly, depicting the weaker ability in converting C, P, and N profiles. The lowest ß glucosidase activity was observed in the bulk soil with the lowest alkaline and acid phosphatase activities. Soil microbial populations present in the bulk sample demonstrated the smallest overall enzyme activities. The variation of different variables studied indicate the potential of rhizobium inoculation. However, further studies are required to ascertain the inoculation′s effectiveness for plant growth and rhizosphere microbial populations of L. frutescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In broccoli production a big challenge is preparation of seedlings, which must be delivered during a strictly defined period to vegetable producers that are often in distant places. The goal of the present study was to investigate the response of 5-week old broccoli transplants cv. Parthenon F1 to 2 and 6 weeks of storage at 4 °C under two LED light spectra (L1: 29% red 660 nm + 14% red 630 nm + 42% blue 250 nm + 15% green 520 nm and L2: 38% red 660 nm + 18% red 630 nm +26% blue 450 nm + 15% green 520 nm + 3% UV-A 330 nm; photoperiod 16/8 h day/night and PPFD 30 ± 10 µmol m−2 s−1) and darkness. Control 5-week-old seedlings were not stored. Light treatment improved the morphology and physiological parameters of seedlings. The yield of broccoli from control seedlings was similar to that obtained after L2 treatment, regardless of seedling storage duration. The most promising effects were obtained by adding 3% UV-A radiation to the lighting spectrum. The results are applicable to the transport of broccoli transplants to remote locations or storage for several weeks, in cases where it is necessary to delay planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to assess the content of protein and soluble sugars and the yield of Festulolium braunii treated with different fertilizers. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. When the grass was fully developed (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times a year. Mineral nitrogen fertilizer in combination with Tytanit increased the yield and the concentration of proteinin the plants. Each year the highest yield was recorded on plots treated with mineral nitrogen at a dose of 160 kg ha−1 in combination with the foliar application of Tytanit at a concentration of 1%. In the 1st and 2nd years of the research, Festulolium braunii treated with one dose of Tytanit at a concentration of 1% contained more soluble sugars than plants from plots treated with nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root temperature has long been considered an essential environmental factor influencing the plant's physiology. However, little is known about the effect of root temperature on the quality of the food produced by the plant, especially that of horticultural crops. To fill this gap, two independent root cooling experiments (15 °C vs. 20 °C and 10 °C vs. 20 °C) were conducted in autumn 2017 and spring 2018 in hydroponics with Chinese broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey) under greenhouse conditions. The aim was to investigate the effect of root temperature on plant growth (biomass, height, yield) and food quality (soluble sugars, total chlorophyll, starch, minerals, glucosinolates). A negative impact on shoot growth parameters (yield, shoot biomass) was detected by lowering the root temperature to 10 °C. Chinese broccoli showed no response to 15 °C root temperature, except for an increase in root biomass. Low root temperature was in general associated with a higher concentration of soluble sugars and total chlorophyll, but lower mineral levels in stems and leaves. Ten individual glucosinolates were identified in the stems and leaves, including six aliphatic and four indolic glucosinolates. Increased levels of neoglucobrassicin in leaves tracked root cooling more closely in both experiments. Reduction of root temperature by cooling could be a potential method to improve certain quality characters of Chinese broccoli, including sugar and glucosinolate levels, although at the expense of shoot biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of genetic diversity within agricultural plants, including grapevine, is suggested as a valuable tool to cope with the negative impacts of climate change on yield and crop quality. In some winegrowing regions of Europe, there is a renewed interest in knowing the grapevine genetic resources available, focusing on the prospection, recovery, and study of ancient cultivars typical of every zone. Grapevines are naturally associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which provide some benefits to the host plant, although such effects depending on many factors, including variety. Therefore, the aim of this research was to characterize the potential fruit quality of eight old grapevine varieties recovered in Navarre (northeastern of the Iberian Peninsula), associated or not with AMF. The study was carried out on fruit-bearing cuttings grown under controlled conditions (greenhouse). Overall, AMF inoculation reduced bunch and berry mass, as well as phenolic content in fruits. In some varieties, AMF association improved some berry traits by increasing the concentrations of soluble solids and anthocyanins; in others, berry colour, total phenolic and anthocyanin content were diminished in AMF-inoculated plants. The results, therefore, suggest that intraspecific diversity of old grapevines could include different abilities to respond to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]